The Ultimate DIY Move Guide

What is a Do-It-Yourself Move?

In a DIY move, you handle the heavy lifting, literally. You’re packing, loading it onto a truck, driving that truck yourself, and then unloading and unpacking when you arrive at your new home. No hired help whatsoever, though getting a few friends to help is probably a good idea, as long as you make it worth their while (think pizza). The point is, you’re not enlisting professional help in a DIY move, so understanding the task ahead is crucial to your success.

When it comes to moving, the best part of doing it yourself is all the money you’ll save. Moving is expensive enough on its own, and if you’re able to shed the cost of hiring movers and a van line, you’ll likely save a ton. Still, it’s crucial that, should you decide to go the DIY route, you don’t underestimate the task at hand.

Pros

• Saves money (in most cases)
• Full control over belongings
• Schedule on your own time

Cons

• Requires more time and work for you
• No insurance on belongings
• Experts are likely better at moving your things

Planning and Scheduling

Setting a schedule (and doing your best to adhere to it) is crucial to having a successful move day. The best way to do this is to start with a rough outline, and refine it as the details materialize. For example, you probably know when you have to vacate your current home, but you might not know when you’ll have access to a rental truck. Starting with your move out and move in dates and fill in from there.

Three Anchor Dates

Current Lease End Date

This is when you have to be out of your current home. You absolutely cannot schedule your move after this date. If you are unable to move into your new place by this date, you’ll have to consider storage options for your belongings.

New Lease Start Date

This is the ideal day to schedule your move, though you’ll likely be able to move in after the date your lease begins. If you’re moving into an apartment building or a condo, make sure management is aware of your plans. Sometimes you have to schedule elevator time.

Move Day

This is the date of your move. It might be the same as your lease start or end date, but it might not. This is the day you’re moving your belongings to your destination city, and into your new home. Have everything packed in advance of this date.

Scheduling Tips

• Try to make your move-in date as close to your move-out date as possible. The entire process is easier if you don’t have to put things in storage, even for a short period.
• The hardest part of scheduling is making sure you have enough friends or family members to help. Getting everyone’s schedules to match up with your own is very tricky, so contact more people than you think you’ll need, with as much advance notice as possible.
• Don’t forget to let your current and future property owners know your move-in and move-out plans. You might need to reserve elevator time, as well as time to park so you can load and unload belongings in front of the property.
• Figure out the relevant dates so you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll need in terms of transporting your items, and getting help from friends.