DIY Moving Tips: How to Move Yourself

DIY Moving refers to the process of individuals or families taking full responsibility for their moving process, including planning, packing, transporting, and unpacking belongings, without the assistance of professional moving services. The concept of DIY moving gained popularity with the availability of rental moving trucks and portable storage containers, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to full-service movers. DIY moving is significant for its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the personal control it offers over the moving process. DIY movers typically save 50-70% compared to professional services. It is a preferred choice for those with a tight budget or for moves where professional services may not be necessary.

If you're on a tight budget or want to save money, one of the easiest ways to save on your moving costs is to do it yourself. And most times a do-it-yourself moving option is definitely cheaper than hiring professional movers. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an intrastate move with professionals is around $2,300, compared to approximately $600-$900 for a DIY move using a rental truck. This moving option is cheaper but requires you to do all the work: planning, packing, driving, loading, unloading a truck and unpacking yourself. If you're thinking of moving yourself, whether it's a local or cross-country move, there are several possibilities to choose from depending on your needs and budget.

Handling your own move allows you to move at your convenience, but don't underestimate how much work and how much money a do-it-yourself move entails. Packing, loading, unloading, and driving can be very time-consuming. On average, a DIY move requires 50-60 hours of work, including packing and transportation. Do you have that time? This is a hard job, make sure that you are physically capable of loading and unloading a moving truck on both ends of the move, unless you rely on family and friends to help.

85% of DIY moves are completed successfully without professional help. To make your move less stressful and to ensure that it goes smoothly, we've included some moving advice for do-it-yourselfers.

DIY Move vs Hiring Movers

Are you planning a move and trying to decide between a DIY move or hiring professional movers? Moving can be a stressful and costly process, but with the right preparation, it can also be a smooth and budget-friendly experience. In this Do It Yourself move guide, we will explore the pros and cons of a DIY moving compared to hiring movers, offer some tips for handling heavy and breakable items during the moving process, and provide guidance on managing the costs of your move.

While hiring moving service means leaving the packing and heavy lifting to experts, a DIY move involves performing all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself. Even while hiring movers might seem like the simpler solution, doing so might be pricey. But while a do-it-yourself move can save you money, it also takes more time and can be physically exhausting, especially when moving large or breakable items. To decide which choice is best for you and your budget, you should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative.

Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Before your move, declutter to simplify the process. Decluttering can reduce moving volume by up to 30%, lowering your rental truck needs. It's crucial to look through your stuff and establish piles of what you want to keep, sell or donate, and what you need to toss away before you start packing anything. By doing this, you'll be able to organize your belongings and simplify your move.

Make sure you are practical while disposing of goods. Throw away everything that is gathering dust, hasn't been utilized in at least six months, or is trash. Keep in mind that the less you have to pack and unpack, the less you will need to get go of.

It's usually a good idea to clean up your house before a do-it-yourself relocation. Go through everything you own and throw away anything you haven't used in a while. Undoubtedly, there are some things you no longer find appealing that just sit there gathering dust. You can utilize the money you gain from selling them at a garage sale to pay for your relocation expenditures. Donate to the charity instead of selling your items if you don't like the notion.

Make a List

Making a list of everything you own is one of the finest moving advices for making things simpler. Even if you don't have to include every single thing, you should put things together that are comparable. You can count how many shirts you have instead of listing each one individually.

Your lists can be divided into categories based on the rooms they contain. Alternately, you can create categories based on the item's size or purpose. Whatever you do, make sure to include everything in your existing residence so that nothing is missed throughout the relocation.

Gather Packing Supplies

Start packing your household items as soon as you've made the decision to move yourself. Utilizing the proper supplies and packing methods will help to ensure a smooth and well-planned move. Get packing supplies and moving boxes in a variety of sizes. To prevent items from wobbling during transit, use packing paper to fill in any empty areas in boxes and to wrap fragile items. As for moving boxes, it is advisable to select strong, corrugated cardboard boxes because they are more resilient and can support more weight than standard cardboard boxes.

Boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap are among the moving-related necessities, but you don't always need to spend a lot of money to get them. For instance, grocery and liquor stores are great locations to find free boxes. Other packing materials, including bubble wrap and tape, could be more difficult to find for little or no cost.

However, you might still get good deals if you bought them in bulk online or at a specialty store. Additionally, think about using items you currently have on hand if you need to cushion delicate goods. For example, blankets, pillows, and comforters can be used to line boxes and prevent your breakables from becoming damaged.

While gathering packing supplies, consider environmentally friendly options. Reports suggest that using recycled or biodegradable packing materials can reduce the environmental impact of a move by up to 50%.

