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Yes, it is cheaper to move yourself than to hire professional movers. The average DIY move costs $120 to $2,300, while professionals cost $890 to $2,570 on average or up to $12,000 for the longest distances. While you’ll save on the cost of professional labor with a DIY move, you’ll spend more time and energy packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking.

Cross-country moves are tricky and risky for your fish, so it’s often best to move the fish separately or rehome them. If you’re attached to your animals and determined to bring them, find a friend to house them and ship them to you once the new tank is ready. You can also contact your local fish store and ask if they offer temporary housing and shipping services until you get settled. If you’re moving to another country, it’s often best to sell the tank and fish, or find a good home locally. 

There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:

• Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.

• Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.

• Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.

• Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.

• Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.

• Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.

• Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.

The level of difficulty for this type of move depends on the size of the safe. However, even a small gun safe can weigh several hundred pounds. Since gun safes are large and bulky, they are typically difficult to move and transport unless you have the right equipment and plenty of professional help.