The Hidden Costs of Moving Yourself

The thought of do-it-yourself moving can be appealing. You imagine the excitement of boxing everything up, the pizza you’ll share with your helpers and all the money you’ll save. However, before you grab the tape, beware of the hidden costs of DIY moves. The true cost, from backaches to potential broken treasures, can outweigh the savings. 

Exploring all possible expenses can help you decide whether a self-move is the right option. Let’s uncover the hidden costs of moving yourself. 

Is It Expensive to Move Yourself?

The costs of DIY moves range from the concrete expense of renting a truck to the abstract costs of time and effort. 

1. Truck Rental

Here’s what you need to budget for when renting a moving truck:

• Daily or weekly rate: Vehicle rental companies typically charge a daily fee. 
• Local vs. long-distance: Most companies have a per-mile charge, which adds up over long distances. Moving across town costs less than driving cross-country. 
• Truck size: The bigger the truck, the greater the cost. A cargo van is a cost-effective option for a small move, but expect to pay more for anything bigger.
• Moving date: Rental prices change depending on the season or day of the week. You might pay more during peak seasons or on weekends. 
• Insurance: While not required, many companies recommend purchasing insurance when renting a moving vehicle. 
• Fuel: Large trucks have big appetites and can consume a lot of gas. Budget for fuel based on the truck size, travel distance and current gas prices. 
• Special equipment: Extra equipment rentals may include dollies or furniture pads.

2. Packing Materials

When you move, you need packing materials. At a minimum, you will need boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers. While you can source boxes from grocery stores, restaurants or supermarkets, the costs of other items can add up, particularly when you live in a large home or have delicate items that need more protection. On the upside, popping the bubble wrap may be a handy stress reliever!

Calculating how many boxes you need can feel like an unsolvable math equation. It can depend on the square footage of your home, how many bedrooms you have and the sheer number of items you own. An online moving box calculator can be useful. Professional moving companies can also provide packing materials to lighten your load.

3. Time and Effort

As the saying goes, time is money. If you had a dollar for every second it takes to coordinate a move, you would be a billionaire. Consider these time and effort costs:

• Planning and organizing: Expect to spend weeks or months planning, organizing and scheduling.
• Packing and unpacking: Depending on the size of your new and old home, packing can take days to weeks. Roping in friends and family can speed up the process.
• Loading and unloading: Fitting and offloading items on the truck is time-consuming. Multiple trips due to a small vehicle or many items can add extra time.
• Time off work: Taking leave for lengthy moves can lead to lost productivity and valuable leave days. 
• Unexpected issues: Sometimes, even the most well-planned move encounters hiccups. Hitting a roadblock can lead to delays. 
• Driving and layovers: The time spent on the road depends on how far you move and whether you stop overnight. You might spend hours or even days getting to your destination.

4. Potential Damage

Packing a moving truck is like playing Tetris. A sharp turn in transit could jumble your belongings, resulting in damage or breaks. So, when you DIY it, you risk damaging your property, your possessions and yourself. For example, with improper packing, your fragile items are one bump away from potential breakage. Additionally, moving heavy furniture can scratch floors and chip walls, which you will likely end up paying for. Plus, if you use improper lifting techniques, you might drop your beloved couch. 

5. Health Hazards

Moving furniture and boxes can impact your health, too. If you’re not careful, you or your moving buddies may experience one of the following injuries:

• Improper lifting techniques can cause strains, sprains, hernias or fractures.
• Muscle fatigue from overexertion increases the risk of accidents. 
• Repetitive bending and lifting can damage joints and muscles.

The chaos of packing, organizing and coordinating also affects your mental health. Poor planning can exacerbate this, resulting in rushed decisions that jeopardize your safety or the safety of your belongings. You might also not be sleeping enough in the lead-up to the big day. While totally understandable, lack of sleep can increase your risk of injury. Medical bills are an unwelcome addition to the cost of moving!

6. Unexpected Expenses

Among the hidden costs of DIY moving are those that jump out when you least expect them. Expenses range from road snacks to hotel stays for long-distance moves. Budgeting for self-relocation means including every conceivable expense. 

What Are the Advantages of Hiring Moving Professionals?

Moving companies have the expertise to transform your move into a stress-free experience. Some of the benefits of hiring professionals include:

• Efficiency and speed: What may take you days or weeks, movers can do in hours. They have the skills to pack, lift, load and unload for a quicker move that saves you time and energy. 
• Industry experience: Professionals can handle any situation. They can pack fragile items, navigate tight spots and maneuver furniture with ease.
• Reduced injury risk: With movers doing the heavy lifting, you avoid the risk of injury.
• Customization options: Moving companies offer services including packing, disassembling furniture, loading and transport. You choose the services you need, and they will tailor your plan. 
• Robus equipment and resources: Professional movers handle all equipment, materials and truck arrangements.
• Added protection: Full-service movers protect your belongings. Reliable companies also offer coverage for damage or loss, ensuring your peace of mind.
• Reduced stress: Knowing your move is in professional hands takes the burden off your shoulders. You can then focus on other move-related tasks.

Why Do It Yourself When Corrigan Moving Systems Can Do It for You?

DIY moving can seem like an adventure and a great way to save money, but the reality is often different. Doing everything yourself can take a toll on your body, mind and wallet. Corrigan Moving Systems believes moving to a new home should be an exhilarating, stress-free experience. That’s why we’ve been perfecting our craft since 1929. Our residential moving services include packing, loading, transport and unpacking. We personalize your moving plan to include only the services you need. 

Are you relocating across town, the country or the globe? Trust Corrigan Moving Systems to deliver your belongings in their original condition. Let us be a part of your fresh start. Call us at 1-800-267-7442 or request a free virtual or in-home consultation today!