You’ve got a big move coming up, and you’re thinking of exploring DIY moving instead of hiring your standard team of professionals. You like the option because it seems like it will be less expensive, and you’ll have full control over your move from start to finish.
Alternately, you might just want to try something new, or think that moving on your own will be a bonding experience with that special someone or your family members. No matter what the case may be DIY moving is a great option. Here’s what you need to know to pull it off successfully.
You’ll Need a Checklist 
First things first: you’ll need to get organized. When it comes to moving, a checklist is essential. Here at Colonial Van Lines, we took the time to compile a comprehensive moving checklist that you’re welcome to use during the process. You can find it here.
Outside of our checklist, you may want to compile your own. Since every move is different you know best what you need to pay special attention to and what you can’t afford to miss.
With this in mind, take some time in the weeks and months leading up to your move to make a comprehensive checklist. Do you need to have the dog boarded? What will your children do the day of the move? What should you start packing first?
Take time to hammer these details so that you don’t miss them on the day of the move.
What to Know About Packing
Packing can be one of the most complex details of moving. When you hire professional movers, they come into your home and do all of your packing for you.
With DIY moving, though, you’re on your own. Don’t worry, though, packing up your own home is far from impossible. Here are some guidelines to move you through the process:
- Start in least-used rooms. Start packing in your guest rooms, seasonal closets, and any other place you don’t use very frequently. This allows you to get a head-start on your move without interrupting the pace of your daily life.
- Ask for help. Professional movers come with a team of packing staff. If you’re interested in DIY moving, you’ll want to replicate that. Ask for packing help from your friends and family members. Many hands make light work when it comes to packing, and having plenty of people on deck is a great way to streamline and quicken the process.
- Label everything. Make unpacking a breeze by labeling everything as you pack it up. Each finished box should be labeled with the room it’s destined for, as well as a quick rundown of its contents. An example is “Kitchen: Plates & Bowls.”
- Load the trailer the right way. Packing a moving truck or trailer is a fine art, and it’s essential to master it in the world of DIY moving. The correct packing approach minimizes the likelihood of damage and keeps your items safe. The wrong approach creates broken glass and crushed boxes. That said, be sure to follow best practices and secure all items within the truck.
Considering the Distance of the Move: Renting Your Truck
Next, you’ll have to consider how you’re going to get all your items from Point A to Point B. The best way to do it, of course, is to rent a moving truck. While professional movers come with their own trucks, you’ll have to secure one on your own if you want to get the job done in a timely manner.
Renting a moving truck is far from rocket science, but it can still be a bit confusing. For best results, you’ll want to talk to your moving truck professional and do some online research before you begin. Here are a few things to consider:
- What size truck do you need? This, of course, depends on the size of your home and the volume of items you need to move. Once you decide which moving company you want to rent a truck from, head to their website and check out their truck size breakdowns. These guidelines will help you understand how much each truck can hold and what size you’ll likely need for a small apartment, large home, or other.
- What kind of vehicle do you need? Moving trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll have to figure out what kind of vehicle you want to use for moving. Do you need a van? A truck? A trailer? Talk to the rental company to narrow this down as much as possible.
- How long are you driving it? Most moving trucks are priced by the mile, as well as a fixed daily rate. Because of this, you’ll need a general estimation of how many miles you’ll put on the truck. While the moving company might not need this to rent the truck to you, understanding it will give you a better idea of your budget and overall expenses, and allow you to plan your move more effectively.
The Supplies You Need
DIY moving means you’ve got to purchase all your own supplies, and now is a great time to start making a list. Here are a few things that are required for every move, but don’t forget to add anything you may need specially for your move:
- Boxes
- Tape
- Packing material (peanuts, paper, bubble wrap, etc.)
- Markers to label boxes
- Dollies
- Lifting straps
- Mattress covers
- Moving blankets (to cover tables and other easy-to-damage items)
While you can get all of these supplies at your local moving store, you may also be able to find some of them second-hand or borrow them from friends who have recently moved. THis is a great way to save money and take a recycling-focused mindset to your move.
DIY Moving the Smart Way
Ditch the movers with these DIY moving tips! Have questions? Need supplies? Don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re always here to help you move!
