Preparing for a long distance residential move involves organizing many smaller tasks in preparation for move day. One of the most time consuming and important tasks is packing your belongings. This brings up the question of whether to handle the packing yourself or hire professionals. With over 95 years in business, National Van Lines is glad to share the pros and cons of both options.
Pros and Cons of DIY Packing for a Long Distance Move
When it comes to your home and belongings, you are the authority. And this is one of the pros of packing up the contents of your home yourself before a long distance move—you’re in complete control of the situation. You can choose everything from packing materials to the timeline, and some people find that having such control is comforting.
Doing the packing yourself gives you the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends before you leave, and also frees up the time involved in researching full-service moving companies. Plus, as packing is one of the factors affecting the cost of hiring long distance movers, packing up yourself will also present a cost savings.
Along with those positives, there are also negative aspects involved in do-it-yourself packing. These include the packing process possibly being less efficient, with the fact that valuation coverage may not apply to self-packed items, meaning damages might not be covered. Some indemnity companies don’t cover self-packed moves, or they may require the purchase of additional coverage. Finally, as your time is valuable (and packing supplies must be purchased) cost still remains a factor.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Packing Service
As we stated before, packing is just one of the many tasks associated with a long distance relocation. Opting for a full-service move that includes comprehensive packing services offers several advantages.
Pros of Using Professional Interstate Move Packers
- Quality packing supplies
Professional movers use the best supplies, and we know how to use them well.
- Convenient, time-saving & efficient
Because a pro team knows the best tools, supplies and methods to use for packing, it makes the process less labor intensive and we can complete it faster.
- Cost savings
You may ask how it saves you to outsource labor, but everything has a cost. Your time is also valuable, and packing a home, apartment or storage unit takes considerable time. Also, our costs to purchase packing materials are lower. Finally, many moving companies want to help their customers, so the bump to full-service from partial is often reasonably priced for this reason.
- Valuables protected
Professionals know the importance of every item in a home (not just art, large items or collectibles). While we are careful in handling everything, if an item breaks or is damaged, the pros offer valuation protection.
Cons of Outsourcing Long Distance Move Packing
- Scheduling
You’ll need to work with your mover to determine the best schedule for you both. This means sharing preparation control before the movers arrive and get started.
- Move team is in the home longer
Packing takes time—while the pros pack faster and more efficiently, adding this service means you’ll have people in your home longer.
- Organized according to movers’ preference
Packers often load according to their own plans, which may differ from the homeowner’s wishes—yet both can work together on a plan that pleases both of them.
We hope this helps you make the best packing choices for you or your family—the choice is yours!
Hire an Experienced Full-Service Long Distance Mover Today
Whether you choose to pack on your own or call in the experts, National Van Lines (and our residential long distance moving partners) is here to help you get to your new destination safely, on-time and on-budget. Request a free moving quote or call us today at 800-323-1962 for more details.
