Self-moving game play-through
When you really think about it, there was a time when you had no professional moving companies. Back done, self-moving was the only choice you really had. So how hard could it be? Not that much in fact. You should simply look at it as a challenging game that you need to win. There will be different levels and difficulties such as packing and handling, transportation, unpacking etc. But with a little guidance, you’ll be able to get through it like an expert.
When compared to full-service moving companies, self-moving is an extremely cost-effective way to go. In fact, it’s a decision which could end up saving you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. And like in any other game, you simply need to establish a plan and find allies to help you with certain challenges.
The guide to an ideal self-moving adventure
Whether we are talking about a local Miami move or interstate Florida move, it matters not. In the end, a couple of essential guidelines well help you complete the challenges that lay ahead stress-free. The important thing to remember is that even though you won’t be hiring professional Miami movers, you should still consider following professional moving advice.
Entry level – conducting an inventory of your belongings
Compose an inventory of every item you have room-by-room. Bigger furniture and fragile items should be specially marked. An inventory list will then establish an overall cost of your move. This in turn will also help you organize the tasks to come. In addition to this, a proper inventory check will give you an idea of the tools needed. Basically, it’ll help you know what moving equipment and supplies you will need for the journey ahead.
In case you have a bigger home and bulky furniture to move, consider finding allies to help with your struggle. With the inventory you have, you can then also determine the value of your belongings and the need for insurance. Last step of the entry process would be determining the amount of time you will need to set out. When doing this, consider any factors that might affect your self-moving progress:
- job requirements
- family obligations
- finding a new residence and vacating your current one
We would also advise that you consider making a checklist to help clear your tasks one by one. This will also ensure that you don’t forget any crucial parts of the process.
Level one – rid yourself of unneeded possessions before self-moving
Go through your belongings and clear out extras by de-cluttering. All things not worth keeping should be disregarded to lighten your weight for the burden of self-moving. In case you’re emotionally attached to certain treasured possessions, consider the option of a secret stash – storage rental. This will help keep them safe until you can find a suitable place or use for them. Items that are simply taking up space should be disposed of by:
- Donation to those less fortunate
- Marketplace in the form of a garage sale
- Presenting them as gifts to family and friends
Consider replacing some old possessions when packing for moving to another place. Sometimes it is much cheaper to buy new furniture and appliances when the time comes than to relocate the old ones. And since you are self-moving, you will certainly have the budget for new things.
Level two – acquiring self-moving supplies
By now you’ve got everything sorted out, so time to get your hands on some packaging supplies. You’ll be able to purchase these types of materials at any local market. And in case you need something specific, there are also professional Miami movers that deal in packing supplies. Here’s a checklist of supplies you should make sure to get:
- Boxes– of all sizes. Boxes with dividers are desirable for bottles and glasses, while original boxes for appliances and the sort are ideal and quite time-saving.
- Tape and markers– always a must-have supply for the packing process.
- Newspaper– as the initial, most basic protection.
- Bubble wrap– you will need to take special care in regards to protecting fragile valuables from breaking during transportation.
The journey ahead is long, so make sure that you know how to properly pack and take care of fragile items.
Level three – getting the right tools for the job
Before deciding on what equipment you might need for your self-moving task, you need to consider the method you’re gonna go with:
- Moving by truck. When considering truck rental companies check the prices, but also their locations. It is good that you have the pickup location close to your current home, but also the drop off location to be close to your new home.
- Self-moving container/pod. This way you will not care about the actual transportation. All you need to do is to pack and load your stuff into the container. Another company will take care of the transportation of the storage container to your new place. Once transported, you will need to unload it there.
To load all of your belongings onto the truck you will need the proper equipment. Consider renting utility dolly, furniture dolly, appliance dolly, moving pads and may be some moving straps.
Bonus level – finding allies to aid you in your journey
Having the best equipment and conditions for the task does not necessarily mean that it will be easy. There is still the need for man power to load and unload the things, as well as pack and unpack them. So why not reach out to reliable allies – family members and friends. Let them know of your self-moving plan and call in a favor. You might not be able to have all of them help on the same day, but as long as you delegate the tasks among them, you won’t need them all on the same day. Some can help with the packing and loading, while others can help with unloading and unpacking.