The Moving Decision: DIY vs. Allied Van Lines
Relocating from one city to another involves numerous decisions, each impacting your experience and the outcome of your move. One of the most significant choices is whether to undertake a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) move or hire professionals that have been doing this for 95 years like Allied Van Lines. This review explores the top five factors people consider when making this decision, highlighting the journey and emotions involved.
1. Cost and Budget: Balancing the Books
Overall Expenses
DIY moves often seem cheaper at first glance because you avoid labor costs. However, expenses can quickly add up:
- Renting Moving Trucks, Trailers, Car Dollies, etc.
- Purchasing Packing Materials
- Fuel Costs with trucks getting 8 miles per gallon
- Insurance plus taking care of everyone helping you
- Vehicle Wear and Tear plus damages because you are doing things you don’t normally do in and around your vehicles
On the other hand, Allied Van Lines provides comprehensive services that include packing, transportation, and insurance. While their fees are higher upfront, they cover many of the costs you’d incur with a DIY move.
Hidden Costs
With DIY, unforeseen expenses can arise:
- Additional fees for packing fragile items – when done incorrectly things break with no recourse because you did it yourself.
- Costs for professional packing materials not just boxes and tape but the time of back and forth plus not getting the proper materials for the job especially packing glass, mirrors and framed pictures.
- Potential damage to belongings or property – this always always happens – just by dropping one thing
Allied Van Lines includes these services in their packages, offering a clearer picture of total moving costs and minimizing unexpected expenses.
Budget Flexibility
- DIY: Ideal for those with strict budgets but requires careful planning to manage all expenses.
- Allied Van Lines: The price is just about the same for 2+ bedroom homes moving more than 1000 miles if you do the packing. but packing can add $500 and you don’t lift a finger. So really we are cheaper than a DIY all things considered.
Impact on Decision:
Understanding all potential expenses is crucial. If budget constraints are tight, DIY might be appealing. However, the comprehensive services and reduced stress offered by Allied Van Lines can justify the higher cost for many.
2. Time and Convenience: Managing the Clock
Time Investment – this is the mega looser for DIY moves (nothing ever goes to plan) that is for 2 reasons: #1 you are not a full time mover with experience and #2 there are always unforeseen things that will take your time
DIY moves demand significant time for:
- Planning
- Packing
- Loading
- Driving
- Unloading
- Unpacking
This process can be overwhelming, especially for those with busy schedules or multiple responsibilities.
Efficiency of the Pros – We are master movers with 95 years of doing this.
Allied Van Lines brings expertise and equipment that streamline the moving process:
- Expert Packing Techniques
- Efficient Loading and Unloading
- Optimized Route Planning
Their experience ensures that the move is completed faster and more efficiently than a DIY approach.
Stress Levels quickly snowball – we have all heard stories and had experience ourselves
Handling a move alone can be physically and emotionally taxing:
- Physical Strain: Lifting heavy items
- Logistical Challenges: Coordinating multiple tasks
- Emotional Stress: Managing the upheaval of relocating
Allied Van Lines alleviates much of this burden, providing a smoother and more manageable moving experience.
Impact on Decision:
For those with limited time or who prefer a less stressful move, Allied Van Lines offers valuable convenience and efficiency, making their services highly attractive.
3. Protection and Safety of Belongings: Ensuring Security
Handling Fragile Items – When we pack, we are 100% responsible.
DIY moves can be risky for delicate and valuable items:
- Risk of Damage: Without proper training and materials
- Stress Over Safety: Worrying about the secure transport of prized possessions
Allied Van Lines employs trained professionals who use specialized packing materials and techniques to protect fragile items during transit.
Liability and Insurance are built in plus you can easily get more coverage with zero effort
- DIY: Requires arranging your own insurance, which might not be comprehensive.
- Allied Van Lines: Offers insurance options that cover potential losses or damages, providing peace of mind.
Physical Safety – this is understated. Think paper cuts are bad, just slip while holding something heavy and imagine how that easily compounds. Again here, its not something you do on a daily basis whereas moving pros do.
Moving heavy furniture and navigating tight spaces can lead to:
- Injuries: Strained muscles or accidents
- Property Damage: Scratched walls, broken floors
Allied Van Lines ensures that these tasks are handled safely and efficiently, minimizing risks to both your belongings and your property.
Impact on Decision:
The need to protect belongings and ensure safety strongly influences the choice to hire Allied Van Lines, especially for valuable or fragile items.
4. Distance and Logistics: Navigating the Journey
Long-Distance Moves – imagine you made it to step #2 – driving. Here you have another set of challenges of which you are on your own as a DIY. Yes the truck rental company has procedures in place but they are not standing by like a pit crew. Any issues with the truck road or load are 100% your responsibility.
DIY moves across cities or states involve:
- Complex Route Planning
- Regulatory Requirements
- Multi-Day Transportation
Allied Van Lines has the expertise to handle these complexities, ensuring a smooth long-distance move.
Local Moves are far more forgiving because you are most likely using a truck that you can afford to drive back and fourth a few times and you are not dealing with being on the road looking for hotels. However, that stress and physical risk quickly compounds.
For shorter distances, DIY moves might seem feasible, but challenges like:
- Traffic
- Parking Restrictions
- Accessibility Issues
still require careful management. Allied Van Lines can navigate these obstacles with ease, providing a hassle-free local move.
5. Scale and Scope of the Move: Handling the Details
Volume of Belongings
DIY moves can become overwhelming with larger households:
- More Items to Move: Requires more resources and manpower
- Time-Consuming: Increased effort and coordination
Allied Van Lines is equipped to handle high volumes efficiently, ensuring that even the largest moves are managed smoothly.
Specialized Items
Items like pianos, artwork, antiques, or bulky furniture need:
- Specialized Handling
- Proper Equipment
Allied Van Lines possesses the tools and expertise to manage these items safely, preventing damage and ensuring their secure transport.
Accessibility Issues
Limited access at either the current or new residence can complicate the move:
- Narrow Staircases
- Long Distances from Parking Areas
- Tight Corners
Allied Van Lines uses the right tools and experience to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a seamless move without the usual headaches.
Impact on Decision:
The scale and specific needs of the move often make Allied Van Lines the practical choice, especially for large or complex relocations.
Additional Considerations: The Nuances of Moving
Personal Physical Ability
- DIY Moves: Require significant physical effort.
- Allied Van Lines: Handle all the heavy lifting, reducing physical strain.
Timing and Flexibility
- DIY Moves: Offer more flexibility but require meticulous scheduling.
- Allied Van Lines: Provide specific timeframes, adding structure to the process.
Emotional Factors
- DIY Moves: Allow for personal handling of cherished items.
- Allied Van Lines: Offer professional care, but some may prefer a hands-on approach for sentimental belongings.
Now it all comes to the point: Weighing the Options
Deciding between a DIY move and hiring Allied Van Lines involves balancing multiple factors:
- Cost
- Time and Convenience
- Protection of Belongings
- Distance and Logistics
- Scale and Scope of the Move
While a DIY move may offer initial cost savings and a sense of control, the comprehensive services, efficiency, and peace of mind provided by Allied Van Lines often make it a worthwhile investment. Carefully evaluate your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your move to make the best choice for a successful relocation.
The reality is Americans move a lot but it is not enjoyable when you have to do it all. We are highly competitive on pricing and we do all the work. Not all agents have the experience we do. Call for a price bid and see how knowledgeable we are.