Start Packing

Saving money is the main advantage of DIY packing but trying to do it well might be intimidating. In light of this, here are some helpful checklists and packing suggestions to assist you in doing this task independently in a way that will enable you to unpack and organize your new house swiftly.

Now that you're prepared to begin packing, take note of these suggestions for simple packing.

Go room by room, finish packing one area completely, then move on to the next room. Label every box. You can color-code them according to the contents, the room they belong in, or any other system you deem most effective. Use smaller moving boxes for heavier objects like books. For heavier items like pillows and blankets, big boxes are used. The remainder of the boxes are medium size.

Using small boxes for heavy items like books and dishes is one of the many packing tips that can make the moving process easier. Use padding when packing fragile items. You can use bubble wrap, newspaper, towels, or even linens as padding.

Similar goods should be packed together, and each box should be labeled with the room it belongs in addition to the contents. When you get to your new place, this will make unloading much simpler. Don't be afraid to use inventive packing strategies, such as putting clothes and linens in trash bags or carrying heavy items in suitcases. You'll be well on your way to a successful DIY relocation if you keep in mind these packing advice and supplies.

Rent a Moving Truck

Whether across town or across the state, you can rent a moving truck from local rental agencies or use your or family member's pick-up truck (this option works well for small local moves). Call a few truck rental agencies to find the one that is right for you. Remember not to call the truck rental companies at the last minute, sometimes you will not be able to find an available truck, especially at the end of the week and at the end of the month.

Here is a quick estimate of truck rental capacity so that you may get a sense of what to expect in advance.

10-12 foot trucks are suitable for studio apartments or smaller apartments.

14-17 ft. trucks are the medium size truck rental range that is perfect for relocating small offices and apartments with 1-2 bedrooms.

20-26 foot trucks are ideal for out of state or from large homes with three, four, or more bedrooms.

There are peak seasons in the moving industry too. Reserve the truck at least two weeks before the move. When renting a truck, you have to make sure that the truck is large enough for your move. You also need to be sure that you know how to drive the truck. There is a gas expense and, if you move locally, often you'll pay for mileage as well. Choosing the right moving truck is more than just about size. Recent data shows that fuel efficiency and ease of driving are significant concerns for 60% of DIY movers.

Consider Moving Containers

PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT are a few popular suppliers of moving containers. Before choosing a company, conduct your homework and compare your options as each one offers different container sizes and pricing possibilities.

If your move-out date is sooner than your move-in date, this is a fantastic alternative. If so, you will need a location to keep your belongings until the new house is ready. On the other side, you can transport your items from the container over the course of a few days, giving you some freedom, even though it might not be the greatest option if you want your items delivered at a very particular spot.

For long distance moves, a number of businesses provide moving containers, and each one functions slightly differently. However, this is how it generally operates:

You pack and load your possessions into a portable storage container after it is delivered to your place.
Once you finished loading your moving container, the company will pickup and deliver to your new residence.

Stay Organized

Maintaining organization is among the greatest moving advice for do-it-yourselfer. This entails keeping a record of what goes in each box and the locations of everything in your new house. Having a specific area for all of your moving items will also assist you avoid losing anything during the chaos of moving day. Your home will remain in the same state as when you started, and everything will run smoothly if you maintain organization.

Ask For Help

Call your friends or family members and start the work: pack the boxes, wrap and load your household goods and then unload your belongings into your new home. Make sure you have enough moving supplies, pads, and the right equipment. Most of the rental agencies now offer moving equipment and blankets. You will need to pad your furniture, valuables, antiques, and TVs, so they don't get scratched or ripped during the move.

Residential moving company employees are trained in safe lifting techniques and can spot goods that call for extra help or equipment right away. Despite their extensive training, even professionals get hurt. So think about how well you'll perform without the right instruction and consistent real-world experience. Additionally, what if one of your friends gets hurt while assisting with the haul? 

Insurance

Check with your homeowners' insurance or renter's insurance agency to see if your move is covered by them. You can also purchase additional auto and cargo insurance through rental agencies. It sounds easy, but it doesn't always go easy and smooth.

If you have heavy and large furniture and appliances, you may need extra hands. Consider hiring an extra hand by checking out our local movers and helpers, where you can hire laborers only for a few hours. In addition to saving your back on the heaviest items, professional loaders with experience can help you maximize the space in your rental truck.

Plan The Move

To avoid misunderstandings about where items need to go and who is assisting with what step of the process, make sure you plan out your DIY moving trip. Instead of rushing to unload every item before it gets dark outside, you can save time and make sure things go smoothly on moving day by planning in advance.

