This is an age-old question of whether to do removals yourself, hire a man with a van or a professional moving company. The answer, of course, will depend on a number of factors but each option has its pros and cons. To help you through the removals process and make the best decision for your needs, here is a simple but handy guide.
Which Is Best, DIY Removals Or A Professional?
When it comes to moving day, you want the process to be as stress-free as possible and making the wrong decision could derail everything. Finding the best way to transport your valuables when moving is challenging with many aspects that could sway you one way or the other. It all depends on the following:
- How much stuff you are moving
- How far you are moving
- Whether you have any valuables or antiques to transport
- If you have specialist belongings, such as a piano
- If the standard insurance covers your precious goods or if you need additional/special storage insurance
- Your budget and time constraints
Choosing The Best Removals Option To Help You Move
Every house move is unique and that means the same method that works for one person may not for others. To help you decide between DIY removals or hiring a professional, take a long look at these important factors to consider.
DIY Removals
DIY removals may be tough and time-consuming but you could save in the end by packing and transporting everything yourself. However, that decision doesn’t come without risk. Too often people take shortcuts by not packing properly, using incorrect boxes and trying to squeeze everything into their car to save a few quid. Not only can this result in personal injury but also expensive damage to goods.
Friends, Family Members And Rental Vans
If your new home is not too far away, provided it’s a small flat or house, you could probably do it yourself with a helping hand from friends and a rental van. The downside is that you are liable for any injuries that may occur and damage to your belongings or the rental vehicle. Also, a friend or family member could pull out last minute leaving you stranded on moving day. Unless you can safely and easily fit everything into one van load on your own, plus a few extra small things in your own car, we’d recommend using a professional company.
Hiring A Man With A Van
For smaller, short-distance removals, you could hire a man with a van since it is less expensive and more practical. It’s basically a removal service in which one person drives a van with your goods from one location to the next. As you are doing all the packing, loading and unloading, it may be considered the most cost-effective option but not if you are moving a lot of items and particularly large ones.
While a van could help you move the contents of a 4-bedroom home, it will take considerably longer and cost a lot more. The general rule is to use a man with a van when moving contents of a small house or flat, otherwise, they will charge you for every back-and-forth trip. As with professional movers, remember to find out if they have any insurance in place.
Professional Moving Companies
Using professional movers may cost more than a DIY approach but at least there is no heavy lifting, besides decluttering and packing up your home. They also have the necessary skills and expertise to get the job done in an acceptable timeframe with little to no risk of injury. A great place to find a good removals company is through Which? Trusted Traders and here are some of the benefits when working with a professional:
- Helps reduce stress on moving day
- Belongings are packed properly by professionals and much faster than doing it yourself
- They have access to proper equipment and the best packing materials
- The removal company has reliable and fit-for-purpose vehicles and backups just in case
- They are responsible if any damage is caused to your property or the removals vehicle
- No more frustration trying to move large pieces of furniture through doorways and down the stairs
- Reputable moving companies will offer insurance for your goods whilst in transit
Will You Need Self Storage?
Removals and self storage go together hand-in-hand which is something you may want to consider. Whether you are downsizing, renovating or moving abroad there is often a need to store additional house contents short-term or long-term. In some cases, people rent a property while they wait until the purchase goes through which means they need a temporary self storage unit.
Self storage for house moves remains one of the best ways to stay organised while keeping all of your belongings in excellent condition. If you are looking for a good ‘self storage facility near me‘, Space Centre can help. Our facilities are conveniently located in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Stonehouse with 24-hour security, free insurance and drive-up access. Contact us today for a quote on the perfect removals storage unit for you!