You’ve sold your house, found your dream property, and you’re ready to move. It’s an incredibly exciting time, but there’s one thing on your mind.
The removals process. You know how much stuff you’ve got to move; so much, in fact, that you can’t quite imagine how it can be transferred wholesale to your new property.
So, a removals company it is, then.
But what about the cost? What if you moved everything yourself instead? Maybe it isn’t quite as big a task as you think. After all, it’s an excuse to finally get rid of the belongings you no longer need, right?
Hiring a removals company is one of the best things you can do during a house move, but some people still opt to do it themselves. And if you’re currently trying to decide between the two options, here are a few things to bear in mind.
Moving yourself works best when there’s not much to move
That might sound obvious, but if you have a significant number of possessions and furniture that are worth a lot either in monetary or sentimental terms, it’s best to call in the professionals. People who move themselves usually have fewer items. They might be living on their own or simply live a lifestyle which hasn’t resulted in them accumulating much stuff. Similarly, if you’re currently in a rental situation and the property is furnished, you’ll probably have less to move, which makes the DIY option a distinct possibility.Moving yourself is cheaper
Removal companies are more cost effective than you might think, and the return you get in terms of a stress-free move and zero damage to your precious belongings is totally worthwhile. But there’s no escaping the fact that doing it yourself is cheaper. Your only costs will be your time and, potentially, vehicle hire. That’s it. However, it’s important not to underestimate just how much time is involved, from packing to dismantling, loading, unloading, reassembling, and positioning. It’s therefore important to think carefully about how much your time is worth and how that might be offset by employing a removals firm.You'll need the right vehicle
If you decide to move yourself, you’ll need the right vehicle. Unless you’ve got something large enough sitting on your drive, the number of trips you’ll need to make may become unmanageable in the time you have. Vehicle hire is thankfully pretty cost effective these days. Just remember to choose a vehicle that has tie rails, which will help you stack items for maximum loads and keep everything secure while on the move. Oh, and remember to grab lots of blankets to protect the most valuable items!Arguments
We can’t avoid this one. Moving home is stressful enough, and the added pressure of transferring your worldly belongings to the new property will only increase the chances of arguments between you all. If you’re moving with your partner and you know you work well together in stressful situations, you’ll probably be OK. But if your relationship hasn’t been tested in that way yet, a removals firm may be the best way to avoid any needless disagreements. One of the biggest pressures you’ll have on the day will be the time you have to complete the move based on the legal processes for the house sale. Do you really want to put your most important relationships under that kind of strain during what should be an exciting, memorable day?Injuries (to yourself and belongings)
One of the biggest risks when moving yourself is personal injury. Moving heavy and usually shaped items can result in some pretty nasty scrapes (or worse) unless you’re experienced and have the right tools. Removal firms invest time in manual handling courses because they know the vital role that skill plays when moving household items. The wrong body movement or shape when lifting something particularly heavy could leave you in pretty bad shape. It’s also scarily easy to damage your belongings if you don’t know what you’re doing. A removal firm will have the protective coverings and techniques required to move your possessions and expensive kit to the new home without a scratch. The biggest difference between a home removal service and the DIY approach is cost. But it’ll ultimately be your decision as to whether the benefits of spending a little less on the move will ultimately leave you with more stress and risk than necessary. If you decide to call in the professionals, remember to give the Squab team a call. We’ll answer any questions you may have about the removals process and provide a quote that fits perfectly into your budget.
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