Moving to a new home is an undeniably exciting time, but let's face it – the packing process can be pretty daunting and overwhelming. From packing fragile items to moving heavy furniture, there's a lot to consider when preparing for the big move.
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to tackle the packing yourself or enlist the help of professional packers. Both options have their merits, but which one is right for you?
Let's dive in and explore the pros and cons of each approach to help you make an informed decision.
DIY packing: Take control of your move
DIY packing, or do-it-yourself packing, puts you in the driver's seat. It's all about rolling up your sleeves, grabbing some boxes, and getting down to business. Here are some of the advantages of DIY packing:
Cost-effectiveness
One of the biggest perks of DIY packing is the potential to save money. By sourcing your own packing materials and doing the packing yourself, you can avoid the costs associated with hiring professional packers. You might even consider creative ways to acquire packing materials, such as asking local stores for spare boxes or repurposing items you already have at home.
Control and customisation
DIY packing gives you complete control over the packing process. You can pack items according to your own preferences, ensuring that fragile items are handled with care and sentimental items are given special attention. For example, you can wrap delicate china in your old linens for an extra layer of protection, adding a personal touch to the packing process.
Flexibility
With DIY packing, you're not beholden to anyone else's schedule. You can pack at your own pace, taking breaks when needed and focusing on different areas of your home as time allows. This flexibility can be especially beneficial if you have a hectic schedule or need to work around other commitments leading up to your move.
However, it's fair to say that DIY packing doesn't come without its drawbacks
Time-consuming
Packing up an entire household is no small feat. DIY packing can be incredibly time-consuming, especially if you have a large home, a lot of belongings to sort through or this is your first house move. Consider breaking the packing process down into manageable tasks and setting aside dedicated time each day to tackle them. You might also enlist the help of friends or family members to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Lack of expertise
Unless you're a packing pro, you may not have the expertise needed to pack fragile items safely and securely. Improper packing techniques could lead to damage or breakage during transit. To mitigate this risk, take the time to research proper packing methods for different types of items, such as using bubble wrap for fragile glassware or packing heavy items at the bottom of boxes to prevent crushing lighter items.
Stress and physical strain
Let's face it – packing is hard work. Lifting heavy boxes, navigating tight spaces, and dealing with the stress of moving can take a toll on both your body and your mind. Be sure to listen to your body and take breaks as needed to prevent burnout. Consider investing in ergonomic packing supplies, such as a sturdy dolly or lifting straps, to make the process easier on your back and joints.
Professional packing: Leave it to the experts
If the thought of DIY packing is enough to send you into a panic, professional packing services may be the way to go. Here are some of the many benefits of hiring professional packers:
Expertise and efficiency
Professional packers are trained to pack items safely and efficiently. We know the best techniques for protecting fragile items and can get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. For example, as professional packers and movers, we use specialised packing materials like custom-sized boxes or foam padding to ensure that your belongings arrive at your new home in pristine condition.
Time-saving
Moving is stressful enough as it is – so why add packing into the mix? Professional packing services can save you valuable time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. While the professionals handle the packing, you can use your time to organise important documents, notify utilities of your upcoming move, or spend quality time with loved ones before the big day. If you're moving out of town, it's the perfect opportunity to visit all your favourite haunts before you leave.
Comprehensive service
When you hire professional packers, you're getting more than just packing expertise. Many moving companies, including ourselves, offer comprehensive packing services, comprised of material sourcing, packing, labelling, and even unpacking at your new home. This all-in-one approach can streamline the moving process and alleviate much of the stress and hassle that comes with packing and unpacking.
Peace of mind and insurance cover
If you decide to go it alone and something goes wrong, then you will be liable to fix that. For instance, you could damage the walls and floors of your new or old house trying to move large pieces of furniture Or, you could break delicate items by not wrapping them up properly or stacking them incorrectly, causing them to shatter in transit. If this happens, you could be left out of pocket when it comes to fixing the damage.
That's not to mention the fact that sentimental items cannot always be replaced. When you bring in a professional removal company, they'll not only be equipped with all the expertise to avoid these stations occurring in the first place but will have all the necessary insurances in place to cover the damage if they do.
When it comes to professional packers, there are some factors you may want to consider, too.
Cost
Hiring professional packers can be pricey, especially if you have a large home or a lot of belongings to pack. It's important to weigh up the cost against the convenience and peace of mind that professional packing provides. And in our humble opinion, the cost is always worth it (our customers say so, too). Plus, DIY packing gone wrong can end up costing you more if you have to make repairs to damaged walls and furniture or replace broken items.
Reliance on external providers
When you hire professional packers, you're putting your trust in others to handle your belongings with care. It's essential to choose a reputable moving company with a track record of excellence (enter Saint Removals).
At Saint Removals, we promise to handle all your belongings as if they are our own. Honestly, integrity and trust make up our core values, and we will always go above and beyond to secure customer satisfaction, our glowing reviews say so too.
More expert moving advice!
At Saint Removals, we aim to give you the tools to move house with confidence. Whether you enlist the help of our professional moving and storage services or follow one of our handy guides, we're sure we can offer you value in some way.
Be sure to check out our advice hub! It's packed with heaps of helpful hints and tips on all things moving and storing. Here are some of our most popular pieces:
Making your decision: DIY or Professional?
So, back to the question of whether or not to DIY your packing process or pull in the professionals. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget, your timeline, and your comfort level with the packing process. If you're looking to save money and don't mind rolling up your sleeves, DIY packing could be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value convenience and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are in expert hands, professional packing services are worth the investment.
Start your Saint Removals journey!
If you are looking to enlist the help of professional movers, then you're certainly in the right place. With over 25 years of combined experience between us, there's not much we haven't packed in our time. From the fiddliest and fragile to the strange and sturdiest, we've done it all. Our comprehensive packing, storage and removal services have been designed for you to mix and match at your pleasure.
And if you still need a little convincing that we're the right people for the job, take a glance at this one; 11 reasons why you need Saint Removals.
So what are you waiting for? Start your home removal journey today.