Should I hire professional movers or do it
myself?
Should I hire professional movers or do it myself? — The one-line answer that saves you a week of stress
Quick answer
Hire professional movers if you value time, safety, and a clean closing timeline. Do it yourself only if you have a light load, strong friends, free time, and zero risk aversion. For most home sellers in Georgetown, ON, hiring pros wins.
Why this matters right now in Georgetown
Georgetown buyers and sellers are moving in a tight local market. Commuters to Toronto, narrow historic streets downtown, winter weather, and coordinated closing dates make moving more complex here than in many suburbs. A bad move can delay closing, cost you a deposit, or create a lawsuit-worthy dispute. Don’t gamble on a DIY plan if your sale depends on a punctual, damage-free move.
Real costs — money, time, risk
- Money: DIY looks cheaper on paper. Truck rentals run about $120–$350/day depending on size. Add fuel, insurance add-ons, packing supplies ($100–$400), and local waste disposal fees, and a DIY move can get close to professional quotes for small moves.
- Time: A typical 3‑bedroom home move takes 2–3 people a full day to pack, load, drive, unload, and clean. Professionals do it in 2–6 hours with a crew.
- Risk: Injuries, scratched floors, broken furniture, lost time on closing day. Professional movers carry liability insurance and often offer valuation coverage. DIY = you carry the risk.
Bottom line: Factor in the value of your time and the stakes of your closing. If the move intersects with possession time, delays cost more than the moving bill.
Georgetown-specific considerations you can’t ignore
- Narrow downtown streets and older homes: Many properties in central Georgetown have tight driveways, laneways, or narrow staircases. Pros know how to protect finishes and handle tricky maneuvers.
- Parking and permits: Moving trucks may need to park on-street. In downtown or near schools, you might need temporary parking arrangements or to coordinate with neighbors. Professional movers handle this or advise you ahead of time.
- Weather and timing: Ontario winters add risk — icy steps, salted floors, snow clearance. Summer is peak season; book early. Moving on or right after closing (often noon possession) requires precision. Pros work to hit that window.
- Condo and heritage rules: Many condos and heritage homes in Georgetown require elevator bookings, moving windows, and damage deposits. Movers are used to booking windows and protecting common areas.
- Commute patterns: Moves that start at rush hour on Highway 7/401 corridors or on GO Train days can take longer. Pros know local traffic patterns and plan routes.
What professionals bring to the table (and why it matters)
- Speed and efficiency: Pros work as a team. They wrap, pack, load, and secure faster.
- Proper equipment: Dollies, ramped trucks, mattress covers, straps, partitioned trucks. These reduce damage risk.
- Insurance and liability coverage: Reputable movers offer options to cover damage. DIY means you may rely on limited rental insurance.
- Handling special items: Pianos, antique furniture, built-in units, and pool tables need expertise.
- Logistics: Movers coordinate timing with closings, elevators, parking, and storage.
If your closing is tight, or your home has unique challenges, pros reduce the chance of a failed possession.
Where DIY makes sense
- Studio or 1-bedroom moves with limited furniture.
- Moving next door or a short-distance within Georgetown where a pickup or small van will do the job.
- When you have reliable help who can lift safely and you have flexible possession timing.
If you’re leaning DIY, get a binding truck reservation, buy heavy-duty moving blankets and ratchet straps, and schedule movers for heavy items if needed.
Cost comparison (use these ranges to budget)
- Small DIY move (studio/1‑bed): Truck $80–$150 + supplies $50–$200 = $130–$350
- Average DIY 2–3 bedroom: Truck $150–$300 + fuel/insurance $50–$150 + supplies $150–$400 = $350–$850
- Local professional movers (2 movers + truck): $120–$250/hour. Typical 3‑bedroom local move: $600–$1,500 depending on stairs, distance, and time.
- Full-service movers (packing, disassembly): $1,200–$3,000 for a 3‑4 bedroom home.
Note: Prices vary with season. Summer weekends and month-end are more expensive. Get three written estimates and compare binding quotes, not vague hourly guesses.
How to pick a mover in Georgetown (use this checklist)
- Ask for a written, binding estimate that lists fees for stairs, long carries, disassembly, and fuel.
- Verify insurance and ask what valuation they offer for high-value items.
- Check local reviews — Google, Facebook, Yelp. Look for recent photos and real feedback.
