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HIRE MOVERS OR MOVE YOURSELF? HOW BEST TO MOVE YOUR HOME

This is a question that plagues all people on the move. And like most decisions, the answer is different for everyone depending on numerous factors such as time, money, difficulty and complexity of the move. If you’re moving across town, a self-move may make more sense than if you’re moving across the country. Still, to ensure you’re making the best decision, it’s a good idea to weigh all options.

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So, before we begin to ask ourselves some questions, decide first what your first priority is; money or time or a bit of both. Knowing what is the most important factor will help lead you to a satisfying answer.How Much Stuff Do You Have?For a general idea of what it will cost to move your household, use the guide most truck rental agencies use, and count the number of bedrooms. Here’s a sample truck-size guide from U-Haul:

• 26′ will move 4+ bedrooms
• 24′ will move 3-4 bedrooms
• 17′ will move 2-3 bedrooms
• 14′ will move 1-2 bedrooms
• 10′ will move an apartment

How Far Are You Moving?

Check rates on the cost to rent a truck to move from Point A to Point B and factors in the type of move (one-way or return). Remember when you’re moving one-way the cost can increase by 50% or more.

Okay, so that covers the fee to rent a truck, but what about gas costs and mileage? You’ll have to factor both in when determining the cost of renting a truck vs hiring a moving company. Both costs need to be added to the truck rental fee if mileage is not already included.

Once you’ve answered these two questions, call some moving companies and ask for a sample quote over the phone.

So, now you have a cost-comparison between hiring a company or moving it yourself. Now, if this is all you’re concerned about, then you can pretty much stop right here and make your decision. But if time is important to you, then you can also weigh the various options in between; from hiring a company to pack, load and ship, unload and unpack your goods, to hiring a company just to load, ship and unload your household or to do it all yourself. Here are some final questions to ask:

• How much time will it take to pack your things, load your things and drive it all to your new destination?
• Do you have additional help? Friends, family, neighbors or colleagues that can lend a hand?
• Do you have fragile or special items that will require special handling? Can you move these items yourself? If not, what will it cost to move them?
• Will you need to rent additional equipment/supplies/hired-hands to move larger items such as appliances?
• Are you confident that you can move your household goods safely?
• Are you aware of hidden costs that can creep into your move, such as additional insurance or packing supplies?

PACKING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED TO PACK AND MOVE YOUR HOUSE

When you move or relocate, to make sure your household goods arrive at your new home without a scratch, start with a good packing list of the packing materials you’ll need to pack and move your house. This is an area where you can cut down on moving costs if necessary, just keep in mind that doing so may increase the time you need to pack – having to double wrap items – or unpacking – newspaper results in dirty glassware.

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Your time is valuable and paying that little bit extra for good packing material may also buy you peace of mind.

Packing materials and supplies can be purchased at a local moving retailer, a mail service store, or an office supply outlet. However, for the best choice and most variety, go online. By taking the time to surf the Internet, you can compare prices and find specialty items that may be difficult to purchase at a local retail shop. Be aware that some packing and moving suppliers deal with large companies, so you will need to make sure you are able to purchase smaller quantities.

To save money, used moving boxes are available from grocery stores or liquor/ wine stores. Give the store manager a few weeks notice so he or she can put aside what you need. Also, find out when the store receives large shipments and ask what time they will finish unloading. Remember that it is more difficult to securely pack items in used boxes as they tend to be larger and more cumbersome.

Just make sure that the boxes are strong and not damaged before using them for your household move.

Specialty Moving Boxes

Specialty moving boxes are available for purchase from stores and online. Artwork and mirror boxes are stronger and shaped to fit, and most come with – or with an option to purchase – frame protectors
Frame protectors can be secured to the corners of the item to prevent damage during the move. Purchasing corrugated cardboard may help protect glass surfaces and keep items separated while in transit.

Lamp boxes, guitar boxes, mattress and crib boxes are some of the specialty packing supplies available online. For most people, these boxes are not necessary. Not so for file boxes. Arriving at a new destination with nothing but empty file folders and papers strewn on the bottom of a box, can take days to sort and organize. File boxes are a simple tool to keep your documents sorted and sealed even after moving houses. File boxes can be purchased at any office supply store.

Accessories

Other nice to have items are things like packing tape and packing paper. Most people on the move are able to manage with a pair of household scissors instead of a box cutter, markers instead of printed labels and newspaper instead of packing peanuts. However, the more organized you are, the faster and easier the move. If you purchase items for the sole purpose of moving, it is easier to set aside a packing materials’ box so all your supplies are within reach. Scissors and markers can quickly disappear when a project is due at school.

One item highly recommended when it comes to packing is a tape dispenser. A tape dispenser will save you time, frustration and your teeth! 

QUICK AND EASY PACKING TIPS TO GET YOU PACKED AND MOVED FAST

Packing can seem like it’s pretty easy to do and something that only requires a box and things to put in it. But to save time, energy and even money, we’ve come up with a​ ​packing tip list that will help you get things done with most being quick packing tips that are easy to do.

Gather packing supplies before you start.

There’s nothing more frustrating, then having to stop half-way through a packing session to get more supplies.

Packed boxes should weigh less than 50 pounds.

Pack heavier items on the bottom.

