A white background with a few lines on it

 Courtney Isbell, Realtor

Tennessee Real Estate Tips: Buying & Selling Made Easy

Author: Courtney Isbell

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Professional Movers: Which is Right for You?

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but the process of getting all your belongings there can be stressful. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to move everything yourself or hire professional movers. As a realtor, I’ve seen clients take both approaches, and some clients that have had professionals move the big stuff and they moved the rest themselves.  Each strategy has its own pros and cons. I've moved several times and learned things each time.  Here’s what you need to consider before making your decision.

A couple looking at a moving truck




DIY Moving: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Cost Savings: Renting a truck and handling the move yourself is often much cheaper than hiring professional movers.
  • Full Control: You decide how your belongings are packed, transported, and unloaded.
  • Flexible Schedule: No need to coordinate with a moving company’s availability—you can move at your own pace.
  • Opportunity to Declutter: Packing your own belongings gives you a chance to sort through and get rid of items you no longer need.

Cons:

  • Physical Labor: Moving furniture and heavy boxes can be exhausting and potentially lead to injury.
  • Time-Consuming: Packing, loading, transporting, and unloading can take days or even weeks.
  • Potential for Damage: Without professional packing and handling, there’s a higher risk of damaging fragile or valuable items.
  • Hidden Costs: Truck rental fees, fuel, packing supplies, and possible equipment rentals (like dollies or furniture pads) can add up.


Hiring Professional Movers: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Less Stress: Professionals handle the heavy lifting, transportation, and logistics, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
  • Efficiency & Experience: Movers are trained to pack and transport items safely and quickly.
  • Insurance & Liability: Many moving companies offer insurance, so if something is damaged, you may be compensated.
  • Time-Saving: Professional movers can get the job done in a fraction of the time it might take you to do it yourself.

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: Hiring movers can be expensive, especially for long-distance moves.
  • Less Control: You must rely on the movers to handle your belongings properly and work on their schedule.
  • Risk of Scams: Not all moving companies are reputable—research and read reviews before choosing one.
  • Possible Delays: Some moving companies book multiple jobs in one day, which could lead to delays in getting your belongings delivered on time.


Which Option is Best for You?

If you have a tight budget, are moving a short distance, and don’t mind putting in the physical effort, a DIY move might be the best choice. Local moves also provide the opportunity to hire movers for some items and move other items yourself which does reduce the cost of movers but can also be exhausting for you.  However, if you want a stress-free experience, have a lot of heavy or valuable items, or are moving long-distance, hiring professional movers may be well worth the cost. 


Ultimately, the best decision depends on your personal preferences, budget, and timeline. No matter which option you choose, careful planning and organization will make the process much smoother. If you need recommendations for reliable moving companies, I’m happy to provide trusted local options!


Below are  reputable local options. Here are some moving companies in the area:


1. Two Men and a Truck – Murfreesboro

Address: 4204 Northstar Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 434-4244

Website: twomenandatruck.com/movers/tn/murfreesboro


2. Black Tie Moving – Nashville

Address: 424 Church St, Suite 2000, Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (629) 300-6065

Website: blacktiemoving.com/nashville


3. AMCO of TN, Moving

Location: Murfreesboro, TN

Phone: (615) 295-2855

Website: amcooftn.com


4. 6th Man Movers

Location: Smyrna, TN

Phone: (615) 475-8646

Website: 6thmanmovers.com


I have used these companies personally, had them recommended by colleagues and/or they were top rated on Google. They have all received positive reviews for their professionalism and quality of service.  It's advisable to contact them directly to discuss your specific moving needs and obtain quotes.

People communicating verbally and via text
By Courtney Isbell March 4, 2025
Effective Communication: A Key to Success in Your Real Estate Journey As a realtor, one of my top priorities is to ensure that communication between my clients and me is smooth, efficient, and effective. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to sell your 5th property, clear communication can make a significant difference in your real estate experience. Today, I want to share some insights on how you can help facilitate this communication.
By Courtney Isbell, Realtor March 1, 2025
Understanding the Home Selling Process
More Posts
Share by: