Moving: DIY or go with a pro?

By Lydia McNutt
October 03, 2014

Right on schedule with what is the busiest moving day in Canada, July 1, my own family recently suffered through the moving process. Don't get me wrong – I love the prospect of a new home and a fresh start. It's the physical act of moving that I was dreading. The fact that my husband and I opted for a DIY move doesn’t help matters.

Sure, doing it yourself gives you some control – of your stuff, your timing and your costs. That is, unless you’ve made errors in judgement, in which case, all that goes out the window.

You’ve “eyeballed” your house and its contents, and you’ve chosen a truck that will probably be big enough. But half-way through loading it, you realize you’ve only packed a quarter of your stuff and now your options are to rent a second truck, run about 20 loads of boxes to Mom and Dad’s place, or start the dumping process. It’s not a decision you want to make at the last minute, which is when the realization that you’re not properly prepared usually sets in.

If you’ve ever moved, you’ll likely agree that using a professional moving company is worth every penny.

tips for hiring a moving companyMany moving companies offer services far beyond just loading the truck and driving it across town. Movers can help you plan your moving day, pack, and even unpack for you. They will assess the size of truck you’ll need, the amount of packing materials and what kind, and they know how to handle awkward and heavy pieces that might otherwise leave you scratching your head – and your walls. Professional movers know to expect the unexpected, ensuring you’re not stuck at crunch time.

When you’re shopping for a moving company, don’t expect to find one at the last minute – especially if you’re moving at the end of June or July, like many other Canadians also are. Do your research and hire a reputable company well in advance.

The Canadian Association of Movers offers 5 tips when shopping for a moving company:

1.Find reputable movers through the Canadian Association of Movers.
2.Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and/or your provincial government’s consumer protection agency.
3.Ask three movers for estimates in writing.
4.Get the terms and conditions of your move in writing.
5.Ensure you know how your goods will be protected for loss or damage.

The next time we move – which won’t be for a very, very long time – we will seriously consider hiring a professional mover to literally shoulder some of the burden.

About Lydia McNutt

Lydia McNutt is an award-winning writer and editor.

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