Preparing For A Do-It-Yourself Move

Determine if a do-it-yourself move would be appropriate. A do-it-yourself move is worth considering when you are making a short move across town, when you are moving relatively small amounts of goods, when your move is not underwritten by your employer, or whenever financial considerations make it necessary.

Decide if you are prepared to do everything associated with the move, from packing to truck rental to loading and unloading.

Moving Supplies

Start collecting clean boxes, unprinted newsprint paper, and other packing materials as soon as you know you will be moving. You may be able to purchase unprinted newsprint from a local newspaper, paper warehouse, or art supply store. Don’t use printed newsprint…it stains.

• Get heavy-duty cartons from liquor stores, supermarkets, and other stores. You can also buy movers’ cartons from paper warehouses and from mail order supply houses (if you plan far enough in advance).
• Get a supply of bubble wrap for packing fragile items.

Visit your local trailer rental dealers and franchises. Ask questions! Trailer dealers have specific answers about such things as choosing the correct truck or trailer; renting accessories; calculating box requirements; packing particular items of property; loading trailers properly; and reserving storage space at your destination. Many also have racks of useful and free or low-cost literature.

• Compare the prices and options available: one-way rental rates, bumper hitches, hand trucks, side-view mirrors, furniture pads, boxes and packing materials, tape, etc.
• Three to four weeks in advance of your move, reserve a truck or trailer and any other items you will need from the trailer rental companies.
• Consider getting liability insurance for the rental truck or trailer. These can be expensive to fix or replace if you have an accident.

Moving a Car

If you have more than one car, decide how you will get it to your destination-drive it, ship it, tow it or pull it on a trailer-or if you are going to sell it, store it, give it to a relative, or do something else with it.

If a friend or a relative will drive one of your cars, make sure they have a good driving record and that your insurance company covers another driver.

Before you decide to tow a second car with your primary car, read the owners manual of the towing car to determine if it is capable of towing a vehicle. Don’t forget to budget the cost of a tow package.

Boats, trailers, motorcycles, etc. may require special equipment or techniques to be towed. If you are uncertain, ask the trailer dealer, the state police, or the auto club about procedures and costs.

Preparing for Moving Day

Ask friends in advance to help load and unload your trailer. You will be surprised how quickly the move goes with five or six helpers.

When moving day comes, make a party out of it. Offer sandwiches or pizza and soft drinks. Beer is a nice addition too, but only after the job is done.

Keep young children out of the way when the actual move is taking place. Arrange ahead of time for a babysitter or neighbor to watch them during the day, but do allow them to watch their rooms being packed. Let them keep with a few of their favorite stuffed animals to sleep with during the move.