U-Haul and Literally Haul It or Simply Spring For a Moving Team

This article is made for people who don’t know if to DIY their move or if they need to hire the pros. We break down the pros and cons of both so you can make an educated choice.

If you can do the work yourself of course you will save, but sometimes with insurance and rental costs getting a full-service move will be cheaper.

Choosing between renting a U-Haul and schlepping all your home goods yourself with friends and hiring professional movers and saying you do this for me depends on several factors. 

Your budget, the difficulty of the move, and your ability to ask for help will be the deciding factors. Here’s our comparison list of pros and cons to help you decide which option is best for your move:

Pros:

1. Cost-Saving: Renting a U-Haul or other moving truck will almost always be more affordable than hiring full-service movers, especially for local moves. Since you save the hours that it takes the moving team that is paid by the hour of loading and unloading you will see significant savings. 
2. Control Freaks Are Happy: You have complete control over the timing and pace of your move. You can make stops as needed and handle the packing and loading yourself. You can decide to load one box a day or finish the whole job in five hours. 
3. Flexibility: You can choose the size of the truck based on your needs and return it when you're done. There’s also the option to rent for a specific time period which affects costs. Make sure you properly rent the right size U-Haul so that you don’t need to make multiple trips.
4. No Scheduling Issues: You’re not dependent on movers’ availability and can move on your own schedule. This is likely the best option if you need to move in the summer, or during the month's end when movers charge more for peak season.

Downsides:

1. Physical Labor: You’ll need to handle all the packing, loading, and unloading yourself, which is physically demanding and time-consuming. You will need more sets of hands to lift boxes without getting injured and for this will need to rely on the schedules of others. 
2. Driving: If you’re not comfortable driving a large truck or navigating new areas, this can be stressful. You will need the proper licensing to drive such a big vehicle. 
3. Hidden Costs: Additional costs like gas, mileage count, and insurance add up fast. Be sure to factor these into your budget. Sometimes a full-service move is more economical.
4. Insurance and Liability: You’re responsible for any damage to the truck or your belongings during transit. You will need to purchase additional insurance for coverage when you don’t use a moving company.
5. Logistics: You need to plan and manage every detail of the move yourself, including packing materials, truck rental, and logistics. If you love being in control this is the way to go!

Pros:

1. Convenience: Professional movers handle the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking if that is the package you take. This reduces the time dedicated to the move and the physical strain on your back.
2. Experience: Movers are experienced in handling heavy or fragile items. Tough places like the stairs and tight spaces are familiar territory for them. They also know how to ensure everything is packed securely. Sometimes it is worth paying more to break less. 
3. Insurance: Most moving companies provide insurance coverage for your belongings, offering peace of mind in case of damage or loss. Even basic coverage is better than none.
4. Efficiency: Movers can complete the job more quickly and efficiently than a DIY move thanks to their experience and professional equipment. Sometimes you need a dolly to carry boxes and renting these things adds up.
5. Stress: Professional movers handle the logistics, which takes away the stress associated with moving.

Cons:

1. Cost: Hiring movers is expensive compared to just renting a truck. Cost is usually the main reason people go the DIY route. If you can afford it de-stress and book a full-service mover on iMoving for your move. 
2. Less Control: You’ll need to work around the movers’ schedule and will have less flexibility in terms of timing and moving at your own pace.
3. Miscommunications: There’s a risk of miscommunication about the details of the move. Be clear with your movers and make sure your binding quote includes everything.
4. Risk of Damage: There’s always a risk of damage to your things. Research and choose a good moving company to minimize this risk. Honestly just choose from the iMoving list to be sure.

1. Distance: For local moves, a U-Haul will be more cost-effective if your friends help for free. For long-distance moves, professional long-distance movers can handle the logistics more efficiently and might end up similar in price. You can always opt for self-packing. This can provide a balance of cost savings and convenience.
2. Amount of Belongings: If you have a large amount and weight of items or heavy furniture, hiring movers may be more realistic.
3. Budget: Compare the total costs of a DIY move versus hiring movers. Consider what fits your budget and is the best value with all factors considered.
4. Be Realistic: Consider your physical abilities for heavy lifting and time. If you’re not up for the physical demands of moving, professional movers can take on the hard work, with no sweat.
5. Time: If you’re on a tight schedule, have kids, or just need to move quickly, professional movers can complete the job faster and better.
6. Experience: If you’ve moved before and feel comfortable handling the logistics and lugging your items, a U-Haul might work and save you money. If you’re unfamiliar with the moving process, pro movers are the better option.

• Get Quotes: Get quotes from moving companies and compare them with the estimated costs of renting a U-Haul. iMoving makes this part simple and streamlined. Put in your info once and you're good to go.
• Research: Read reviews and check references for moving companies to understand what you are getting into.
• Assess Your Needs: Evaluate the complexity and difficulty of your move, any constraints like lack of elevator or stairs, your budget, and your comfort level with handling the logistics yourself. Just make the call that works for you and best of luck!

Ultimately, the choice between U-Haul and hiring professional movers depends on your personal needs and abilities, budget, and the specific details of your move. Consider all factors and budget compare both to make the best decision for a successful move. No matter how you go about it, iMoving is always here for you every step of the way.