The woman is seated on a couch, with several packed boxes in the background, indicating that she is prepared to move.

DIY Moving: Tips, Options, and Considerations

  • Legal Editor

Having to move is often related to some life-changing event, such as getting married or landing a new job. Sometimes the move is related to separation, divorce, or job loss.

Self-Moving

Do-it-yourself moving is the least expensive option, but it has risks. 

First, since you are not a professional mover, you increase the chances of injuring yourself or damaging your valuables. Plus, the moving process is both physically and mentally demanding.

You will need to manage many tasks yourself, such as packing, renting a truck, and getting help to load and unload the truck. 

If you can find some inexpensive labor to help, that might be your best option.

Consider Your Options

  • You can choose to rent a moving truck
  • Use a self-service moving container company, such as PODS
  • Move all of your furniture and household items using your own van or truck. 

Renting your own van or truck is only suggested if you have very little to move or you are moving to a location that is very close to where you used to live.

Renting A Moving Truck or Van  

Most people choose to rent a moving truck. Renting a moving truck has long been one of the more popular choices for short moves. 

The benefits of renting a truck are that you can move most of your belongings into a single truck.

Using a U-Haul Van for small loads and short distances can be very inexpensive. If you’re moving to a location that is not close to where you are moving from or have too much to move, you should consider renting a truck.

Most large U-Haul Rental companies have a wide variety of truck sizes, from an 8ft truck all the way up to a 26ft truck.

Renting Relocation Containers – PODS

The moving-container option is quite popular, but it is much more expensive than renting a truck and doing the hauling yourself. With a company like PODS, the container is dropped off at your home or apartment, and you pack and load your belongings into the PODS container yourself.

When you’re ready to move, the container is conveniently picked up from your home and shipped to your new address or one of their regional storage locations.

Getting Your Move Organized

For do-it-yourself moving, carefully consider each step involved, and check out the truck and storage rental companies. 

  • Get A Big Enough Truck

    Make sure you get a truck that’s big enough for all your possessions. Professional movers have mastered the art of fitting numerous objects of varying size, shape, and weight into a limited space – undamaged. You’re not a professional mover, so the risk of damaging something or yourself is more significant when you choose to move.

  • Calculate Distance

    Calculate the distance you’ll be driving so you can estimate the mileage charge. Remember to include gas costs and any tolls you’ll encounter on the way.

  • Moving Equipment

    You’ll need to consider equipment such as dollies, furniture pads, flashlights, tape, cartons, and packing materials.

  • Relocating Your Vehicles

    You’ll also need to consider your vehicles and how to relocate them to your new residence or where to store them.

  • Appliances and Fragile Equipment

    Appliances may need to be specially prepared for moving, and so may sensitive computers, printers, and electronics. You can make childcare arrangements for the considerable time you’ll spend packing and loading.

  • Motel-Hotel

    If you’ll need to spend the night at a hotel or motel during your move, check into the cost and consider making a reservation.

  • Pet Planning

    Remember to factor your pets into the plan. You need to know how you will care for them during the move.

  • Insurance

    You’ll need insurance for the truck, your possessions, and insurance for yourself. If you are renting your new home or apartment, consider purchasing rental insurance as soon as you move in. Also, be sure to check that you’re covered for liability and property damage when driving the rental truck.

For More Information, Connect With An Online Do-It-Yourself Truck Rental Near You.

 

 

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