Everything You Need to Handle Your Move Yourself

Performing a residential move by yourself is a formidable task that requires careful planning, a resourceful approach and proper preparation.

The rich experience of professional movers allows them to handle the relocation process quickly and efficiently, but if you decide to do without their services, you'd better come up with a good moving strategy, allow yourself enough time, maintain your focus and get hold of all the essentials for your moving endeavor.

Moving boxes

Convenient, practical and affordable, moving boxes provide the most efficient method for shipping household items. For a successful DIY move, you will need plenty of clean and sturdy packing boxes of assorted sizes.

You can order brand new ones online, or purchase them from local moving companies, but it is also possible to get empty boxes in good condition for free from local businesses or friends, colleagues or neighbors who have recently moved.

Cushioning and wrapping materials

To prevent damage to your possessions during transportation, you need to avoid shifting inside the boxes, and be sure to seal them properly. Make sure you have plenty of adequate packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, cushioning foam and packing peanuts.

A dolly or hand cart

Having a dolly is of paramount importance when moving by yourself. An upright utility dolly with two wheels allows you to stack and move multiple boxes at once, while a furniture dolly with a large flat base and four wheels is very convenient for moving bulky furniture and large appliances.

Furniture pads

To pack larger household items, such as furniture and appliances, you’ll need plastic wrap and furniture pads. Wrap the entire piece, paying special attention to the corners and the protruding parts, such as legs or handles, and use lots of packing tape to hold the wrapping in place.

Furniture pads also provide a reliable and easy method of sliding large and heavy items without scraping and denting the floors. Bulky and awkwardly-shaped furniture and appliances cannot be just lifted and carried around, so pads will be of unparalleled assistance.

Moving straps and ropes

When it comes to carrying heavy pieces, moving straps are key. They can also be used to secure items to a dolly, and hold them in place inside the moving truck.

Hand tools

Various small tools will be your best friends during the moving process. You’ll need them for disassembling furniture pieces, removing doors from the hinges, measuring the available space and the dimensions of your belongings, cutting, sealing, repackaging, and securing items.

Make sure you have a pair of scissors, a box cutter or a razor blade, screwdrivers, a hammer and a wrench, and a measuring tape.

Personal protection gear and property protection materials

On moving day you will need maximum protection and flexibility, so opt for:

• Comfortable clothes made of breathable and flexible materials according to the current climate conditions.
• Sturdy shoes with anti-slip soles.
• Work gloves, which will provide a better grip, as well as protection for your hands.

Don't forget that you need to prevent damage to your property to be able to get your security deposit back (if you are moving out of a rented home) or to sell your place under favorable condition.

Use plywood sheets, carpet film protectors (or large cardboard pieces and old fabrics taped securely together), corner guards and foam padding to keep your old property intact. Some cleaning supplies will also be necessary to ensure the good condition of the home you are leaving.

A good moving strategy

Organizational skills, a focused approach and flexibility are as crucial for a successful DIY move as the right tools, reliable moving equipment and adequate packing supplies. So, make sure you have:

• Enough time. Start the moving preparations as early as possible.
• A good plan. Create a moving calendar that includes all the relocation-related tasks you need to take care of (according to their priority and chronological order), and determine the time frame for their completion.
• A detailed inventory. Sort out your possessions, sell or donate the ones you will no longer need, and make a detailed inventory list of everything you are going to take with you.
• The right attitude. Remain focused and keep your sense of humor throughout the entire moving process. Avoid hasty decisions and hectic actions, and don't allow stress to build up and ruin your moving experience.

Helping hands

The assistance of family and friends is essential for a successful self-move. It is simply impossible to plan and organize all the aspects of the moving process, sort out and pack all your belongings, and lift and carry all your household items to and from the moving vehicle all by yourself.

Ask your reliable friends for help, provide some snacks and drinks, and use the opportunity to spend some fun moments together.

Means of transportation

Last but not least, however perfect your preparations may be, you just cannot move house without a moving vehicle. You will need to rent an appropriate-sized moving truck to transport all your household items to your new home.

Don't forget that in addition to the rent, you will have to pay for the fuel, vehicle insurance, road tolls and parking fees.

All the above essentials will make your DIY move easier and safer. Good luck!

Related:

• Home Away from Home: Moving and Putting Down Roots Across the Country
• 5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• These Apps Will Make Your Next Move a Breeze

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