Relocating within Perth, whether it’s a short hop or a major move across the city, brings its own mix of anticipation and challenges. One of the first decisions you’ll take is choosing between hiring professional movers or tackling a DIY move. To help you make the best decision for your move in 2025, here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect from full-service moves and DIY moves in Perth.
What is a Full-Service Move?
Opting for a full-service move means leaving most of the heavy lifting to professionals. Perth has a number of reputable moving companies that specialise in full-service moves, often offering tailored solutions to fit your needs. From packing your entire stuff to unloading them at your new home, professional movers take care of everything. All you have to do is provide instructions and show up at your new address.
Here’s what typically comes included in a full-service move:
- Packing and unpacking your belongings.
- Loading and unloading items with specialised equipment.
- Transporting your belongings safely to your new location.
- Providing packing materials like boxes and protective wraps.
Key Benefits of Full-Service Movers
- Time-Saving and Convenient
The biggest advantage is the time and energy you save. Instead of spending weeks packing and prepping, you can focus on other important matters, like settling into your new home.
- Expert Handling
Professional interstate removals are trained to handle everything. They use proper tools and techniques to ensure your belongings arrive in one piece.
- Insurance and Accountability
Full-service movers generally offer insurance coverage, so you’re financially protected in the rare instance that something goes wrong during the move.
- Reduced Physical Strain
No need to risk injury lifting heavy boxes or awkwardly shaped items. Movers handle the heavy lifting while you relax.
- No Need to Rent Equipment
Additionally, professional movers come equipped with dollies, straps, and packing materials, all of which you’d otherwise need to source yourself.
Downsides of Full-Service Movers
While convenient, full-service move comes with its own set of some challenges:
- Higher Costs
All that convenience comes at a price. Full-service moves can be noticeably pricier than DIY options, particularly if you’re moving long distances across Perth or regional Western Australia.
- Less Control
For those who prefer managing every detail of a move, it may feel like outsourcing takes away an element of control.
What Is a DIY Move?
A DIY move, as the name suggests, involves handling all aspects of the move yourself. This means doing everything from your own – packing, hiring a truck, loading your belongings, and driving to your new home. DIY moves are often favoured by those who are working with tight budgets or want to stay in complete control of the process.
DIY moving is especially popular for short-distance moves, for example, relocating from Fremantle to Cannington, where hiring a truck and calling in some mates to help makes financial sense.
Advantages of DIY Moves
- Lower Initial Costs
One of the biggest draws of a DIY move is the potential to save money. You only pay for what you need, like the truck rental, fuel, and packing supplies.
- Complete Control
From deciding how to pack to scheduling the move, you get complete control on your move.
- Flexibility with Timing
With no external movers dictating the plan, you can move on your schedule.
- Familiar Helpers
You can enlist friends or family to help instead of relying on strangers, which can feel more comfortable for many people.
Challenges of DIY Moves
- Physical Effort
Long hours of packing, loading, heavy lifting, and unloading can take a toll. Injuries are also not uncommon when inexperienced movers take on heavy tasks.
- Hidden Costs
While saving money seems straightforward, DIY moves can come with unexpected expenses like fuel for the truck, tolls, parking fees, and even meals and drinks for your helpers.
- Risk of Damage
Improperly packed or loaded items are more prone to damage. Without professional equipment or skills, fragile or bulky items may not survive the trip.
- Time-Consuming
DIY moving is time-intensive. From sourcing a rental truck to physically loading and unloading, every step takes significantly more time compared to hiring professionals.
- Driving Challenges
If you’re not used to driving large moving trucks, navigating Perth’s roads can be stressful, especially in busier suburbs like Morley or near the Freeway.
Comparing Full-Service and DIY Costs
On paper, DIY moves look cheaper, but costs can add up quickly. Consider the following expenses for each option:
DIY Moves
- Truck rental fees.
- Fuel and potential toll charges.
- Packing supplies such as boxes and bubble wrap.
- Time and physical effort.
- Potential repair or replacement costs for damaged items.
Full-Service Moves
- Labour and transport fees.
- Optional add-ons like packing services or storage.
- Insurance coverage for extra satisfaction.
Often, when all costs are considered, full-service moving may not be as dramatically more expensive as it first seems, especially when you factor in the time and energy saved.
Making the Best Choice for Your Perth Move
The right choice between professional movers and a DIY move depends on your unique situation. Ask yourself some key questions:
- How far are you moving?
- What is your budget?
- Do you have the time and energy for a DIY move?
- Are you comfortable driving a moving truck?
- Are skilled or extra helping hands available?
If you’re short on time or have a demanding schedule, professional movers might be the better pick. On the other hand, if cost is your primary concern and you’re confident in your abilities, a DIY move could be a great option, especially for shorter distances.
Conclusion
For moves within Perth, weigh the pros and cons of each option while considering your budget, time constraints, and physical capabilities. Both full-service and DIY moves come with unique advantages and challenges. With a clear understanding of what to expect, you can make the choice that best suits your needs and ensures a smooth transition into your new home.
