Packing Yourself vs. Hiring Professional Packers: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Packing is by far the most stressful part of moving. While the process seems relatively straightforward, it’s actually more strenuous, difficult, and time-consuming than people realize. Sorting, moving, and boxing items is not only tiring, depending on the size of your home, it could take several days, perhaps even several weeks! Plus, there’s the worry that your belongings might break along the way. Given this, it’s no surprise that homeowners often hire professionals instead of tackling the project themselves. But while full-service moving teams are a convenient solution, they may not be the right choice for everyone. To help you make the best decision, in this blog we’ll examine the benefits of packing yourself vs. hiring professional packers, as well as the costs associated with each.

Pros and Cons of Packing Yourself

Homeowners who prefer the do-it-yourself approach are responsible for their belongings at every stage of their journey. The process is simple: create a plan, gather supplies, and work your way through your house room by room, boxing everything as you go. There are several benefits to this approach.

Cost Savings. Packing yourself is undoubtedly cheaper than hiring a professional crew. Homeowners working on a tight budget will see significantly lower costs.
Control. Many homeowners are uneasy about entrusting their belongings to someone else. Packing on your own lets you oversee every aspect of the process, from the size of the box to the labels printed on the side.
Decluttering. All households accumulate unnecessary items: knick-knacks, extra cords, duplicate utensils, unmatched socks, old craft supplies, etc. Organizing your household gives you the perfect opportunity to go through your stuff and get rid of anything you don’t use anymore.

But while packing yourself offers several upsides, there are some downsides that come along with it as well. These include:

Time-Consuming. Preparing items for transport is a laborious process. Boxing up a four-bedroom house can take up to eight weeks! Personal and professional commitments complicate the process. To get everything ready on time, homeowners need to create a schedule with at least 2-3 hours set aside for packing each day.
Arduous. Placing items in boxes may not seem physically demanding, but doing it for a couple of hours can wear you out. Take breaks every 45-60 minutes and save particularly challenging rooms for the weekends, when you have more energy.
Lack of Protection. Safe packing involves more than putting items into boxes. Homeowners often aren’t aware of how to wrap and cushion items, leaving them vulnerable to any bumps, jolts, and shocks they might encounter along the way.

Pros and Cons of Professional Packers

Full-service movers make relocating a lot simpler. Besides loading, unloading, and transporting goods, they also coordinate logistics, disassemble furniture, and help with packing. Hiring professional packers:

Saves Time. Thanks to experience, training, and manpower, a professional packing team can box up a 4-bedroom home in 8-10 hours.
Minimizes Your Workload. Full-service movers handle all the heavy lifting. They even bring their own moving supplies, saving you the effort of purchasing them.
Protects Delicate Belongings. Professional movers understand safe packing techniques. They pack fragile objects separately from heavy ones, use padding to prevent items from shifting, choose the right size box for each item, and make sure every box is sufficiently cushioned.

Professional movers can also assist you with specialty items, such as pool tables and pinball machines, which are heavy, delicate, and difficult to maneuver. But while professional movers are a convenient option, there are a few considerations to take into account before hiring them.

Cost. Movers charge based on the size of your home, the type of items you own, and time spent on the job. The longer and more complex the move, the more you can expect to pay.
Scheduling. Depending on the time of year, booking a professional moving company may be a challenge. During summer, when demand for relocation services is high, you may have to work around the mover’s timetable instead of asking them to work around yours.
Less Control. Movers normally work closely with homeowners to ensure all your belongings are handled safely, according to your instructions. But homeowners can’t be everywhere and the size of the move often prevents you from supervising every part of the packing process.

When to Hire Professional Packers

Weighing the costs and benefits of professional movers isn’t always easy. You need to consider costs, time, and logistics. Homeowners that gain most from professional help:

Have Large Households. Packing up big homes with lots of rooms takes a long time. Complex moves generally require professional help in order to stay on schedule, while people living in studio or one-bedroom apartments can often manage on their own.
Own Fragile, Oversized, or Valuable Items. Artwork, antiques, sensitive electronics, large appliances, and unique objects like pianos normally require expert crating, preparation, and assistance. Attempting to move them on your own significantly increases the risk of damage.
Are Pressed for Time. Sometimes people need to move quickly, either due to a career change, family emergency, or expiring lease. Work and personal commitments might keep you too busy to pack on your own. In these cases, professional movers can help you stick to your timeline, no matter how big your household.

It’s important to remember that professional packers are not an all or nothing proposition. Movers tailor services to your needs, budget, and schedule. Homeowners often control costs by taking a hybrid approach ‒ asking movers to pack heavy, delicate, or difficult items while they handle the rest on their own. If you’re still uncertain, ask your mover for an on-site inspection. After examining your belongings first-hand, they’ll be able to give you an accurate estimate and timeframe, so you can decide whether their services are right for you.

Full-Service Packing Solutions From Allied Van Lines

Allied has been helping families and homeowners for almost a century. Our relocation teams understand safe packing techniques, so your delicate, sensitive, and valuable items are prepared for the journey ahead. We work quickly, saving time and effort, with high-quality moving supplies to ensure your items are protected against bumps, vibrations, and compression. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, we’re here for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free quote!