Professional moving company vs. self-organised move What is really worthwhile?
A move is a major step in life – whether it is a private move, a corporate move or an international move. The question quickly arises: should you hire a professional moving company such as DACHSER & KOLB or organise the move yourself? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, which carry different weight depending on the type of move and your individual needs.
Organising the move yourself: flexible, but time-intensive
Advantages of a self-organised move:
- Cost control: If you plan the move independently, you can directly influence the expenses, for example by renting an affordable van or sourcing boxes and packing materials yourself.
- Flexibility: You determine the schedule and can organise the move at your own pace.
- Friends helping with the move: A good way to make the move faster and more cost-effective is to ask friends and family for help.
Disadvantages of a self-organised move:
- Time and stress: A move involves intensive planning, packing, transport and possibly several trips between locations. This can lead to significant stress.
- Physical strain: Carrying heavy furniture and boxes is not only exhausting, but can also lead to injuries.
- Hidden costs: The effort involved is often underestimated. In addition to the costs for the van and packing materials, expenses such as fuel, food for helpers or potential damage to furniture or the rental vehicle may also arise.
- Lack of insurance: If you organise the move yourself and damage occurs, you may not be sufficiently insured.
The professional move: convenient, secure and efficient
A professional moving company such as DACHSER & KOLB, on the other hand, offers an all-inclusive solution. Experienced moving experts take care of all important tasks and ensure a smooth process.
Advantages of a professional move:
- Time savings: A professional team takes care of packing, carrying, transport and unloading. This allows you to focus on other important matters.
- Security and insurance: With a professional move, your furniture and belongings are covered by the moving company’s insurance. This gives you additional peace of mind.
- Professional transport: Professional moving companies have the necessary expertise and equipment to transport even large or fragile items safely.
- Stress-free process: An experienced moving team ensures an organised and fast move without placing physical strain on you.
Disadvantages of a professional move:
- Costs: At first glance, the costs of a professional move are higher than those of a self-organised move. However, you should not forget the stress and hidden costs involved in organising a move yourself.
- Less control over the process: Since a moving company sets the schedule, you have less flexibility.
Which type of move suits you?
Depending on the type of move and your individual needs, one of the two options may be more advantageous:
- Private move: If you are moving a small household and have enough time, a self-organised move with help from friends can make sense. However, if you are planning a move with a lot of furniture or to a more distant city, a professional moving company is often the less stressful option.
- Corporate move: For a company move, it is advisable to rely on a professional moving company. The logistics are more complex and the time pressure is higher, as business interruption should be kept as short as possible.
- International move: When moving abroad, hiring a professional moving company is almost unavoidable. Transport routes are longer, there is more bureaucracy and the items being moved often have to be shipped by sea or air freight.
What is really worthwhile?
Whether you organise the move yourself or hire a professional moving company depends on your individual needs. If you want to save costs and remain flexible with timing, a self-organised move could be the right choice – provided you have enough support and do not underestimate the effort involved.
For a stress-free, fast and secure move, a professional moving company such as DACHSER & KOLB offers many advantages. Especially for more complex moves, whether private or professional, the benefits of an all-inclusive service outweigh the disadvantages. And remember: even with a professional move that may seem more expensive at first, the investment can pay off through time savings and reduced stress.
Are you currently planning your move? Contact DACHSER & KOLB for a non-binding quote and let us do the hard work for you!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about organising a move yourself
What should I plan first when organising a move myself?
The first step is to create a schedule and a checklist. It is important to get moving boxes early, organise helpers, reserve a transport vehicle if needed and update your address in good time.
How many moving boxes do I need for a household?
As a rule of thumb, you need around one moving box per square metre of living space. For a 60 m² apartment, you should therefore plan for around 60 boxes. However, the actual number also depends on how many items you own and whether you declutter beforehand.
How do I find the right moving vehicle for my move?
The size of the vehicle depends on the volume of your belongings. For smaller moves, a 3.5-tonne van is usually sufficient. For larger households, you may need to rent a truck. When choosing a vehicle, also pay attention to driving licence requirements.
What are the advantages of a self-organised move?
A DIY move is often more cost-effective because you do not hire a moving company. You also retain full control over the process. However, this option requires more personal initiative, organisational skills and physical effort.
What costs are involved in a self-organised move?
Typical costs include renting the transport vehicle, fuel, moving boxes, packing materials and, if applicable, food for helpers, no-parking zones and renovations. Good planning helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
When is it still worth getting support from a moving company?
If the move is particularly large, time-critical or physically demanding, a professional moving service such as DACHSER & KOLB can be worthwhile. You also benefit from professional experience and insurance cover when moving fragile or valuable items.
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Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
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