What are the risks of DIY moving?

DIY Moving vs. Hiring Pros

Feb 08, 2026

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity.

What are the Risks of DIY Moving?

Undertaking a do-it-yourself (DIY) move can appear to be a cost-effective option, particularly for those with a smaller volume of belongings or shorter distances. However, this approach carries several inherent risks that are important to consider. These risks often extend beyond financial implications, encompassing personal safety, property damage, and significant logistical challenges.

Physical Strain and Injury

Moving involves considerable physical exertion, with a high risk of injury if not approached correctly. Lifting heavy items such as furniture, white goods, or stacks of packed boxes without proper technique can lead to back strains, sprains, or even more serious musculoskeletal injuries. Navigating stairs, tight corridors, and doorways while carrying bulky items further increases the potential for falls and accidents. Even a seemingly simple task like transporting a fridge freezer requires careful planning and strength.

Back and muscle injuries: Improper lifting, twisting, or carrying overly heavy loads.
Cuts and bruises: Handling sharp or awkward items, or accidental bumps against surfaces.
Falls: Tripping over boxes, navigating uneven ground, or losing balance on stairs.
Exhaustion: Prolonged physical activity can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

Damage to Belongings

Personal possessions are at a higher risk of damage during a DIY move without the expertise and specialist equipment used by professionals. Common causes of damage include:

Inadequate packing: Using substandard packing materials, not wrapping fragile items sufficiently, or overloading boxes.
Improper loading and securing: Items shifting, tipping, or crashing into each other during transit due to poor arrangement or insufficient securing in the vehicle.
Lack of specialist equipment: Without furniture trolleys, ramps, or specialist blankets, items are more prone to scrapes, dents, and breakages. This is particularly true for delicate items like artwork or when moving a large flat-screen TV.
Accidental drops: Slipping or losing grip on items during lifting and carrying.

Property Damage

Moving large pieces of furniture and numerous boxes can inadvertently cause damage to both the old and new properties. Walls, door frames, flooring, and banisters are particularly susceptible to scuffs, dents, and scratches. External elements such as garden gates, pathways, or driveways can also be damaged by heavy items or an unfamiliar hired lorry. For those in rented accommodation, such damage can lead to disputes over the security deposit and additional repair costs.

Time Management and Logistics

A DIY move frequently takes longer than anticipated, often due to underestimation of the tasks involved. Packing a household, even with a comprehensive moving checklist, is time-consuming. Loading and unloading a vehicle, especially when navigating tricky access points or multiple flights of stairs, also adds significant time. Delays can be compounded by factors such as:

Unexpected traffic: Leading to longer travel times between properties.
Vehicle breakdowns: Causing significant delays and additional costs.
Lack of reliable help: Friends and family may be well-meaning, but their availability or endurance might be less reliable than professional movers.
Parking restrictions: Particularly in city centres or congested residential areas, finding suitable parking for a hired van or lorry can be challenging and costly with council fines.

Vehicle-Related Challenges

Hiring a van or lorry introduces its own set of risks. Selecting the correct size vehicle is crucial; too small leads to multiple trips, while too large can be difficult to drive and park. Many individuals are unaccustomed to driving larger vehicles, which requires a different driving style and awareness, especially on narrow British roads or through busy urban areas. This unfamiliarity increases the risk of road accidents or damage to the hired vehicle, for which the driver is typically liable via insurance excess.

Financial Implications and Insurance Gaps

While DIY moving often appears cheaper upfront, several hidden costs can accumulate:

Van hire costs: Including daily rates, mileage charges, and fuel.
Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and protective covers.
Equipment rental: Trolleys, blankets, straps.
Food and drink for helpers: A common courtesy for volunteers.
Lost earnings: Taking time off work for the move.
Insurance limitations: Crucially, most home insurance policies often exclude damage incurred during a move, leaving possessions unprotected. Hired van insurance typically covers the vehicle, but not the contents. This means any damage or loss of belongings during the move could be an out-of-pocket expense for replacement or repair.
Unexpected repairs: Costs for property damage at either location.