What You Need To Know For A Successful DIY Move

There are many benefits that come with hiring a professional moving company for your move.

Let’s be honest, assignments like sourcing moving materials and packing the house are not exactly something that sets pulses racing. And that’s before you even consider the actual hauling of belongings to and from the vehicle.

Thus, a professional mover is always a great idea, particularly 1). if we can swing it and 2). we opt for a full-service move that involves the mover handling every aspect of the move, from sourcing moving supplies to arranging furniture and hanging drapes after the move.

However, the downside of hiring movers is that it comes at a cost (obviously) and this can be a stumbling block for many.

A DIY move, on the other hand, allows you to trim your moving costs by up to a couple of thousand dollars, especially if we’re talking a long interstate move.

A DIY move can either be done using your own vehicle (although for this you’ll typically need a large van or POD, lest you’re planning to sell off or donate most of your items) or alternatively, hire a rental truck and drive it yourself.

Moving by yourself is WORK, though, truth be told, double so if you have family.

In order to pull it off successfully, you need to do lots of pre-planning and preparation.

Here are some few things to keep in mind if you want your DIY move to move swimmingly.

It starts with a timeline and proper plan

If you’re moving by yourself, it means you’re everything – from project manager to mover.

You need to start by creating a solid plan on how you’ll coordinate the move, otherwise it has the potential to be a chaotic experience.

Decide on the moving date, figure out what you’ll be moving and what you will not (see Declutter below), think about where you’re going to source moving materials from, the vehicle you’ll be using, and other such aspects.

Moving by yourself means you’re more flexible, but it helps having a schedule that you stick to dutifully.

A moving checklist is a must, not an option

As an extension of the above point, a moving checklist is central to everything you’ll be doing. Moving is a multi-pronged endeavor with many items that can be overlooked.

For instance, while your mind could be preoccupied with something like where and what moving supplies will be required OR how you’ll load and unload belongings OR where to take items you won’t be needing anymore, you could overlook something as basic but crucial like switching your utilities provider. Or getting a parking permit for your POD. Or booking the service elevator on moving day.

Therefore, having an exhaustive moving checklist helps.

Decluttering will ease the burden, literally

It goes without saying that the less you have to move, the easier it will be. That in mind, get rid of as much stuff as possible before the move.

Moving is always a great time to declutter, so write down everything you think is either old, no longer of use, could be better off in the hands of someone else, or can be bought at your destination. From the closet, to the kitchen, furniture, electronics – anything goes really.

You can donate these items or sell them on the second-hand market (online or offline).

You’ll need a helping hand

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a DIY move. You can’t move an entire home by yourself, unless you plan to offload most of your possessions.

Otherwise, consider enlisting some help to assist with the move. It can be family members or friends, or if this is not applicable, moving companies also offer labor-only services that you can always hire when need be – maybe with the packing, loading or unloading items, etc.

Prepare ahead of time

It never hurts to plan for any eventualities. Anything can go wrong on moving day, from strained muscles, to item damage, to bad weather.

Whether it’s bringing in extra help or wearing protective clothing, getting moving insurance, or preparing for the weather, anticipating and planning for the unexpected should give you some peace of mind.

Get an early start on moving day

Speaking of weather, whether you’re moving in summer or winter, it’s always advisable to start moving day early. It will help you beat the heat and avoid the heavy afternoon downpours.

To avoid traffic, you can either start very early or wait for mid-morning to avoid rush hour.