There are tons of choices that come along with moving. But, among the most common is this one: Should you fork over the cash to hire movers, or should you try your best to go it alone?

On one hand, the idea of being able to sit back and watch other people heave and haul all of your heavy stuff is appealing. But at the same time, since moving comes with a hefty price tag to begin with, saving some precious money sounds just as nice.

So, how can you choose between paying for movers and flying solo? Ask yourself these four questions, and you’ll have your mind made up in no time!

1. How much stuff do you have?

Sometimes the sheer amount of items you have to move can be the ultimate deciding factor on whether or not you need to call in some experts. So, make sure to take a good, hard look around your place to get a handle on just how much you have to pack up and get out.

Are you moving out of your five bedroom, 3,500 square foot home? Chances are, you’re going to need some movers to pull off a move of that size. But, if you’re getting out of something much smaller—like your one-bedroom apartment—that’s a move that’s much more manageable on your own.

2. What is your heaviest item?

Much like the amount of your stuff, there are also those large, heavy, bulky items that are nearly impossible to move without an entire team of people behind you—think things like your grand piano or an industrial-sized refrigerator.

While you’re walking around your place taking stock of your items, also take note of the heaviest thing that you have in your possession. If your back is already hurting at the mere thought of having to get that down your flight of stairs? Well, then you know the cost of those movers will be well, well worth it.

3. Who can you enlist for help?

They say that two brains are better than one, and never is this more true than when you’re moving. Although, more important than the brains is the brawn, in this case. If you’re hoping to move in an efficient manner, you’re going to want all hands on deck.

Do you have a whole crew of strapping, strong friends that you can bribe with pizza and beer to help you out over the weekend? You can probably skip the professional moving crew. If the only ones planning on helping you are your mom and your dog? Let’s just say you’re going to want a little extra help in the form of movers—no matter what the cost.

4. How will you haul your belongings?

Aside from the hands you need to get your stuff out the door, you also need some method of transportation that can get it to your new place. And, you already know that your Volkswagen Beetle probably isn’t going to fit the bill.

If you’ve had positive answers to the above three questions, it’s definitely worth checking out how much it would cost to rent a truck or van to fit your stuff—it’ll likely be cheaper than an entire moving crew, but will also make it easier to get your items to your new place. It’s definitely another option to consider!

It can be tough to determine whether or not you should hire movers to help you out—deciding between saving money and saving your sanity can present a challenge. Ask yourself these four questions, and you’re sure to reach a clearcut (and fitting!) decision.

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Kat Boogaard

Kat Boogaard is a Midwest-based freelance writer and blogger who loves lending her voice to a variety of publications and organizations. When she manages to escape from behind her computer screen, she enjoys reading, babying her rescued terrier mutt and obsessively organizing her entire home.

Latest posts by Kat Boogaard (see all)

• How to Stay Sane When Your Moving Day is Hot, Hot, Hot - June 27, 2016
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