There’s no doubt about it: Moving is expensive business! If you’re trying to save money by doing it yourself, here are four tips that can help keep you sane on moving day.
Get Help.
Enlist a group of trusted friends or family members to help you the day of your move. They’ll appreciate it if you start early in the day, especially if the forecast shows hot weather or rain. You can also make the day easier for them by having your packing finished and having a moving day plan in place. Make sure you feed your helpers and have plenty of water for them.
Plan Ahead.
Moving isn’t just about the day you load the truck. It takes weeks to be ready for your move. Start packing early. You’ll be happy that you took your time to pack carefully and in an organized way rather than rushing and doing a sloppy job. Make sure you have enough packing materials – boxes in various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. You can also use other containers in your home to pack, like baskets, hampers, suitcases, or laundry baskets. Don’t move them empty!
If you’re renting a truck, reserve it several weeks before you move, and make sure the pick-up and drop-off locations are convenient to your old and new homes.
Be Prepared.
There are a lot of variables on moving day. Be ready for them! Have a first aid kit handy for minor injuries and scrapes, and have plenty of water available, especially if you’re moving on a hot day. Pack an overnight bag for everyone in your house that includes the essentials they will need to get through a day or two of transition. Buzzfeed suggests also packing a clear plastic tote with items you’ll need as soon as you move in. Set your tote and overnight bags in a place where they won’t get packed into the truck.
Be Organized.
One of the reasons for beginning your packing early is that it makes it easier for you to be organized as you pack. Each box should be labeled not only with its contents but with the room where it is going at your new place. Use small bags or boxes to keep small items like screws or fixture pieces together and from getting lost. You can lighten your load by doing a round or two of decluttering before you pack so that you don’t move anything you don’t want or need.
What advice do you have for someone planning a DIY move?
