Moving can be a difficult and stressful experience. You have to pack up all of your belongings, find someone to help you with the heavy lifting, and then unpack everything when you get to your destination. If this is not something that you want to do on your own, but don't think it's in your budget for professional movers either, it may be time to consider DIY moving. It's true that many people get the help of professional movers who provide packaging services and insurance, but what if you don't want to pay that extra cost? Below we'll discuss some things about do-it-yourself moving that can help make your move less stressful and more affordable.
Looking for the best moving labor help? MyProMovers is here to assist. Read on for DIY moving tips and tricks!
1. Decide what you want to do with your stuff
The first step in any DIY move is to figure out what you want to do with your belongings. You have a few different options: you can sell, donate, or trash everything. If you're moving across the country, it may be worth it to sell some of your larger items that won't fit in your car. Donating is a great option if you want to help others while getting rid of some things you don't need anymore. If your stuff is in good condition and fits into the budget, it might be worth selling everything that can bring in money or won't be used during the move.
2. Pack efficiently
When you're packing for a DIY move, it's important to be efficient. This means packing everything into boxes and labeling them accordingly. You don't want to have to search through boxes filled with clothes when you're trying to find your pots and pans. If you're not sure what goes in which box, take a look at the guide below.
- Clothes
- Kitchen Items
- Books and Media (VHS, DVDs, CDs)
- Glasses and Dishes
- Personal Care Products
- Home Decor/Accessories
This will ensure everything is packed up in a way that makes sense to you so there's no confusion about where things go in your new home.
3. Get help
Even if you're doing a DIY move, it's always helpful to get some help from friends and family members. This can be especially true if you have large furniture or appliances to move. Ask your friends and family for assistance in getting these items from your old home to your new one. Not only will this make the process easier, but it will also save you some money on moving costs.
4. Plan the move
Make sure that you plan out your DIY moving trip so there's no confusion about where things need to go and who's helping with what part of the process. By planning ahead, you can save time and ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day instead of frantically trying to get all of your belongings unloaded before it gets dark outside.
5. Use a moving truck
If you're going to do a DIY move, it's probably best if you rent a moving truck. This will make the process much easier and more efficient since you won't have anything blocking your car or trying to fit into limited space on public transportation. You can even find some trucks that offer tailgate service so friends and family members don't have to lift the heavy boxes. Also, make sure to get the correct size truck for your belongings and budget.
6. Use the right tools
There are a few essential tools you'll need for your DIY move. These include boxes, packing tape, scissors, markers, and labels. You can find these items at most local stores or online. It's also helpful to have a dolly or hand truck to help move large furniture and appliances. Even though you won't have professional movers there to help, the right tools can make moving a breeze.
7. Prepare yourself
Even if you do everything right, moving is still a stressful and busy time so it's important to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. This means creating an emergency plan in case things go wrong on moving day such as your truck breaking down or boxes getting wet from rainwater while being moved outside. Having a backup plan in place will ensure that your DIY move doesn't become a disaster.
8. Stay organized
One of the best tips for a successful DIY move is to stay organized. This means keeping track of what goes in each box and where everything needs to go in your new home. It also helps to have a designated spot for all of your moving supplies so you don't lose anything in the chaos of moving day. By staying organized, you can ensure your home is in the same condition as when you started and that everything goes smoothly.
9. Label everything
If you're going to do a DIY move, it's important to label each box and keep them in order. This will make the unpacking process much easier after your long journey from one home to another because nothing will be lost or misplaced along the way.
10. Don't forget essentials
Another important tip for a DIY move is to make sure you don't leave anything behind. If there's something essential that you need on moving day, make sure it's packed up and ready to go in your car or truck before heading out of your old home. This will ensure nothing gets forgotten along the way and that everything is there once you arrive at your new home.
You'll need to take a few days off from work, pack up your belongings and make arrangements for the time you won't be home. But if you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of packing everything on your own, don't worry! We have an in-house team that can help with all aspects of your move - including packing and unpacking. Contact MyProMovers today at (703) 310-7333 for a free moving estimate so we can get started planning out how much space is needed in our truck or storage facility.