Organising and handling every single stage of your relocation process is not impossible to do. Self-moving is achievable and it can indeed save you some money. However, many people who choose to have a DIY move tend to get so caught up in the details that they often forget to see the whole picture. Naturally, that results in a lot of moving mistakes which can easily lead to:
- Higher moving expenses
- Bad injuries
- Broken items
- Extreme stress
- Slow relocation process
If you want your moving home story to be successful, you will need to avoid some of the most common self-moving mistakes that people make.
Underestimating the importance of planning
It is never too early to start planning your relocation. The moment you decide that you need to move out, sit down and make a list of all things you will need to do. Unless you are living out of a suitcase, moving house always takes time not only to carry out but also to plan. Therefore, prepare your inventory and checklists as soon as you can. Pick a moving date and don’t leave the packing for the last minute.
Overestimating your strength
Many self-movers try to lift and carry all of their items by themselves, including the heavy home appliances and bulky furniture. Even if spend a lot of time in your local gym, you can still injure yourself if you rely on such a relocation strategy. Therefore, ask your friends to help you or hire a team of trained helpers to provide you with assistance for the heavy stuff.
Failing to hire moving van suitable for your needs
If you don’t have a big truck or a friend with a van, you will need to hire a moving van. That sounds easy until you go to the van rental firm and you are presented with a large selection of moving vehicles. Many people are tempted to hire the smallest van available since it is also the cheapest option. But if the truck cannot fit all of your personal possessions and items, you will be forced to make multiple trips which will increase your relocation costs. On the other hand, if the vehicle is too big, you will pay more money to rent it. So, don’t be afraid to ask the consultants of the van rental company to help you pick the right moving van for your needs.
Thinking that self-moving will save you money
DIY relocations can reduce your moving costs if you own a big van, have a lot of moving home experience or if you can rely on the help of a big group of friends. In every other situation, self-moving often ends up pricier compared to hiring moving van professionals since it requires more time, money and it is not very safe for you or for your possessions. So, in some cases, hiring a qualified man and van company is unavoidable. Still, if you hire a local moving van team, you will cut down some of your relocation costs. For instance, if you are moving to or out of Colliers Row, hire a reliable man with a van in Colliers Row who is more likely to know the area well and to offer locals a special discount.