• Serving All of London
  • info@easywayremovals.co.uk
  • 0800 6893025

Should I Move Myself or Use a Removal Company?

So, you’re planning to move soon. That’s exciting! But at the same time, it can also be a bit stressful, right? One of the first big questions that pops into our minds is: “Should I move myself or use a Removal company?” 

A lot of people think doing it on their own will save money. And in some cases, it might. But there’s also the stress, the heavy lifting, the packing, the driving… it can quickly turn into a lot more work than expected.

In this blog, we’ll go through both options. We’ll look at the time, cost, effort, and all the little things people often forget. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s best for you and why using a removal company is usually the smart, stress-free choice.

Let’s get into the details.

Should I Move Myself or Use a Removal Company?

Should I Move Myself or Use a Removal Company

Here, we’ll thoroughly discuss both options so that you can make a firm decision.

Moving Yourself

When people say “moving yourself,” they usually mean:

  • Renting a van
  • Asking friends or family to help
  • Packing and lifting everything on your own

Why do people consider this?

  • It sounds cheaper at first
  • You have full control
  • You can go at your own pace

But is it really cheaper or easier? We’ll dig into that below.

Hiring a Removal Company

This means getting help from professionals who do this every day. They usually offer:

  • Packing services
  • Loading and unloading
  • Transport
  • Rubbish removal service
  • Man and Van service and more.

Types of Removal companies:

  • Local movers (within the same city or town)
  • Long-distance movers (different cities or even countries)
  • Full-service movers (they handle everything from start to finish).

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Before you decide how to move, it’s smart to think about a few important things that can really affect how your moving day goes. Let’s look at the key factors one by one.

Time and Effort

If you move everything yourself, get ready to spend a lot of time packing, lifting heavy boxes, driving a rental van, and then unloading everything. It might take days, and by the end, you’ll probably be sore and tired. 

On the other hand, if you hire a removal company, they handle most of the hard work. You can just guide them and focus on other things, like setting up your new place or looking after your kids. It saves you tons of time and keeps your energy up.

Costs

At first, doing it yourself might seem like the cheaper option. You just think about renting a van and getting some boxes, right? But soon, other things start adding up—like fuel, packing supplies, taking a day off work, or even paying for repairs if something breaks. If anything gets damaged, you’re on your own. 

On the flip side, a removal company might look like it costs more at first, but most of the important stuff is already included. They bring the van, the team, the packing materials, and they’re usually insured too. So, in many cases, you actually get more value and peace of mind without surprise costs.

Wondering about payment? Learn how you pay upfront for removal to know when and how payments are made.

Safety and Risks

When you try to move everything on your own, there’s a real risk of hurting yourself, especially if you’re lifting heavy furniture without the right technique. It’s also easy to break things or accidentally scratch the walls and floors. 

With a removal company, they bring all the right tools, use safe lifting methods, and handle your items with care. Plus, they’re usually insured, so if anything does go wrong, you don’t have to worry about paying for it yourself.

Experience and Expertise

Most of us don’t move house every day, so it’s normal not to know how to wrap up fragile items or stack things properly in a van. Removal teams do this all the time. They know how to pack smart, lift safely, and move everything without wasting time or space. Their experience helps avoid mistakes and keeps your stuff safe during the whole move.

Distance and Complexity

Doing it yourself might work fine if you’re moving just a few boxes down the street or from a small flat nearby. But if you have a big home, are moving far away, or have tricky stairs or tight hallways, it quickly becomes too much. 

A removal company is better for those complex moves. They’re especially helpful if you have young kids, pets, or just want everything to go smoothly without extra stress.

Benefits of Using a Removal Company

Here’s why more and more people choose professionals:

  • Less Stress: You don’t have to worry about anything
  • Time-Saving: Movers do it all much faster
  • Safety: Your belongings and your body are safe
  • Professional Packing: No broken plates or scratched TVs
  • Custom Services: Some offer storage, furniture disassembly, or just loading help
  • Reliable Transport: Clean, secure vans and the right equipment.

Not sure what van size you need? See our detailed guide on removal van sizes to pick the right one.

Common Myths About Hiring Removal Companies

Let’s clear up some common wrong ideas people have. 

Some think hiring a removal company is too expensive, but when you add up all the hidden costs of doing it yourself, like fuel, packing supplies, and time off work, it often turns out that getting help actually saves money. 

Others worry they’ll lose control of their move, but that’s not true at all. You’re still the one in charge, and the movers simply follow your instructions. And even if you don’t have a lot of stuff, moving can still be tiring and stressful. Having professionals step in makes the whole process smoother and faster.

Tips for Choosing the Right Removal Company

Tips for Choosing the Right Removal Company

Want to hire the right people? Here’s what to look for:

  • Insurance – Make sure they’re covered
  • Experience – More years, more trust
  • Reviews – Check Google, Trustpilot, or Facebook
  • Clear pricing – No hidden fees.

Questions to ask before hiring:

  1. What’s included in your service?
  2. Are you fully insured?
  3. Do you offer packing materials?
  4. Can you move on weekends?

Also, decide if you want a local company (faster and cheaper for nearby moves) or a national one (better for long-distance moves).

To understand the full process, check out how Easy Way House Removal works for a simple step-by-step guide.

Wrapping Up: Should I Move Myself or Use a Removal Company?

Let’s be honest — DIY moves can work if:

  • You’re moving a short distance
  • You don’t have many items
  • You’re physically fit and have help

But in most other cases, using a removal company just makes life easier. You save time, avoid injuries, get peace of mind, and your belongings are in safe hands.

So, unless you’re really up for the challenge, let the pros handle it. It’s often worth every penny.

 

FAQs

 

  • What if I only need help with heavy furniture?

    Some companies provide just loading and unloading services, so you can choose exactly what help you need.

  • Can I trust a removal company with my valuables?

    Yes, if the company is experienced and insured. Always check reviews and ask about insurance before you book.

  • How far in advance should I book a removal company?

    It’s best to book at least 4 to 6 weeks before your move to get the date and services you want.

  • What items should I not pack myself?

    Fragile, valuable, or heavy items are safer if handled by professionals to avoid damage or injury.

  • Can removal companies help with unpacking?

    Yes, many offer unpacking services so you can settle in faster and more easily.

  • What happens if something breaks during the move?

    If the company is insured, it usually covers the cost of damaged items. Always confirm this before hiring.

  • How do removal companies charge?

    They usually charge based on the size of your move, distance, and any extra services like packing or storage.

  • What should I do to prepare before the movers arrive?

    Clear walkways, label boxes, and have important documents and valuables ready to keep with you.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Let's Get You Moving!

    Ready to move without the hassle? Get your free quote now it only takes 60 seconds.
    • Call Us: 0800 689 3025
    • Emergency: 07494 093341
    • Email: info@easywayremovals.co.uk

    About Us

    We are a professional and reliable team that will look after your items with care as it was our own. We understand moving in or out or even transporting items from one place to another can be stressful, so we always make sure we are on time and provide all the support needed.
    Working Hours
    Mon-Sat: Open 24hrs
    Sun: 9:30am-4:30pm

    Useful Links

    Addresses

    2 Rutley Cl, London SE17 3NP

    51 Cleves Rd, London E16 1QF

    10 Scrooby St, London SE6 4JB
    Easy Way Removals Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. | Registered address: 14 Holcote Close, Belvedere, England, DA17 5RR | Company number: 14138460