This article was written to help make moving on your own an attainable task.
When you need to keep your moving budget to the minimum and need to do things DIY style it doesn’t mean you have to give up on professionalism.
With our tips, you can learn to prepare and pack like a pro so that the move itself will go over stress-free and swiftly.
Moving Options
From full-service moving options to family and friend-reliant moves, there are many choices you can make and moving can be done at any budget. Pricing Van Lines is here to simplify things, give you local tips, and overall keep things affordable and professional.
Moving like a professional while doing it yourself can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Here are our tips written by the pros to help you achieve a professional-level move on your own and affordably.
- You can opt for a full-service VIP move
- You can opt for only loading and unloading services paid by the hour.
- You can purchase only the packing services
- You can rent the truck yourself and do it all on your own DIY style
- You can build your custom package and choose all or none of the above, it is all up to you and your needs and budget.
No matter what you choose, Pricing Van Lines will keep it within your budget and keep things affordable.
DIY Moving Tips
Ahead of time prep
- Create a moving timeline that takes into account holidays and personal events at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the moving date.
- Make a detailed list of tasks you will need to accomplish with due dates for each item (packing, utilities, change of address…).
- Get your hands on boxes of all sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels. This way you are prepared to pack when motivation strikes.
- Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. The less items you need to move, the more you can save.
- Pack one room at a time to stay organized. Work strategically to keep things organized.
- Clearly label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs.
- Keep a detailed inventory of your belongings, including valuable items so nothing gets lost. Take pictures of valuable or fragile items for insurance purposes if you do choose to partially utilize moving services as part of your DIY plan.
Packing tips
- Use towels and clothes to fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting.
- Keep heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to keep boxes balanced.
- Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap and mark those boxes as fragile.
- Use suitcases for books and heavier items, as they have wheels so will be simpler to move.
- Disassemble beds, desks, and other large furniture to save space. Keep all their parts together and labeled so nothing gets lost. Store screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
The move itself
- Ask for assistance from friends or family on moving day and ahead of time to pack up.
- Consider ordering pizza and beer and having fun music playing to keep the day fun and everyone in good spirits.
- Rent a truck suitable for your amount of items. Choose the right size truck to avoid multiple trips don’t go too small or cut it too close. Since you are not professional you will likely require a bit more space as you won’t work as efficiently so account for this when booking your truck.
- Rent or buy moving dollies and straps for heavy lifting if you don’t own them. You can ask a local store to borrow.
- Load heavy items first, followed by lighter boxes. Secure everything with straps so nothing will fly around and get broken. Fill all gaps with smaller items and soft goods to prevent shifting during transport.
The drive to your new home
- Familiarize yourself with the truck’s size and handling, especially if it’s larger than what you’re used to. Do a quick drive around the block and on the highway to get a feel for the drive.
- Plan your route ahead of time, considering any tight turns and routes to avoid them.
Home Sweet Home
- Unload boxes by room to simplify the unpacking process.
- Unpack essentials first, like toiletries and kitchen items.
- Arrange furniture in your new space before unpacking boxes to maximize efficiency.
- Try to begin unpacking the main rooms you use, such as your bedroom and living room, first and in the first few days so that the task doesn’t become a long, dragged-on burden. If necessary, you can opt for an unpacking service to help you.
- Set up your utilities at the new place ahead cancel your subscriptions for your old home and pay off any debts.
- Update your address with the post office.
Other Services from Pricing Van Lines
- Local moves within a specific city or region that are full service.
- Cross-country relocations.
- Full packing, partial packing, or unpacking services.
- Professionally handle items into and out of the truck without having to book a full-service move.
- Short-term or long-term storage options.
- Taking apart and putting together large furniture pieces.
- Handling of pianos, antiques, artwork and other fragile items.
- Shipping of vehicles during relocation.
- Basic liability insurance coverage or additional insurance for valuables.
- Business relocations, including office equipment and furniture.
- Overseas shipping and customs handling.
- Extra support for elderly people transitioning to new living situations alone.
Final Helpful Thoughts
By following these tips above and understanding the moving services you have at your fingertips, you can effectively manage your DIY move like a professional.
Planning, organization, and a bit of teamwork from the family and friends can transform a huge task into a manageable and even funny experience.
Good luck with your move. No matter what services you choose, it will be great! Plan like a professional, and your move will feel professional!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle and plan for a move with many pets?
Your furry family members are the most loved yet don’t have a say in the move. Prepare them by booking a doggy sitter or doggy day care for the day of the move so that you aren’t stressed about them getting lost while things are astray and to avoid them being stressed from the changes in their common spaces.
When you arrive at your new home and they are brought home, make sure their corner of the house is prepared with their food and water dishes, bed, and toys in one central area. Give them plenty of treats so they will associate the place with good things.
Your pets need to feel they have their safe space since their surroundings have now changed, so they don’t get stressed out. Try to stay home with them initially while they get used to the place, and take them for long walks.
Where can I find cardboard boxes to begin packing?
There are ways to buy or even take free cartons. Most movers are happy to deliver you boxes for a fee when you book with them or ask them to throw in a few for free. You can also buy them at hardware stores.
Another option is to go to grocery stores and request their boxes from their daily deliveries. You might even want to consider buying plastic cartons instead if you will keep some things in storage.
What is the best way to remain motivated to move?
Deep breathes and self-appreciation. Every time you finish packing up a box or room, take a minute to celebrate your accomplishments.
Acknowledging the small things helps you reach the bigger ones. This will keep you motivated and help family morale. Finishing up packing a home and cleaning it is a bigger task than usual. Reward yourself.
What is your top tip for a first time mover?
When you plan your move date, book assistance from your friends, family, and the younger generation ahead of time, you are preparing for success.
I highly recommend knowing a list of dates that works best for your close family members who have agreed to help with the move so that you can find a mover that can work around these time and date limitations.
What is the important to do before moving?
Research and set goals. Plan ahead of time your moving schedule, and checklist and book your affordable movers to keep prices in line with your budget.
Planning ahead and getting rid of all that excess clutter before moving day will save you more than you would ever imagine. Don’t take my word for it; check out our client’s tips and tricks!
