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So you are moving house? - Do it Yourself

Have you made the decision to move on your own? Here we are going to talk about the method of moving yourself.

Moving home is Stressful, so let’s look at that first.

When moving property, mental pressure can be a big factor in everything you do. You could be one of the fortunate ones who handle tension with a happy expression. The way you deal with stress is not just down to the type of person you are.

Clear steps to help make the move less stressful:

1. Household items need to be painstakingly packed, so either buy or borrow moving supplies such as boxes well in advance. As soon as you know you will be moving home, start picking up clean boxes, unprinted newsprints (printed newsprints stain!), hoard up on bubble wrap or buy heavy duty cartons.

2. Pack Ahead of Time: a do-it-yourself house move demands a lot of your time and energy. Packing the night before the house move is definitely not a brilliant idea. You should always have your possessions packed one day before the moving day to make sure you have the last day to pack up all the belongings you forgot about. Items such as kitchen gadgets, DVD’s and other less used possessions should be packed first, after all you’re unlikely to need them until you move to your new home. The more belongings you pack now, the less you have to trouble yourself about.

3. Be ruthless and bin of items that never get used and just litter the cupboards. Stored magazines, clothing, gadgets and ornaments which are stuck in the cupboard can be disposed of so you have a mess free home. You don’t have to chuck them in the garbage, you could give them to a local charity.

4. A list - make sure you write out a list and stick it somewhere prominent, lists are very critical. Lists help you keep track of what you are supposed to be doing - make sure the lists include things like bits and bobs to purchase, to sell, to move, to dispose of. By keeping a list and marking off things as they are completed is a great way to keep you focused and less tense on the day you move.

Preparation for Moving Day

You are possibly going to need support to load your car or truck and off load it at your new property, so rally friends and family for this job. “Many hands make easy work” is a motto that is honest. To say you appreciate the help, you could arrange for sandwiches and drinks to be available to your willing assistants. This way, people will be enjoying the day in a restful way and the move will get done quickly and pain-free. If you have kids then you need to think about what is going to happen with them on moving day. Babysitters, whether its a family member or a day care facility should be arranged so the kids are looked after. For their own happiness, make sure the children see you are packing their prize belongings and allow them to keep one or two belongings with them, for safe keeping. The same goes for your family pet, try and pinpoint a friend who will take care of it on the moving day. When transferring pets, take precautions to avoid the animal from getting sick in the car. Make sure your pets immediate requirements are taking into account when you arrive at your new home, by packing a separate bag just for them. Without fail never leave your animal alone in the car when moving. Just like kids, pets need to be kept close, so make sure you have a restraint handy if you have to stop.

Make sure you find a good Truck Rental Firm for Moving

To transport all your items, you will probably need to hire a truck, as most of us will find our cars are just not big enough. The experience you have with your moving truck rental is to a great extent dependent on you. Here are a few items to take in mind:

1. The starting step when choosing a rental vehicle is determining the size you need. Take your all your possessions into account then grant about 15% more scope. This is just to make certain you’re going to have enough room. Additional room is better than not enough.

2. With many companies out there renting removal vehicles you would expect most prices to be about the same. Unluckily, that is not the way it is. Look on the net for the best costings, make a few phone calls and compare prices from different firms

3. Hiring a moving truck is very similar to hiring a car. As soon as you have a moving date, book your truck, don’t leave it to the last minute when you may end up with something that doesn’t match up to your needs. That way, your truck will be ready for you the day you move house.

4. Another point to think about is insurance, it is a excellent idea to purchase your own insurance. There is many dissimilarities between driving a truck and driving a small car. Without insurance, one miscalculation can cost you a lot of money. By spending a little time ferreting for a large truck insurance policy ensures that you have a less tension filled move.

5. How long do you require it for? - Make sure you hire the truck for a period of time thats lets you finish everything without having to rush. There is nothing more stressful than not having enough time and having to hand the truck back late. Late returns can turn out to be very costly as rental firms charge large fees for this.

Transporting a Car

If you are one of the lucky individuals fortunate to have a second family car, then you need to consider how you are going to transport it. You can drive the car, ship the car, tow it or take it on a trailer. If the cost of taking it is more costly than the family car is worth, then think about selling it before you go. Make sure you know how to tow the vehicle safely if that is your option, and make sure the vehicle that is doing the towing is suitable. Special equipment will be required to tow vehicles such as boats and motorcycles, so get this sorted this well in advance. If you’re unsure on how to start with towing them, look on the web or contact a dealer who sold it to you.

Prepared in cooperation with Jay Banks, Vancouver BC realtor and Canada Moving Guide publisher