Stuff boxes with extra stuff

Such as socks, scarves, pillow cases and other small fabric items in holes and crevices in boxes – just make sure you keep pairs of socks together!

Pack small items in small boxes

Then place them into a large box. Label all boxes, large or small. Small, loose items should be boxed or bagged and sealed securely before placing into a larger box.

Know which items should not be packed – items that your mover will not move.

Keep an inventory list of each box and its contents. It will be necessary if a box goes missing and you need to make a claim.

Keep clothing in dresser drawers.

Tape drawers shut with tape that won’t destroy wood finishes or paint.

Pack essentials

Keep a box labeled “Load last, unload first” for the essentials you’ll need when you arrive. Read more about what to include in your essentials box.

Keep important records with you

Don’t move them with the rest of your household goods. If you can’t take them with you in the car, then send them on ahead with a secure courier company.

Fill empty spots with lighter linens

It can be done with your washer and dryer, and the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator.

As much as possible, keep items where they belong

For example, when packing the silverware/flatware, keep it in its’ tray then tape bubble wrap around it to secure the contents. It is easier than sorting out all those pieces after your move.

Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to the underside of furniture.

Make sure you bag them first.

Keep tools you’ll need to reassemble furniture in a separate box that is clearly marked.

I usually keep an all-purpose screwdriver in the glove compartment of our car for just such purposes. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home late at night, wanting to put the bed together and not knowing where the screwdriver is.

Do not use standard garbage bags!

They rip and tear too easily. If you’re going to pack linens and clothing in garbage bags, purchase the thicker heavy ones, to ensure they don’t break during the move. Or double up. Some moving companies don’t like you using garbage bags so check first if you can use them to pack. The great thing about garbage bags full of clothing is that they can be squished into nooks and holes, protecting furniture and using less space. 

Keep items from the same room together

It will make it easier to sort the contents after you move.

Get everyone involved

Make a task list, then dividing out the jobs that each person can do. Organizing your household will not only save you time and energy but will make your whole family feel like part of this adventure.
Get started now! It’s never too late to plan, sort and start packing.

BEST TYPES OF MOVING BOXES FOR YOUR PACKING NEEDS

Moving boxes are the same weight and quality as ordinary shipping boxes—unless you purchase the kind made from thicker cardboard that allows for heavier packing. So the question most people have is whether you should purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who’ve recently moved?

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The answer is usually found in a combination of need and cost. For expensive, fragile or sentimental items that you don’t want to be damaged, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase new moving boxes.

When choosing to purchase moving boxes, keep these tips in mind:​

Don’t Overpack Moving Boxes

The rule of thumb is that each box should not weigh more than 50 pounds. Even if you’ve hired movers, remember that you may have to move the boxes yourself, from one room to another, so make sure you’re able to lift them. Some boxes, such as a wardrobe moving boxes or electronic boxes, may naturally be heavier. Just try to keep the number of boxes over 50 pounds to a minimum.

Types of Packing Boxes

1.5 cubic foot moving box (16 x 12½ x 12½ inches): This box is used the most and can safely carry up to 60 pounds. Again, aim to keep the weight under 50 pounds. This box is great for books, for packing kitchen items, dishes, fragile and small appliances, lamps or shades.

3.0 cubic foot moving box (18 x 18 x 16): This box can safely carry up to 65 pounds. It’s great for clothing, pots and pans and electronics.

4.5 cubic foot moving box (18 x 18 x 24): This box can safely carry up to 65 pounds and is great for larger lamps, linens and larger kitchen appliances.

6.0 cubic foot moving box (22 x 22 x 21 ½): Can carry up to 70 pounds, but a word of caution: Do not overstuff this box, as it can become very heavy.

Use this box for pillows, toys, large blankets and couch/chair cushions.

6.1 cubic foot moving box (24 x 18 x 24): This box is a rectangular shape and may work better for blankets and comforters and cushions. Use it for objects that do not fit properly into the 6.0 cubic box.

Hanging wardrobe boxes: These come in various sizes (small, medium and large) and include a metal bar and shaped just like a wardrobe. They are great for hanging closet items that you can’t pack flat. Just remember that they are heavy and take up a lot of room. If you can pack clothes flat, this will save you some money. Some movers use these boxes to move chandeliers or delicate wind chimes that are better to move hanging than flat.

Lay Down Wardrobe Moving Box (approximately 32 x 19 7/8 x 9): This type of box resembles a dresser drawer and is great for packing clothing that you prefer only to fold once. Just remember not to over-pack this box as it cannot withstand heavy items.

Picture and/or Mirror Boxes: All mirror boxes can be telescoped, meaning that two can be put together to get a longer fit. When fitting two boxes together, make sure you use a strong filament tape to secure them together and to handle the additional weight.

Mirror boxes are designed to handle framed pictures, artwork, and mirrors. Bubble wrap is recommended for all framed items.

Dish packs: These are good for packing glasses, cups or liquor/wine bottles. Just make sure you don’t overpack them. Check the weight to ensure they are still manageable. Overpacking dish packs can result in dropped boxes and shattered items.

Mattress boxes: These boxes aren’t necessary as most movers will wrap your mattress in plastic bags, which are much cheaper to purchase. However, boxes will keep your mattress from being punctured, or if it’s being stored for a while, it’ll protect it better from outside elements. Mattress boxes come in many sizes from cribs to twin to king-size.