Should You Move Yourself or Hire a Removals Company?

Are you moving home and unsure if you need to hire a removals company?

Moving to a new home can feel like a fresh start, and there is much to do, but the first dilemma is deciding whether to tackle the move yourself or call in the professionals.

While some people prefer the independence (and potential cost savings) of a DIY move, others value the reassurance of expert help.

Each approach has its merits and drawbacks, and your decision will depend on your budget, time constraints, and the complexity of your move.

This guide examines the key considerations for each method, enabling you to select the most suitable option that best suits your circumstances.

Let’s explore whether you should hire a removals company.

Weighing Up Costs: What Will You Really Spend?

Comparing DIY vs professional move costs? Hidden expenses like fuel, insurance and time off work can quickly add up.

At first glance, moving yourself might seem cheaper.

You will only need to budget for van hire, packing materials, and fuel.

However, don’t forget potential hidden expenses, such as additional insurance, equipment rentals, and time off work.

Professional movers, such as White & Company, provide an all-in-one service with transparent pricing.

They’ll include insurance, labour, and vehicle costs upfront, so you won’t face unexpected charges later.

For an idea of professional removal fees, visit White & Company’s quote page.

Time and Convenience: The Value of Your Weekend

Professional removals save you time and effort, leaving you free to focus on settling into your new home.

Packing and loading everything yourself can eat up more than a few weekends and evenings, especially if you have a lot of possessions or a large property.

Hiring an experienced removal company allows you to focus on other priorities, such as settling into your new neighbourhood, arranging utilities, schools, and changing doctors.

A removal team can wrap, pack and label everything, transport and unload your belongings at the other end. This will save you time, hard work, and hassle.

Packing Skills and Equipment: Are You Ready?

Expert movers bring specialist gear and experience to handle heavy or fragile items with care and safety.

Moving heavy furniture and delicate items safely isn’t as simple as it looks.

Professional removal crews bring years of experience along with a full range of specialist equipment.

They arrive with an assortment of items, including padded blankets to protect furniture, trolleys and dollies for easier transport, sturdy straps to secure items in the van, and protective covers to shield everything from scratches or wet weather.

If you choose to move yourself, you’ll need to gather all these materials and figure out the best way to pack and lift each piece.

This can be time-consuming and risky if you’re not used to handling large or awkward loads.

A DIY move is not for the unfit, it is incredibly hard work, and as the day goes on, and you are feeling tired, it is all too easy to slip, stumble or fall.

Improper lifting can (and has) led to serious back or muscle injuries and even broken bones!

For professional crews, it is all in a day’s work.

Insurance and Liability: Who’s Responsible?

Avoid costly mistakes—removals companies include insurance to protect your belongings during the move.

Here again, it is all too easy to damage your belongings if you don’t know what you are doing.

If you drop the TV or scratch the dining table during a DIY move, you’ll likely bear the cost of repairs.

By contrast, reputable removals companies carry comprehensive insurance to protect your belongings during transit.

White & Company offers a protection service for your belongings, providing you with peace of mind that your valuables are covered in the event of an incident.

You can learn more about how we protect your consignment on our website.

Stress and Peace of Mind: The Emotional Factor

Let the professionals handle the heavy lifting so you can enjoy a calm and organised moving day.

Even with help from friends, moving day can be both overwhelming and exhausting.

Packing, lifting, and driving a large vehicle can quickly drain your energy.

A professional mover handles all the hard work for you so that you can focus on the excitement of a new beginning rather than the logistics.

If you value a calm and organised transition, enlisting experienced professionals can make all the difference to your relocation experience.

When DIY Move Might Work

There are definitely situations where moving yourself makes perfect sense.

If you don’t have much furniture or are only relocating a short distance, a DIY move can be both cost-effective and straightforward.

Having a few reliable friends or family members to help with packing and lifting can significantly speed up the process.

Just be mindful about what you can handle safely; moving bulky items or navigating stairs with heavy boxes isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

It’s also worth factoring in the time you’ll need to pack, load, drive, and unload, especially if you’re juggling work or family commitments.

For smaller moves, hiring a van for the day can be an affordable option.

Companies like Enterprise and Europcar offer flexible rental packages to suit short trips or light loads, helping you stay in control without stretching your budget.

Why Choose White & Company When Looking to Hire a Removals Company?

With over 150 years of moving experience, White & Company offers trusted service, flexible storage, and expert support from start to finish.

Deciding whether to handle your move yourself or bring in the experts comes down to what you value most: time, safety, and peace of mind.

While a DIY move can work for some, professional removals often take the pressure off your shoulders.

Ready to hire a removals company?

White & Company has been moving households for well over 150 years, combining traditional care with modern expertise.

Our fleet of vehicles comes in a range of sizes depending on how much there is to move or to suit the access to your premises.

Whether you’re relocating across town or heading abroad, our friendly team is ready to support you at every stage.

From packing to secure transport, we are committed to making your move as easy as possible.

We also offer safe and secure storage for some or all of your belongings, should you need it.

Additionally, as long-term members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism and undergo regular audits to ensure it stays that way.

Find your closest branch depot and discover how our top-notch removal services can help you move with confidence.

Call us on 01489 854875, email us or complete our quick and easy contact form.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.