- Confirm WSIB/worker coverage — you don’t want liability falling on you if a mover is injured on your property.
- Ask about damage procedures and timelines for claims.
- Confirm moving window: arrival time, estimated load/unload times, and flexibility for closing delays.
A professional that answers these in writing is worth the extra cost.
Negotiation tactics — how to save money with pros
- Book off-peak moving times: mid-week or mid-month can save 15–30%.
- Declutter first: fewer boxes equals lower bill. Hold a garage sale or donate before moving.
- Pack yourself: Save money by doing your own packing and hiring movers for heavy lifting only.
- Get multiple quotes and use them to negotiate. Most local teams will match or beat competitors.
The closing & moving dance — timing matters
Closing day in Georgetown commonly has a possession time (noon or specified hour). If your moving schedule slips, a delayed move can lead to legal headaches with the buyer. Plan to have movers booked with buffer time. If you’re moving yourself, give extra time for traffic, cleaning, and last-minute repairs.
If you’re selling and buying at the same time, consider short-term storage to avoid a risky back-to-back move.
Handy moving checklist for Georgetown home sellers
- 8 weeks out: Book movers or reserve truck. Schedule elevator/parking permits if needed.
- 6 weeks: Declutter and donate. Order packing supplies.
- 4 weeks: Start packing non-essentials. Get estimates for appliance disconnection if needed.
- 2 weeks: Confirm movers in writing. Reserve closing-day window.
- 3 days: Pack essentials, confirm route, check weather forecast.
- Moving day: Protect floors, cover door frames, keep documents and keys within reach.
When DIY can actually cost more
- You damage hardwood, stairs, or trim: repair costs add up fast.
- You miss possession time and jeopardize the sale.
- You injure a helper — medical bills and potential legal exposure.
- You underestimate time and pay higher last-minute pro rates.
If the sale closing is your priority, hiring trusted pros is an investment in certainty.
Final decision framework — 3 quick questions to decide now
- Is your closing timeline fixed and non-negotiable? Yes = hire pros.
- Is your home small and your load light? Yes = DIY might work.
- Do you have valuable, heavy, or awkward items (piano, antiques)? Yes = hire pros.
If you answered yes to two or more, hire reliable professional movers.
Why this matters for Georgetown sellers: local expertise beats price alone
Georgetown has a mix of historic homes, commuter demand, and seasonal weather. Moving here isn’t just loading a truck — it’s planning for traffic, parking, building rules, and timelines tied to your sale. The right mover understands those variables and preserves your closing.
If you want clear, local advice and vetted moving contacts — not a random internet pick — talk to a realtor who knows Georgetown closings inside out.
Tony Sousa helps sellers in Georgetown plan moves that protect closings and minimize cost. He’ll connect you with trusted local movers, advise on parking/permit issues, and help time the move with possession. Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Moving and closing in Georgetown (quick answers for sellers)
Q: Can I move on the same day as closing?
A: Yes, but only if your timing is tight and you have professionals. Book movers with buffer time. If you DIY, expect delays.
Q: Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Georgetown?
A: It depends on location. Downtown or near schools may require coordination. Ask your mover or local municipality a week in advance.
Q: How far ahead should I book movers?
A: Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best rates; longer during summer and month-end.
Q: Should I insure my items during the move?
A: Yes. Check mover valuation options and consider supplemental insurance for high-value items.
Q: How much will a local mover cost in Georgetown?
A: Expect $120–$250/hour for a standard two-mover crew. Typical 3‑bedroom local move ranges $600–$1,500.
Q: What about moving in winter?
A: Snow increases risk and time. Pros plan for snow clearance, floor protection, and safe loading.
Q: Are there mover discounts for selling agents?
A: Some agents like Tony have vetted partners who offer better rates or priority booking. Ask your realtor.
Q: What if my buyer requests a possession change?
A: Get changes in writing. Movers can be rescheduled, but there may be fees. Keep your agent in the loop to negotiate timelines.
Q: How do I protect floors and trim during a move?
A: Use thick moving blankets, plastic runner film, and corner protectors. Pros bring these by default.
Q: Any final tip?
A: Prioritize the closing. Money spent on a reliable mover is small compared to the cost of a delayed or failed closing.
Want a local move plan tailored to your Georgetown property and closing date? Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Get a free, no-pressure consultation and a list of vetted movers who understand Georgetown logistics.
