New Homes Today Magazine
Tips for the Do-It-Yourself Mover
Make Your Move Simple and Efficient
By Joanne Fried
When making the move to your beautiful new home, use the most cost-effective and innovative moving solutions available. The following tips will help do-it-yourself movers save money and effectively plan their moves.
Planning for the Big Day
The first and most important thing to do when moving is to plan your move in advance. Nearly 45 percent of all moves occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so reserve your moving equipment early if moving within this timeframe. You should make your reservations at least two, but preferably, four weeks prior to your moving date.
When choosing your moving date, keep in mind that most do-it-yourself movers plan their moves for Friday and Saturday. Avoid the weekend rush. Typically, Sunday through Thursday offers greater equipment availability and rates may be lower during this time.
Also, allow time for the rental process. Conduct a walk-around inspection of the equipment at the time of pickup to become familiar with its features and operation. Ask questions and read the equipment user's guide. If you'll be needing a carpet cleaner, rent it where you rent your truck or trailer. This can save you time and you can carry the machine in the truck instead of in your car.
Once the equipment is in your possession, be sure to monitor it just as you would your own personal vehicle. For example, periodically check the oil level, tire pressures and lighting systems.
Simplify Your Life
Pack your boxes strategically. Choose a "packing room" ahead of time and box up a few things each day. Mark each box with its contents and destination room. That way, you and your helpers will know where each box belongs in your new home. Pack items you know you'll need (sheets, towels, toiletries, tissues and a change of clothes) in your clothes hamper on moving day and you'll know just where to find them at your new place.
If you're moving on a weekend and need to be fresh pressed Monday morning, put your dress clothes and an iron in a separate suitcase you can spot in the crowd of boxes.
Wardrobe boxes are invaluable when moving. Not only do they let you move clothes directly from the closet, there's room at the bottom of the box for shoes, throw pillows and linens. Have all your boxes packed before you rent your truck.
Hitting the Road
When it comes to loading the truck or trailer, load the heaviest items first, in front and on the floor. Make an effort to pack all items firmly and closely. Load houseplants last and unload them first. Also, pack kitchen snacks such as crackers, nuts and cereals last so you can get to them as soon as you arrive. This is especially important if you have children!
Keep a toolbox handy during a move and pack it with things you're likely to needfirst-aid items, tape, scissors, pocketknife, markers, soap, paper towels, rope, plastic sandwich bags, a notebook, pen, screwdrivers, wrench and hammer. This is a useful and important strategy, although it is often overlooked.
If you have pets, you may want them to spend moving day with a friend or other family member. They can't understand the moving process and may become confused and frightened.
Once leaving the old house for the new, keep a utility log to check the service-transfer dates. Leave the power and water on for a few extra days at your old address so you can come back and clean up later.
Master Planning
The most common mistakes people make when moving are due to lack of planning. These include waiting until the last minute to reserve a truck or trailer (remember, summer is the busiest moving season of the year), not packing boxes ahead of time and not making arrangements at the destination for help unloading. Don't subject yourself to the undue stressmake it a priority to plan ahead in every aspect.
Play it Safe
Be extra cautious when it comes to your rented moving equipmentit contains your material life! The simplest and most important step in protecting yourself, the rental equipment and your belongings is to always secure the back door of the truck or trailer with a padlock and make sure all doors are locked at all times. Double check all locks, cab doors and pull-down door at every given chance.
When parking, make sure to park your rental equipment legally in a well-lit area. Back up your rental equipment as close as possible to a garage door, building or wall and, if you can, park another vehicle in front of the rental truck. If parking at a hotel, park your equipment close to entry doors. If parking at a restaurant, park where you can see your vehicle from the window.
Prior to moving, look into your homeowner's insurance policy, as some policies will cover belongings while moving as long as the insurance policy is in force during the move.
Now that you have everything packed, organized and planned, its time to throw on your "get dirty" clothes, hop in the truck and make your move!
Joanne Fried is the Director of Media and Public Relations for U-Haul International, Inc.
