One of the biggest decisions you will make during your relocation process is whether to hire a moving company or do the move yourself. There are many things to consider before moving yourself or hiring a professional mover.

Hiring a professional moving company

PROS:
• Hiring a moving company can be time-saving for you. You may not have the time to load/unload your shipment and drive the distance.
• You avoid over-exerting yourself. The movers will complete the loading/unloading of your heavy boxes and furniture. It may also be more convenient to have a licensed truck driver cover the long distances.
• Your chances for a damage-free move may be greater when professional movers do the packing. They are experienced in handling furniture and fragile items and they use quality boxes and packing supplies. In the event of damages to your items, the movers will be liable up to a point. More on this later.

CONS:
• You may not feel comfortable placing your items in the hands of strangers.
• You have to devote time to research prospective moving companies.
• You have to manage schedules and keep in close contact with your movers.
• To piggie-back on point 3 above; since the movers don't own your household items, they may not be as careful as you might be.
  

Moving yourself or hiring a pick up and delivery service

PROS:
• You have greater control of every aspect of your self move.
• You have more flexibility with the timing of your move.
• You may save money if the size of your move is manageable.
• If you take the time to pack you items properly, your move can be as damage-free as even the best professional moves.
  

CONS:
• Inexperience. If you have never done a self-move, it may be difficult to complete a long-distance move your first time out. Additionally, you may not be familiar with driving a large rental truck.
• You are solely responsible for any damages to your items. If you don't take the time to pack and load properly, injuries and damages may become more likely when you and your helpers handle your heavy boxes and furniture.
• You may miss more time off work than you anticipated.

Don't let this information influence you too heavily. Any decision you make will have both its PROs and CONs. If you are still interested in either a do-it-yourself or a upack move, click here are some tips and guides that can help you overcome your lack of experience.