DIY vs Professional
The True Cost of Moving in Scotland
Next to births and marriages, moving home is often claimed to be one of life’s most stressful events. So the decision to move all of your personal belongings is never be taken lightly. Choosing between doing the move yourself with a few mates (DIY), or getting a Professional Moving Company in can be a difficult choice. Here in Scotland, where the landscape can vary from the bustling urban cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth, to the serene and green Highlands where access can be tricky, the nature of your move can dictate the approach you make. So join us, as we delve into some of the comparisons between a DIY move and using a Professional Removal Company, and consider various aspects, from financial outlays to the stress and time involved.
Financial Considerations
DIY Moving Costs
Van Rental
The main cost when moving by yourself is more than likely going to be the rental of a van. Most companies charge by the day, and even if you're doing multiple runs in a day, unless you're travelling a huge distance, you'll only need a van for one day. Our friends over at ACL hire typically charge £55 for the daily rental of one of their smaller wheelbase vans.
Fuel
Depending on the distance and the number of trips involved in your move, you're definitely going to have to put fuel in the van. A move within Scotland can be anything from 5 to 500 miles and 500 more! So budget accordingly and put between £50 and £100 aside for fuel.
Packing Supplies
As a Professional Removal Company, we always recommend you use proper moving boxes for your house move. Never use bags or plastic bins unless you want your belongings damaged along the way. Plastic bags offer zero protection and the plastic bins always crack and break, so stay clear of these. Instead visit our online shop, where our moving packs start at just £45!
Insurance
Believe it or not, there is such a thing a temporary moving insurance! Generally this is called Goods in Transit insurance, and provides you with cover should something happen to your belongings on the journey between houses. Expect to pay around £50 to £100 for a days worth of cover.
Damages
Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, accidents can happen, and they're more likely to happen when you don't use Professional Movers. There's a much higher risk of damage when you've never had to pivot a sofa up a flight of stairs, or know how to stack boxes to avoid damages. Moving isn't as easy as you'd think, some might even call it an art form!
Professional Moving Costs
Moving Fee
Undoubtedly the biggest cost of moving home is the moving fee itself. All BAR removal companies require payment upon booking, so you'll need to factor that in. For a small 2 bedroom move across town, you would be looking at around the £500 mark. For 4 bedrooms or more, then you're talking upwards of £1000.
Additional Services
Most Professional Removal Companies offer additional services like dismantling and re-assembly of any furniture. At Euromovers we also offer a shredding service and have multiple storage facilities should you have the need to store your goods long or short term.
Packing Supplies
A Good Removal Company will have a wide range of boxes to use on your move. These come in many shapes and sizes to suit varying contents, and the cost of these boxes is usually included in your moving fee. When good are shipped abroad they are given an extra layer of protection in the form of furnisoft.
Insurance
Every removal company should have their own insurance. Not only should they have Goods in Transit insurance, they should also offer you a limited liability policy, the cost of which will be based on the value of your goods. At Euromovers we offer a range of insurance policies that depend on the type and location of your move. For example you would need Marine insurance should you be lucky enough to be moving abroad.
Damages
Although the chances of a Professional Remover breaking something during a move are slim, accidents can and will happen. However it's more unlikely that damages will occur compared to a DIY move purely down to experience and talent!
Time and Effort
DIY
The Do it Yourself approach to moving demands a significant investment in time. Packing, organising, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking can take several days, especially for larger homes. You'll need to be an expert co-ordinator to ensure any family and friends are on hand at the right time to help you with your move.
Professional
The time you save with Professional Movers is considerable. Not only are our removal teams fully trained, they have the correct tools and experience to ensure your move goes quickly and uninterrupted.
Stress and Risk
DIY
The risk will always be very high when you're moving by yourself. You're your own boss and some people find it difficult to bark commands at friends and family, especially when they're doing you a favour for a few slices of pizza!
Professional
When using a Professional Removal Company there is considerable less risk than doing a DIY move. With systems in place for packing and protecting your item, this not only reduces both physical and mental strain, it will reduce your stress levels as well!
Flexibility
DIY
When doing a move by yourself, or with friends and family, you're in complete control. This can be be very empowering, but can come at a cost if you underestimate the time and effort involved. It wouldn't be the first time we've had to rescue DIY movers who had underestimated their move.
Professional
As a member of the BAR, we adhere to a strict set of guidelines. This includes the ability to reschedule your move for a small fee, depending on how many days before the move you change. However, when moving with a Pro Mover you're stuck with their timelines, no matter how much you try and speed them up! So if you need dates and timings to be totally flexible, then try the DIY approach instead.
Local Nuances in Scotland
Geography
Scotland has 2 main distinct areas, the Highlands (including Islands) and Central Scotland. If you're moving in Central Scotland, then logistics shouldn't be a problem. However, if you're moving further North, be sure to check what the access is like, as you may not be able to get a large full size removal truck down some of the smaller roads.
Weather
Known as highly unpredictable, the weather in Scotland can feature all 4 seasons in one day! The larger Removal Trucks we use don't usually get stuck in the snow like some most of the small 3.5t vans usually do.
Regulations
Although Scotland has right to roam, and therefore no trespassing, there are areas you cannot access like the Balmoral Estate. So be sure to check you local surroundings for any restrictions or regulations that may be in place.
Conclusion
Deciding between a DIY move or a Professional Moving Company, like Euromovers can be a tricky affair. You’ve got to balance out the options and carefully consider exactly how much value you place on your personal belongings. So here’s a summary of the top 4 things to consider when choosing between a DIY move and Professional Removal Company.
Cost
DIY moving might initially seems cheaper, but hidden costs like potential damages or even time off work can add up. Professional Movers offer you a more predictable expense, with custom options to suit your individual needs.
Time
If you're a busy person and value your time, then choose a Professional Removal Company like Euromovers. These moving professionals provide you with efficiency and expertise to ensure your move goes through on time and without a hitch!
Risk and Stress
For peace of mind, especially when when moving valuables or sentimental items, then we would highly recommend using a Professional Mover. Not only are you reducing the risk of something being damaged, you're reducing your stress levels too!
Local Considerations
With over 60 years of experience, the team at Euromovers know a thing or two about moving in Scotland. With our expert knowledge, we can guarantee your goods will arrive safely at their intended destination, no matter what the access is like!
When considering a move to or within Scotland, think not just of the immediate financial costs, but also consider the long-term benefits of using a Professional Removal Company for peace of mind and less stress. Whether you choose to go down the DIY or Professional route, the key is in the planning. Consider a hybrid approach if you really want to conserve time and money. Do as much of the packing and logistics yourself, and leave the more complex jobs to the Professionals!