DIY house removals or bring in the professionals?

martindow

If you're in a chain and moving it is almost impossible to diy unless you can get everything in the van as one load.  Waiting for the people to be clear of your new house to unload and then return to load up again with your buyers fuming is a recipe for stress.

I think that getting a removal company to pack is often very good value.  You avoid weeks of chaos with half packed boxes in your old house and often breakages in transit will not be covered by insurance if you have done the packing.

bap98189

We have always done our own moving. Get 2 or 3 friends who are willing to help. 

Total cost is van hire + fish & chips and a few beers in the pub afterwards. 

Bonniepurple

I’ve moved myself a couple of times, but that was pre children and from rented to rented, so we had time.  Last time we moved we had movers but packed ourselves.  This time, I’m going to get packers in to do the lot.

nnewtoarea

Whatever you do, please have a clear out first. I called a rubbish removal as well before the move, they had to do 2 rounds in their vehicle.

tacticalbanjo

Professional movers are definitely worth paying for. I had packers last time (two bed, second floor flat to a four bed a mile away) and I would every time from now on. The day is stressful enough without worrying about getting everything in the van on time and exhausting yourself putting your bed back together. (Top tip for that: Make up bed in the old house, ping the fitted sheet up and around the duvet and pillows to make a package, into a bin bag and all you have to do at the new place is put the fitted sheet on and arrange the duvet and pillow cases.)
Make sure you get a few quotes though - there was a huge spread over the firms I had quote for the job. 

kinger101

If you're selling the flat and someone is moving in the same day, then you run the risk of being in their way.  And they will send you the bill if there are any onward costs.
I think the using the professionals is the best idea.  DIY can be a false economy if you don't know how to load the vehicle correctly and end up breaking things.  The removal guys will make sure stuff is secure, and have insurance in case something goes wrong.

Unicorn_cottage

nnewtoarea said:

Whatever you do, please have a clear out first. I called a rubbish removal as well before the move, they had to do 2 rounds in their vehicle.

I second this. Having a clear out helps the moving process go so much more smoothly and tidier. I am currently going through this process and getting rid of stuff by putting it on Facebook Marketplace etc for low cost or free. It's really easy to do and people will pick up from your place. I have a pile of stuff for the charity shop on our High Street waiting for when it opens up again.

letsbetfair

A good 'man with a van' company could be a middle ground if the cost of a removals firm seems high. Depends what and how much you're moving though.
Only do it yourself if you're fit and have plenty of time. It can be a lot of hard work - so it's a matter of how much you'd be happy to pay not to do this yourself

zagubov

I'd definitely recommend professionals and packers. Worth every penny. Moving's stressful enough as it is.

Sistergold

Saving £700 is really not worth it in the grand scheme of things! Moving from a flat is back breaking to say the least! There is loads of other stresses without the DIY moving being added to the mix! 

Good luck