A DIY move can save you money and even help you bond as a family, but there is no denying that it is a lot of work! Thankfully, there are several ways to make your move easier and more efficient, thus reducing at least some of the stress. You definitely want to take advantage of tips from the pros for your DIY move, because they know their stuff!
The nice folks at Oz Moving, a moving company with a ton of experience in California and New York, have so kindly offered to share their knowledge with us in hopes of helping your DIY move go more smoothly. Read on for some super helpful tips – you definitely don’t want to skip these!
Use New Boxes
It can be tempting to reuse free boxes from the liquor store or a bundle you scored on Craigslist, but new is best when it comes to moving boxes. Old cardboard boxes aren’t as strong as new ones, so they put your valuables at risk—especially the heavy and fragile items. Keep in mind also that if one of them busts open, it can also lead to serious injury.
Want to use a mix of old and new boxes? Use the second-hand boxes for light items and non-breakables, like bed linens and clothing.
Declutter
When you have less stuff, it means you have less to move. Plus, decluttering will help your new home get off to the best start.
Go through your belongings and ask yourself:
- Do I need this?
- Have I used this in the past 2 years?
If the answer to both is no, consider tossing, donating, or selling it.
Take Photos
If you have to take apart furniture or disconnect a hundred wires behind your TV, take photos beforehand for future reference. A few snapshots can save you a ton of time when trying to put everything back together in your new home.
Involve the Kids
Your first instinct may be to get your kids out of your hair but try involving them instead. Not only can little hands help pack boxes and even assist with a yard sale to sell clutter. But they can also infuse some fun into the process.
Throwing a goodbye party for your old home or camping in the empty living room can help you have fun, de-stress, and bond. S’more treats are optional, but highly recommended!
Ask for Help
One issue with a DIY move is that you sometimes end up stubbornly carrying something on your own that is too heavy or working yourself to the point of exhaustion. This means that you are putting your health at risk. For help, you may want to consider:
Family & Friends: Call in the recruits to help you pack and move. Bonus points for offering drinks and food for their efforts.
Neighbors: Need help carrying that heavy dresser upstairs at the new house? Ask next door for a hand. Not only can they offer extra muscle power, but it’s an excellent opportunity to meet your new neighbors.
Professionals: Even if you didn’t want to hire the pros – you wanted to do the whole DIY move without assistance), it can be worth it to get professional movers for a few large and awkward items—for example, a piano or heavy treadmill.
And finally, remember to breathe. Moving is a time and energy commitment that is no stranger to stress. But if you take it one step at a time, your DIY move can be a great success.
I hope you will find these tips from the pros for your DIY move to be helpful. I sure could have used some of this sage advice when we moved five years ago!
Happy moving!
