You've made the decision to move yourself. This is not a common occurrence. Every year, thousands of people move without the help of movers. It's certainly not an easy job.
The moving process is stressful even when you hire movers. But, it's much easier to decide whether or not you want to hire movers. We have compiled this step-by-step guide for your convenience.
How do you get yourself moving? This is our guide.
Step 1: Choose how you will move
Families Moving Themselves
The first thing you need to do is choose a moving method. You have a better chance of getting what you want on the move day if you choose your method early. You'll also be better able prepare your house for whatever method you select.
You Have Several Options for Moving Yourself
You can rent a Uhaul moving truck (Uhaul Ryder Penske Enterprise), if you have a valid driver's license and are at least 18 years of age. You don't have to be over 25 in order to rent a Uhaul truck.
You can rent a trailer (Uhaul). All you need to get a driver's license and be 16 or older in order to rent one from Uhaul.
A container service (PODS), is a great option if you are moving small items or a home. This is a great option if you require short-term storage before moving. They won't have the ability to deliver a container to you if your apartment is not in a convenient location. A POD, or similar service allows you to have the container dropped off at your convenience and then move in items as needed. This can be done within a matter of days. If you have to move out but don't want to leave your current home, one of these can be used.
You can borrow your friend's pickup truck if you only have small items to transport locally. A pickup truck can be rented from Uhaul and other rental companies.
You can pack your own stuff and hire movers to move heavy items. This option is best for larger homes with 3 or more bedrooms. It's possible to save money on moving by packing and preparing everything yourself, and hiring movers who will only move and wrap the boxes. This checklist will help you save money when you prepare to move.
It doesn't matter what option you pick, the faster you arrange your move option is the better. This is especially true during busy months from May to August.
Step 2: Get rid of unwanted items or donate them
You can save money by getting rid of items that you no longer need. It's easier to move if you don't have as many items.
You might consider having garage sales before moving so that you have some extra money for moving expenses like renting boxes and moving trucks. These charities can arrange a pick-up for free.
You can also read this article about how to dispose of old furniture prior to moving.
Step 3: Locate Helpers for Moving Day
You don't have to move all by yourself. It's not an easy job and you shouldn't end up in harm's way. It is best to hire at least 2 to 4 people (families, friends) who are capable of helping you move.
For anyone willing to assist on the moving day, give your friends at least a week's notice.
If you hire friends to help move your stuff, be aware that they may not have the experience of professional movers. Asking your friends to help you save money if your furniture is not expensive is a good idea. Make sure they have plenty of drinks and food. You might even take them out to eat at the end.
A website called "Hire A Helper" can be used to locate able bodies to move large objects you are not able to lift.
Step 4: Buy packing materials
Lowe's and Home Depot are the best places to purchase moving boxes and paper. You can find tape and mattress bags online at a fraction of the cost.
You can save money by using your linens and blankets instead of buying expensive furniture protection pads. If you don't want to purchase them, wrap the furniture in these items and attach it using tape or a large rubber band.
You will need packing materials
You can choose from small, medium, large, dishpacks and wardrobe boxes. This is a guide to how many boxes are needed for your move.
Packaging paper
3 to 6 rolls of packing tape
Sleeping Bags
Tape Gun
Markers
This post will help you find low-cost packing materials.
Step 4: Start the Packing Process
Moving will become less stressful if you begin packing as soon as possible. You should start packing at least two weeks prior to your move.
Here are some quick packing tips for moving yourself
You can use actual moving boxes - While it may seem tempting to shop at your local liquor store for cheap, used boxes, you should not. You should not do that. These boxes don't have the right dimensions and are not suitable for transport. Lowe's or Home Depot are the best places to purchase boxes. These boxes cost between $1 and $3 per box.
You should know what goes in which box. Heavy objects like CDs and books go in small boxes. For light objects like comforters and pillows, large boxes can only be used. For moving, you will need more boxes of smaller and medium-size and less large ones.
You can pack room by room - This ensures your items aren't mixed up. Label each box with the name of each room, and any items to ensure you have a clear understanding of what's inside.
Make sure to wrap your fragile items in packing paper.
Make a Daily Essentials box - Use this to store toothbrushes and deodorants as well as medications. This will save you the time of searching through endless boxes to find these essential items whenever you are in need.
You must correctly tap your boxes - Three pieces of tape are required on each side to properly secure a moving container. First, wrap the tape tightly around the seam. Then add two additional pieces about half an inch from the seam. To add protection to the boxes, wrap another piece of packing tape around it.
You can use heavy-duty dish packs for fragile kitchen items. Heavy-duty dishes packs have double-walled containers that are thicker and stronger than ordinary boxes. Your fragile items will be more secure if it is dropped or smashed.
Wrap Breakable Items with Towels & Linings - Use your towel and linens for wrapping. You can also save money on packaging paper.
You can use your suitcases to carry heavier things like books. Your suitcase's wheels allow you to pack heavy items and it will still be easy to move around. You can also save money on additional boxes.
Step 5: Hiring a Babysitter or Petsitter for Move Day
Your pets and small children are the most likely to slow down your move day. Although pets are easier to handle because they can be moved outside or into a designated room, small children might need to be watched on move day. On moving day, a relative can take your pet to the movies or the park.
No matter what you do, make sure that your pets and children are not in the way of moving day. You can make the whole process slower and even cause injury to them.
Step 6: Get the moving equipment you need to move.
You should rent the equipment and tools needed for moving if you're renting a truck. You may need to go to a U Haul location to rent equipment if you're renting a container for moving. You won't require any of this equipment if the movers are only moving heavy furniture.
Moving and Tools
Furniture Dolly
Appliance Dolly with Straps
Four-Wheel Dolly
Extra Straps & Tie Downs
Furniture pads and/or blankets
These items are essential if you wish to safely move. Moving items on wheels is always safer than carrying them around. These videos will help you learn how to move furniture or other heavy objects.
Step 7: Learn the basics of moving boxes & furniture
Below are some links and videos that will help you learn how to safely and effectively move your furniture. These methods will help you keep yourself and your belongings safe when moving.
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