- Legal EditorHenry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator
Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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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 being wrongly terminated from your job.
Do-It-Yourself Moving (DIY)
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 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.
