If you have a move ahead of you, you may be looking at the cost of professional movers and thinking you can do a better job for less money if you DIY the task. DIY moves can be a great money-saving tool, but before you jump on board, here are some things you need to know.
1. Know You Will Need Help
Do-it-yourself can make it seem like the move is handled 100% by you and you alone, but this is simply not true. You will need help, and a lot of it, for a successful move. Make sure you plan some help, and choose reliable helpers. Remember, even professional movers do not tackle the job without a team of people.
When you ask people to help with your move, offer them a meal as a “thank you” for their work. Remember, moving is physically demanding, and your friends are doing you a big favor, so make sure you reward them. Also, when they need help with a move, pay it forward by offering your help as well.
2. Rent the Trailer Early
If you’re renting a moving truck or trailer, and you should to ensure you aren’t making multiple trips back and forth, you need to reserve it early. You may not need as large of a truck as you think, though. A 26-foot moving truck is typically large enough for a four-bedroom house’s belongings. You can rent one for less than you think, but make sure you reserve it as soon as you know your moving date to ensure you can get a truck.
3. Utilize Storage
Self storage can make your move just a little easier. If you rent a storage unit early in the process, you will have a place to stash your stuff during the move. After you pack a box or decide you can live without a piece of furniture for a little while during the move, you can put it in the storage unit. You can also use the unit to store your belongings if there is a gap between moving out of your existing home and into your new one.
4. Get an Early Start
Start packing as soon as you know you’re moving. You can pack items now and not use them until you get to your new home, so pack those. Off-season clothes, holiday decorations, and excess furniture or electronics can all get packed early in the process.
5. Declutter Now, Not Later
Moving is a great time to unload some clutter. If you have something in your home that you haven’t used in years, don’t just pack it and move it to your next home. Get rid of it. Chances are you won’t be using it at your new home either, and leaving it in your belongings just means having to pack and unpack it. This is extra, unnecessary work.
6. Don’t Skimp on Supplies
One of the reasons you’re doing your own move is likely to save money, but moving supplies is not a place to try to skimp. You need to get some quality moving boxes and supplies, or your stuff may get damaged in transit. This is the place you want to spend a little money, and don’t forget to get some bubble wrap to protect your most valuable items.
7. Pack with Unpacking in Mind
As you pack, think through what will happen when you unpack the boxes you’re packing. Can you organize things so that items designated for one particular room are grouped together? Can you make the unpacking process more logical by including parts and cords with the items they go with, carefully connected to each piece? If you pack with unpacking in mind, the entire moving process will go so much more smoothly.
8. Pack an Essentials Kit
An essentials kit has the items you will need on that first night in your new home. These are your clothes, basic tools, important paperwork, credit cards, PJs, and nighttime bathroom supplies. Keep this suitcase or box separate from all others, so you can easily locate it when you arrive in your new home. If you use a box, clearly label the box as your essentials kit.
9. Add Moving Equipment to Your Rental Truck
In addition to booking a rental truck, consider booking moving equipment. You will want to have furniture pads, dollies, and straps available to you when you move. Sometimes this equipment comes with your rental truck, but you will need to verify. If it does not, ask if you can have it added. While it will create an added fee, you don’t want to be without these essentials on moving day.
10. Don’t Forget the Pets and Kids
There’s no way you’d forget your kids and pets when you actually move, but have you thought about what you’re going to do with them on moving day? Depending on the age of your kids, you may need a babysitter to take care of them while you’re focused on the move, or you may need to send them to a friend's house for the day so you can work on the task at hand. For pets, a pet sitter or even a boarding facility can help you keep them safe and out of the way while you move. All of the doors opening as you haul stuff in and out is a recipe for a pet to bolt, and the added stress of the move can make running away more likely. Protect your pet by putting him somewhere safe for the move.
Moving is an exciting time as you look ahead to your new home, city, or town. Yet it‘s also often stressful. You can reduce the stress and increase the chances of a successful move by paying attention to these 10 things early in the process. Check each off of your “to-do” list, and prepare for a fast and easy move.
