Seven Tips To Keep In Mind When Moving By Yourself

Moving never comes easy. On the whole, it usually equals additional expenses. Aside from that, moving requires time, energy, and extensive planning. However, that is not to say you cannot tackle its challenges in your own time.

For one reason or another, you may not be in a position to hire moving professionals. What’s more, you could be interested in taking charge of your relocation. And if this is the case, we have prepared some DIY moving tips that are sure to come in handy. So let us get started!

1. Pack Ahead and Start Early

If you are moving by yourself, the best course of action is to plan the relocation ahead. And the same goes for packing your belongings. Do not wait until the last minute to get your ducks in a row. Instead, do yourself a favor and start putting away the items you do not need six to eight weeks before moving day.

Similarly, try getting a head start on your big day. Aiming for an early morning or mid-morning departure will help you avoid the rush-hour commute. It will also ensure that you have enough time to unpack your essentials and unwind in your new home in the afternoon hours.

2. Reach Out to Your Friends and Family

Just because you have decided to take the wheel, it does not mean that you have to do everything by yourself. In fact, it is crucial that you find people who can help you with your move. For this reason, do not shy away from enlisting the help of your friends and family.

If possible, see that you get at least two to four people on board. Also, let them know a few weeks in advance about your moving day. That way, all parties involved will have enough time to prepare — yourself included. To that end, make sure to properly insulate the furniture you will task your helpers with. After all, accidents happen, and your friends and family members are not professional movers.

3. Declutter and Dejunk

The fewer belongings you have, the better! Make things easier on yourself by decluttering and dejunking before moving day. Not only will the move go faster, but you will also save money on moving supplies as well.

Start by purging your bookshelves and closet. Look for items you no longer plan on using or wearing, and try selling them online. Additionally, consider donating larger household goods or furniture to charitable organizations. And if in doubt, holding a yard sale can be a helpful option.

4. Get the Right Moving Supplies

If you want your valuables to be transported safely, you would do well to get the right moving supplies. In other words, do not cheapskate on packing materials. To give you a better idea, here are some supplies you might need:

• Boxes (small, medium, large, dish packs, or wardrobe boxes)
• Bubble wrap
• Foam bags
• Packing paper or old newspaper
• Packing tape

With that said, keep in mind that you can always use some of your belongings to protect the furniture. For instance, blankets and linens will do almost as good of a job as moving pads. All you need to do is wrap the furniture with them and secure it with large rubber bands or packing tape.

5. Rent a Moving Truck, Van, or Container

Depending on how many belongings you have, renting an appropriate vehicle or container is the best way to go about your relocation. As a matter of fact, rental moving trucks are a popular choice among DIY movers.

Moving trucks often come with a loading ramp. Having one will make it easier for you to load and unload your items on move day. It is also one of the reasons why you should opt out of using a personal vehicle. Plus, you will not have to worry about overloading it or causing unsolicited damage to your belongings.

6. Rent Moving Equipment

Along with getting the right moving supplies and renting a moving vehicle, moving equipment should be on your checklist as well. All in all, you are bound to have larger items that will need transporting.

By choosing to rent some moving equipment, you can make manual labor less taxing. Furthermore, this will see to it that all your valuables are moved safely. And if you are wondering what your options are, this list might help:

• Appliance dolly (with straps)
• Bonus straps and tie-downs
• Four-wheel dolly
• Furniture dolly

7. Stay Safe by Staying Knowledgeable

Once your DIY move is set, go the extra mile and take the necessary safety precautions. There is no denying that dollying up a couple of boxes and loading them onto a truck may seem like a walk in the park. But what about moving furniture and appliances down the stairs?

As such, do not forget to get acquainted with the basics of moving heavier items. Learn how to use different moving equipment to transport your furniture, and stay safe.

Take DIY Moving One Step at a Time

By and large, DIY moving is no easy task. Still, following the tips we have mentioned above will help you address its shortcomings head-on. To handle whatever issues may arise during the process, taking the relocation one step at a time is your best bet.

All things considered, you should make sure that you are well-prepared for moving day. To that end, do your research, do not forget to pack up all of your belongings, and last but not least — enjoy the unique experience!