How to Move Yourself

Moving your goods yourself can save you a great deal of money; here are ways to save on moving hassles as well.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appliance Dollies
• Boxes
• Rental Cars
• Markers
• Packaging Tape
• Packing Peanuts
• Pry Bars
• Markers
• Rental cars
• Boxes

1. Take an inventory of your possessions. Use this list to determine the number of boxes and the size of the truck you will need for your move.

2. Interview prospective truck rental companies, and ask what kinds of services and insurance coverage they offer. Be sure to check the quality of the company's rental vehicles as well.

3. Rent the appropriate size vehicle (trailer, truck or van). Most rental companies provide free guides to choosing a vehicle size.

4. Ask about the rental vehicle's pick-up and drop-off points; arrange the drop-off point to be as close to your destination as possible.

5. Make necessary travel arrangements, such as hotel reservations for a move that will take longer than a day, or separate plane or car arrangements if any family members will be traveling separately.

6. Rent or purchase appropriate moving aids, such as pry bars and appliance dollies for heavier furniture and appliances.

7. Sell or donate unwanted items - this will reduce your load and help make the moving process much easier.

8. Arrange to have family members or friends help you load your belongings at your old home and unload once you reach your destination.

Tips & Warnings

• Good packing materials and equipment are worth paying for.
• Think carefully about what you really need to take with you and what might be cheaper to replace or rent.
• Find help! Friends and family are an invaluable resource during this hectic time.
• Consider your health - don't take on more than you can handle.

[londonremovals]

on 10/13/2009 Doing your move yourself can be a big challenge especially if you are moving a large property or if you are moving long distance. You will need to think about how will you pack and protect your possessions, how you will transport them, will you need help to lift heavy furniture? what about time? Will you be able to get the time off work?
I agree it is very tempting to just hire a van and do the move yourself especially if you look at some of the prices you would have to pay to a moving company, but trust me unless you are physically fit and able and have enough time to plan and do all your packing etc, THINK TWICE.

Or just do like other people and take the bull by the horns, do it yourself, and decide to take pain killers for the next few days after your move.

[4wehelp]

on 8/26/2009 You didn't mention that you can hire professional moving help to load and unload your truck. It saves you money and your back. -4WeHelp, a Cincinnati Moving Labor Service

[xrayness]

on 7/23/2009 Moving requires a lot of planning. Have a long discussion with your mover before you agree to a contract.

[jsscouter]

on 4/16/2009 Great advice. I have done this several times and saved lots of money.

[jodiv]

on 2/5/2009 There is a great book called the "Slick Move Guide" that has a ton of moving tips, advice and a very detailed 10 page time line. Check it out on www.slickmove.net.