Should I hire professional movers or do it
myself?
Hire Movers or Do It Yourself? The blunt answer you want: pick the option that protects your time, your budget, and your closing day. Read this and decide with confidence.
Why this decision matters during closing and moving
Closing day is a hard deadline. Miss it and you risk costs, stress, and a bad start in your new place. The right moving choice reduces risk and keeps your closing on track. I’m Tony Sousa, a local realtor who’s overseen hundreds of closings and moves. I’ll give direct, actionable guidance so you don’t guess.
Quick cost vs. value snapshot
- Average cost to hire professional movers: varies by size and distance, typically $300–$2,000 for local moves.
- Average DIY move cost: truck rental $50–$150/day + gas + supplies + time.
- Hidden costs of DIY: injury, damage, missed closing fees, extra labor hours.
Pros of hiring professional movers
- Speed and reliability: pros stick to schedules and protect closing deadlines.
- Protection: insurance and equipment reduce damage risk.
- Less risk to you: fewer delays, fewer surprises on closing day.
- Efficiency: trained crews pack, load, and unload faster.
Pros of doing it yourself (DIY)
- Lower out-of-pocket for small, local moves.
- Full control over packing and timing.
- Good when you have flexible time and strong helpers.
Clear cons to weigh
- DIY cons: higher physical risk, slower pace, hidden labor cost, distracted from closing obligations.
- Pro movers cons: upfront cost, need to vet reputable companies, potential scheduling conflicts if booked late.
Decision checklist: should you hire movers or DIY?
- Deadline pressure: If closing is tight, hire movers. Time > money.
- Item value & volume: High-value or bulky items? Hire pros.
- Distance: Longer moves favor professional companies.
- Physical ability and helpers: No strong team? Hire pros.
- Budget flexibility: If surprise costs hurt, hire pros to reduce risk.
Real-world example
A client faced a noon closing with a 3-hour move. They tried DIY, ran late, and paid for temporary storage plus a delayed possession—hundreds lost. Next client hired pros, arrived early, closed smoothly. Same house, different decisions: one saved money, the other saved time and avoided stress.
Actionable moving tips
- Get 3 written quotes and check insurance details.
- Reserve movers 2–4 weeks before closing.
- Create a moving day timeline tied to your closing time.
- Protect paperwork and essentials in a separate bag.
Final verdict and call to action
If your closing is fixed, you own bulky or valuable items, or you can’t afford delays—hire professional movers. If you have time, strong helpers, and a tight budget, DIY can work.
Need help deciding for your specific closing? I’ve coordinated hundreds of smooth moves across the area. Email me at tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for a checklist and vetted mover referrals. Make the smart move—don’t gamble on closing day.
