In theory, DIY moving seems like a pretty good idea! It can save you money; that is a fact. But. . . is it worth it? Before you call up your buddies and order the obligatory pizza payment, consider these factors that might turn your DIY move into a DIY disaster.
The buddy system is not fail safe
If you are relying on friends and family to help you move, you need to be prepared for last minute no-shows. Life is busy and full of unexpected surprises. Even though your friend committed to helping, there is no guarantee they will show up on moving day.
It always takes longer than you think it will
Packing and loading up a truck is a bit of an art form. Professional movers have all kinds of tricks and techniques that help them get everything packed up and loaded as efficiently as possible. They have special equipment such as moving dollies, ramps, and furniture sliders that can make the job quicker and easier. Before you decide to move yourself, be sure to do a careful inventory to determine how long it will take. Then. . . double that estimate.
Moving is hard
Are you in tip top shape? Do you have excellent lifting techniques? Both of these traits are essential for a safe, injury free move. Moving day can be long, chaotic, and exhausting. Add a strained back to that list, and you might never get it done. Take note of the amount of stairs, different types of surfaces, and volume of stuff you have to move before you tackle it yourself.
Insurance considerations
Before you move yourself, make absolutely certain that your home insurance or renter’s insurance will still be in force during the move. You need to ask about any limitations that may affect your ability to claim for lost or damaged items. If you are renting a moving truck, you must ensure you have insurance to cover you during the time the truck is in your possession. This will take some time as you make the necessary calls and get the appropriate documentation from your insurance company.
Your time is valuable
It can take days to execute a safe, smooth move from start to finish. Your time is valuable and you need to determine if moving is the best use of your time. While you likely have to be on hand to supervise the movers, consider the other things you could be doing while they handle all the heavy work. This is prime time to do a final clean of your old place or start cleaning your new home.
You live in Calgary and snow can happen at any time
Sure, the thought of moving on a warm spring morning or a sunny fall afternoon seems great. This is Calgary. Bad weather happens. Really consider if you have the skills and expertise to continue safely and quickly getting your move done on icy sidewalks or wet, slippery ramps. Inclement weather makes moving pretty miserable and can increase the risk of injuries for you or one of your buddies.
Moving is stressful no matter how you go about it. Carefully take into consideration all the associated costs, risks, and time involved in a DIY move. You might be surprised to learn that it is not all that much cheaper. Call around to different moving companies and get quotes so you have a realistic idea of the cost. Be honest about your budget and see if moving companies have any suggestions on how you can stay within that budget.
Do you have a rave for a favourite Calgary based moving company? Tell me about it on Twitter. We have heard great things about King’s Transfer, Furniture Relocators, and Premiere Van Lines, just to name a few. Good luck and have a great move!