If you’re moving house and are keen to save money by doing the job yourself, then use the guide below to ensure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible so that you save time, money, and stress.
Plan Your Packing
If you’re going solo when it comes to getting your stuff from your current house to your new house, then getting organized as early as possible is the best plan. Start the process of gathering packing materials, such as cardboard boxes, crates, and bubble wrap, as early as possible, and ask friends and family members to do the same for you to avoid needing to spend out on these things.
Carry out an audit of each room to get a general idea of what needs to be shifted and how much there is to pack in each area of your house. Next, have a thorough declutter. Getting rid of unused or unwanted furniture and other household items now will save you needing to cart them to your new property, so go through your things with a fine-tooth comb, being really honest about what’s needed…and what’s not. Get the whole family involved in this process, and encourage your kids to go through their things, too; once you’ve gathered all of the objects that need rehoming, either donate them to charity or sell them online or at a yard or car-boot sale to raise some extra funds. Some charities are happy to send a van to pick up unwanted furniture that you’d like to donate for extra convenience.
When it comes to packing up your things, it’s a good idea to set aside one or two days to concentrate entirely on this task, rather than doing it piecemeal; this way, you’ll be able to get a good system in place and work through rooms methodically and consecutively. Make it clear which box is to go where in the new home by either labeling the boxes or using color-coding to designate a location.
To save on packing materials, use suitcases and laundry bags, for example, and put towels, soft furnishings, clothes and bedding into use as padding and protection for breakable items.
Rent a Truck or Trailer
Think, in good time, about renting a self-drive truck or a trailer to move everything from your old to your new property. Consider carefully what size of vehicle you’ll require to avoid paying over the odds for a larger size that you don’t need. Contact the rental company for advice if required – their experience means that, in most cases, with a few details they’ll be able to tell you what type of truck you require.
Have a look at this source for more information on U-Haul, a popular rental company that can provide their services in all states of the US; they have a huge fleet of vehicles of various sizes and hire out by the day at affordable rates. If this is an option that’s of interest, they can be contacted directly for a quote. They provide storage facilities, and a range of other moving services, too.
When organizing your truck, remember to ascertain the pickup and drop-off locations in regard to both your current and new home, ensure that these will be accessible for you, and clear your drive in good time.
Loading Up and Driving The Truck
So, it’s time to get moving. When it comes to loading up your truck, there are a few things to remember that will help things run smoothly. Firstly, heavy, bulky items like wardrobes and sofas should go on the floor nearest the front of the truck and need to be either secured with straps or wedged in using other items to prevent them from shifting around on the journey.
Lighter items can be placed higher up in the truck, although ensure these are well secured, too: ratchet straps are easily available and cheap and can be great to keep things in place. Drape blankets or sheets over furniture or any items that could be at risk of getting damaged or scratched.
Although it may be tempting to throw in a few loose items, try to make sure that everything is contained or boxed in some way to prevent it rattling around in the back of the truck as you drive.
When you’re on the way, take extra care to drive with caution, especially if driving a truck is something you don’t have experience with; it’s important to remember that the stopping distance in a truck – especially a fully loaded one – will be significantly greater than that of a regular car. It’s wise to have someone to guide you back as you reverse, too.
Unloading at the New House
You’ve made it – hooray! Use your labeling or color-coding to take boxes straight to the rooms in which they belong. It’s often best to unpack one room at a time, clearing away storage materials and mess as you go and work through the task methodically.
And next? Crack open some fizz, survey your new home, and congratulate yourself on a DIY move well done!
