If you are planning for an upcoming move, and you’re looking to save big amounts of money, then doing it yourself is the best way. Hiring a professional mover can definitely save you time and energy, but it won’t save you any money. It’s because moving companies are quite expensive to hire. Fortunately, there are less expensive ways for you to move, such as by renting a moving truck, trailer, or moving container. These can also make it possible for you to move without having to hire a moving company.
However, if you have larger items to move, such as a piano, valuable antique, hot tub, or other heavy appliance, those things are best left to the professionals when moving. For those items, a specialty moving company is what you need to handle them when moving. But most of the other items at home can be moved easily just with the help of a few friends or family members.
If you are planning for a self-move but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Today, we are giving you the best tips on how to plan for a self-move.
Recruit Helpers
When we say self-move, it does not actually mean really moving by yourself. When planning for a DIY move, you need to find reliable help. If not, you might just end up with broken belongings or a broken back. Whether it’s your friends, family, or hired help, make sure that whoever you enlist is trustworthy and dependable.
Rent a Moving Truck or Trailer
Renting a truck or a trailer can help make your move much easier. It is also cheaper compared to hiring a moving company. But of course, the ultimate cost of your rent will depend on the length and time that you will rent the truck, including all add-on services needed.
If you are looking into renting a moving truck or trailer, you need to reserve your truck rental or trailer ahead of time, especially during peak moving season. Before you select a truck rental, ensure that it is the right size you need. If in doubt, it is better to go a size up so that you will have plenty of room for all of your belongings.
You also need to make sure that you rent a truck from a company that has a pick-up and return center near your old and new home. And when renting a trailer, ensure that your car is capable of towing the load.
Start Your Moving Early
When your moving day comes, it is better to start early, especially if you are looking into beating the heat. If you are moving during the summer months, you need to aim to get on the road by 10 am at the latest. If you are thinking about traffic, then you can aim for either early morning or mid-morning departure to avoid the rush hour commute. Also, when you start early on your moving day, you will have plenty of time to unpack and unwind in your new place before dark. Meanwhile, if you are looking for reliable trailers for hire, open the given link to access our top recommended site.
Declutter Your Things Before Moving Day
The fewer things you have to move, the easier it will be. Therefore, it is also great if you can declutter your things as much as you can before moving day. For example, you can clean your closet, pantry, and bookshelves. If you have things that are still in good condition, but you no longer need them, you can also sell them or donate them to charitable organizations.
Make Sure That You Use Proper Moving Boxes and Supplies
When moving, never use flimsy boxes if you do not want your valuables falling out. Before packing, ensure that you have the best boxes and supplies for the job. Some of the specific boxes that you can use are corrugated boxes, wardrobe boxes, telescope boxes, bankers’ boxes, and plastic bis. You can also use bubble wraps, moving straps, foam pouches, newspaper, and heavy-duty packing tape to keep fragile items safe.
Pack an Essentials Kit
You also need to pack an essentials kit when preparing for your first night in your new home. It’s because the last thing you’ll want to do is to open all the boxes trying to find your toiletries and underwear. Some of the essential things that your kits should include are medicines, toothbrushes, money and cards, IDs, and other important items. You need to keep this essentials kit separate from your other belongings and label it clearly.
Choose to Move on a Weekend
There are several major advantages of self-moving, and one of those is the convenience of moving at your own leisure. Many pricey moving companies often opt for a Monday through Friday move due to costs. But if you are moving by yourself, then you can choose to move on a Saturday or Sunday without the need to pay extra or miss your work. If you are looking into moving on a weekend, then you need to start early so you will have two full days to get situated in your new place before heading back to work.
Rent Some Moving Equipment
Aside from renting a moving truck, you can also rent some needed equipment that will help you on your moving day. Some of these include heavy-duty appliance dollies, furniture dollies, and furniture pads. These will help you move big and heavy furniture and appliances easily and safely.
Prepare Ahead of Time
You need to make sure that you are prepared to move when your moving day comes. Also, a lot of unexpected things can happen on your moving day, such as bad weather or strained muscles. Therefore, you need to be ready. If you are moving during the summer, it’s essential to have sunscreen, portable fans, and cold towels. If you are moving in the winter, then make sure that you wear proper clothes, bring salt for sidewalks, and turn your heat on before moving in. And no matter what season you are moving, it’s essential to bring a full day’s supply of bottled water for you and your helpers.
These are the best tips we can give for planning for a self-move. No matter how many times you move, each time may feel overwhelming because of all the things that you need to accomplish. But by remembering these tips and suggestions, you’ll be able to have a less stressful self-move.
Move-In Day Essential Supplies
Relocating to a new house is both an exciting and stressful experience. There is a long list of things you must do in the weeks leading up to the relocation. Nevertheless, there is one thing you can do to get ready for the move that will simplify the adjustment to your new house. Having all the necessities on hand will make moving day much less stressful. Avoid a last-minute panicked search for essentials on a moving day by storing them all in one convenient location in this package.
1. Overnight Bag
Prepare for an overnight stay like you were going away for the weekend. Include your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, pajamas, and a change of clothes.
2. Clean Bedding and Pillows
It’s remarkable how much calmer and more orderly a room may feel once the bed has been made. After a long day of moving, you’ll be grateful that you can collapse on a clean bed.
3. Fresh Toiletries
Pack the toiletries, towels, and other necessities for a relaxing bath or shower. Bring at least one roll of toilet paper and one each of hand soap, hand towels, washcloths, and bath towels for each of the bathrooms at the new home. Remember to pack a shower curtain if your new place requires one.
4. Cleaning Essentials
Even if you plan to clean up your new place before moving day, it’s still a good idea to stock up on some cleaning essentials just in case. The movers and their boxes will bring filth and dust into your home. There are many moving parts, so accidents and messes are expected. Clean up the house a bit before putting your stuff around.
5. Emergency Medical Kit
You should always carry a basic first aid kit with you. When unpacking, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in case somebody gets a scratch or scrape.
6. Flashlight and Toolkit
A basic toolset is a moving-in essential; a small toolkit is practical on hand on a moving day because you can never predict when you might need pliers or a hammer. A backup light, such as a flashlight, may be helpful when moving to a new place. It’s always possible that the power won’t come on when it should or that a previous tenant has removed the light bulbs.
7. Basic Kitchen Essentials
Dish soap can be included in a tiny bottle or jar to conserve space and weight in the essential kit. Ensure everyone in the family has their cup, plate, cutlery, and utensils. Bring a single pot that can do double duty as a water boiler and a stir-fry pan. If it takes more than a few days to get your belongings to your new home, you should pack this necessity.
8. Supplies (paper, pens, tape, scissors)
You should identify the rooms of your house so that the movers know where to put the various boxes. A Sharpie, some paper, and some tape will do the trick. Use labels or floor layouts to show people where to go. These are some scenarios in which having a pen and paper on a moving day could prove helpful. Bringing these supplies is always wise because you never know when you need them.
9. Mobile device power banks and wireless speakers
On a moving day, you could use up much battery time making calls or listening to music while unpacking. Leave home with your charger so you can top off your battery! Having an upbeat or calming playlist stored on your Bluetooth speaker is another great way to keep stress at bay.
10. Food and Drinks
Moving is a strenuous physical activity. Keep some drinks and snacks on hand. Put the water bottles in the fridge at the new place of residence before you move in so that they are cool when you arrive. If you can’t take the water with you, put it in a cooler full of ice. Convenient on-the-go munchies, like protein bars, are always welcome. Energy-rich fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes are also wonderful to have on hand as moving-day snacks.