Consider how far you're moving from your current residence. You'll have a little more leeway if you're moving across town as opposed to out of state.

You'll find it easier to make a second trip if you stay in the same city. But you'll need to make sure you grab everything in one go if your move is hours away. Before leaving, you should examine your house again.

Driving a Moving Truck

A moving truck is not your everyday car, it is a completely other animal that will be heavily loaded, have poor sight, and burn up a lot of gas. If you've never operated a big truck, you might want to hire a pro for your relocation. You should at the very least familiarize yourself with the varied approaches taken when operating heavy vehicles as preparation. Even a short distance move can become challenging if the truck can't make it from point A to point B without becoming trapped on a tricky turn or low overpass.

Safe Lifting and Moving Tips

Moving day can be stressful, and it's easy to make moving mistakes, especially when it comes to handling bulky items. Safe lifting and moving techniques are essential to prevent injuries and ensure a successful move. Over 30% of DIY movers report minor injuries. First and foremost, it's important to avoid lifting heavy items on your own. Enlist the help of friends or family, or consider hiring professional moving company for assistance. When lifting large items, use proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and keeping your back straight, to avoid strain and injury.

In addition to lifting techniques, it's important to have the right equipment on hand to make moving heavy items easier. This includes using furniture sliders to move heavy furniture, and utilizing hand trucks or dollies for moving boxes and other large items. Take breaks and hydrate throughout the moving process, as fatigue can lead to mistakes and injuries. By following these safe lifting and moving techniques, you can ensure a smooth and injury-free moving day.

How To Load a Moving Truck

Loading a moving truck by yourself requires careful planning to ensure that everything fits securely and arrives safely at your destination. One of the most important tips is to place heavy and large items on the bottom of the truck. This will help distribute the weight of the load and prevent lighter items from being crushed or damaged during transport. Be sure to use a loading ramp to make it easier to load heavy items onto the truck. This will help you avoid injuries and prevent damage to your belongings.

Place lighter items and fragile boxes on top. This reduces the possibility of fragile items sustaining damage during transportation. Use packing materials like furniture pads, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your things. Use straps or ropes to secure everything to keep it from shifting while being transported.

Challenges in DIY Moving and How to Overcome Them

Emotional Stress and Family Dynamics:

Moving is not just a physical task; it's emotionally draining too, especially when you have kids who are attached to their current environment.
Solution: Involve your family in the decision-making process. Create a "moving calendar" with milestones and celebrations to make the process more engaging and less stressful.

Misjudging the Truck Size:

People often underestimate the size of the moving truck they'll need, leading to multiple trips or leaving things behind.
Solution: Consult with truck rental agencies and provide them with an inventory list to get a more accurate size recommendation.

Forgetting About Pets:

In the chaos of moving, pets can often be overlooked, leading to last-minute stress.
Solution: Plan a pet-friendly travel itinerary and make sure to pack a "pet essentials" bag with food, toys, and medication.

Ignoring Local Laws and Regulations:

Different states or even cities have specific laws related to moving, like truck permits or restricted moving times.
Solution: Research local laws and acquire any necessary permits ahead of time to avoid legal complications.

Lack of Technical Skills for Appliance Installation

Most people can pack a box, but disconnecting and reconnecting appliances is another story.
Solution: Watch instructional videos or hire a professional for a few hours to handle the appliances. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and cables.

Unique Insights and Practical Tips

Virtual Garage Sale: Use social media to sell items you don't want to take with you. It's quicker and reaches a wider audience.

Moving Apps: Utilize apps that help you inventory your items and give you a step-by-step moving checklist.

Weather Forecast: Check the weather for your moving day and prepare accordingly. A rainy day can ruin your furniture.

Emergency Kit: Always have a first-aid kit and emergency supplies like bottled water and snacks.

Time Management: June, July, and August are the peak DIY moving months, accounting for 60% of all moves. Don't just plan the moving day; plan the moving week. Allocate specific days for specific tasks.

Conclusion

If you're planning to move on your own, it's important to make use of available resources and tips to ensure a successful move. There are many DIY moving tips available online, from packing techniques to helpful moving videos, that can help you stay organized and on track throughout the moving process.

However, it's important to keep in mind that a DIY move may not be the best option for everyone. If you have a lot of fragile or antique items that require special care, it may be worth considering hiring professionals to assist with the packing and moving process. This can help ensure that your belongings are properly protected during transport and reduce the risk of damage or injury. Ultimately, the decision to hire movers or tackle a DIY move will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and timeline. With the right resources and preparation, you can successfully execute a DIY move or hire movers to make your moving day stress-free.