4 DIY Moving Tips | ARC Realty
While there are many reasons to move, there are only two ways to get the job done: hire movers or do the job yourself.
There are definitely pro and cons to each solution. If you have the money to hire movers for the entire process from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking, then decision is a relatively easy one.
However, many of us find that our budgets are far more accommodating if we handle some (or all) of the moving process on our own.
ARC Realty has a few DIY moving tips are sure to come in handy whether you’re moving across town or across the country!
#1 Start Purging
Look around and start considering what you will and will not need in your new home. Now is the time to get rid of excess or outdated furniture or decorations that you no longer want or need.
Make a trash pile, a donation pile, and a garage-sale pile and sort through your belongings with a sharp eye toward the future.
By doing this, you’ll not only have less to pack, but you’ll also save the hassle of taking your collected clutter to your new home.
#2 Give Yourself Extra Time
Because moving is often a hassle, many people tend to start at the last minute and then rush through it. Therefore, make sure you space it out and give yourself time to pack and get everything arranged so that you’re not rushing at the last minute and simply throwing stuff in boxes or throwing everything away.
Figure out how long your move will ideally take (packing and all) and then add an extra day or two to the time you’ll allocate. Even if everything goes off without a hitch, you’ll appreciate the extra time you’ll have to unpack and get to know your new surroundings.
#3 Pack Systematically
When it comes to moving, there’s no substitute for efficiency. Therefore, the most important DIY moving tips are the ones that help make your move easier. One solution is systematic packing.
Always pack one room at a time and never mix the contents of rooms. Furthermore, label your packed boxes (ideally on the side of boxes so you can see which room each box belongs to even if the boxes are stacked).
Start your packing about a month before you plan to move; this will give you plenty of time to have everything ready by moving day. Remember to pack your essentials and “must haves” separately, ideally putting items you’ll need first in clear bins for easy identification once you get into your new home.
#4 Decide How to Transport Your Belongings
One of the most important decisions you have to make in a DIY move is how to get your possessions to your new place. If you’re moving across town, renting a moving truck may be the best choice. If you’re moving across the country, a moving container may be better for your budget.
If you’re renting a truck, reserve it early. Truck rental companies are busy, especially during the warmer months when most people choose to move. While you might be able to reserve your truck a week in advance, there’s nothing to lose by making your reservation 3 or 4 weeks prior to moving day!
At the end of the day, work smarter, not harder when planning your move. DIY moving doesn’t have to mean packing as much as you can into your car and transporting it in a series of trips all by yourself. With these tips we hope your move can plan ahead and have an easier, more efficient move.
Looking for a new home or someone to sell your current home? ARC Realty can help! Contact us today to get started on your search or to learn more about listing your home with ARC.
