DIY vs. Professional Storage Packing: Pros and Cons for Virginia Residents
When moving to a new home or downsizing to a smaller space, you'll probably need to store some of your belongings. If you're a Virginia resident facing this situation, you have two options: you can either handle the packing yourself (DIY) or hire professional packers to assist you.
It is worth mentioning that there are pros and cons to both options, which is what this article will focus on. DIY and professional options are weighed equally so residents of Virginia can choose the best solution for their own situation.
Cost Savings
By far, one of the benefits of DIY packing is the budget saving. Packing services commonly charge by the hour, with supply used as additional charges. In the cases of professionals, a standard charge may range from $30 to $70 per hour!
But there are usually more professional packers who do packing tasks in a shorter time as compared to amateurs. When choosing a product or service, be sure to account for the value of your time in the cost. In this case, a 20-hour DIY packing effort to save minimal pocket change falls realistically and logically on the same level as the professional cost.
Efficiency
Professional packers are incredibly efficient. Companies only hire fast, effective workers and equip them with the best materials. Teams bring their own hand trucks, padded moving blankets, specialty boxes and custom crates. Multiple packers descend on a home and have it packed neatly in a day or two.
DIY packing tends to be much slower and disjointed. Non-pros lack the right supplies and efficiency techniques to quickly pack entire households. Attempting this alone or with equally inexperienced family/friends results in frustration and unfinished business. Factor in realistic time investments before committing to self-pack.
Organization
Professional packing services adhere to strict organization protocols utilizing color-coded labels, detailed inventories and room-by-room packing. This makes it much easier to locate specific items in storage without digging through dozens of unlabeled boxes. Items are carefully wrapped and packed according to material type - delicate items in one set of containers, books in another, etc.
DIY packing often lacks organization. Homeowners grab whatever boxes or containers they have and start packing without much rhyme or reason. Not creating a detailed inventory means excavating multiple boxes to find needed items later. Careless packing frequently leads to damaged goods. Lacking a strategic packing approach wastes time and money.
Specialty Items
Professional packers are trained to properly pack specialty items that require extra protection or handling. This includes delicate furniture, artwork, mirrors, lamps, electronics and unusually shaped items. Companies bring specialty boxes, foam cushions, wooden crates and thick padded blankets designed specifically to safeguard fragile valuables. Attempting this without professional materials and know-how puts cherished possessions at risk.
DIY packing lacks the skills and supplies to appropriately pack specialty items. Well-intentioned but inept wrapping and boxing by non-pros often results in broken furniture, scratched artwork or cracked plasma screens. Know limitations before committing to self-packing entire households.
Logistics
Coordinating loading/unloading, transport, and storage logistics is part of a full-service professional packing contract. Scheduling trucks, movers and delivery to climate-controlled units is seamless. DIY packing requires managing all these logistics separately while also trying to pack an entire home. For those lacking sufficient time or organizational skills, attempting to coordinate all these phases alone may prove extremely problematic.
Conclusion
DIY packing saves money but requires more time and effort. Professional packing costs more but is extremely efficient. Evaluate logistics coordination capabilities, budget, time constraints, value and packing/moving knowledge. This determines whether DIY or pro packing best suits specific needs. For Virginians undertaking major packing projects, keep all these factors in mind before deciding on a game plan.
