Moving – DIY

Moving under your own steam is the option you pick. In that case, let’s talk about the various things involved in the method of a do-it-yourself move.

Moving home is an Anxious Time, so let’s look at that to start with.

When moving house, mental pressure can be a big factor in everything you do. Some people seem to handle it with charm and a happy expression. A normally upbeat cheerful person can get anxious, so it’s nothing to do with your personality.

If you want to experience a stress-free move, follow these easy steps:

1. Search around for moving supplies, these will be essential to pack away all your items, buy cheap supplies if you can’t borrow them. When you have fixed a moving date, pick up boxes, paper (printed paper makes a mess, so try to avoid), plastic boxes, bubble wrap and maybe some old blankets.

2. Pack Ahead of Time: a do-it-yourself move requires a lot of your time and energy. Last minute packing is only going to inflate the tension levels. You should always have your belongings packed one day before the moving day to ensure you have the last day to pack up all the belongings you forgot about. The quicker you start the better, pack things like CDs or DVDs ahead of time since you won’t want to use them till you get to your new property. As the day you move gets nearer, the more you have packed in advance the less you have to get anxious about.

3. Moving house is a good way to have a clear out of all those belongings that never get used. Stored magazines, clothing, bits and bobs and ornaments which are stuck in the cupboard can be disposed of so you have a jumble free home. You don’t have to chuck them in the bin, you could give them to a deserving charity.

4. A list – make sure you write a list and stick it somewhere prominent, lists are very critical. Make a list for everything, list of things you need to purchase, list of belongings that you do not need or want to give away before the move, list of breakable items that need to be handled with care at all times and finally a list of every object you’re moving. By keeping a list and marking off things to do as they are completed is a great way to keep you focused and less anxious on the day you move.

Things you need to think about for the day you move.

Friends, family, neighbours can be asked to help you pack your vehicle at your old house and unload it when you get to your new house. “Many hands make easy work” is a motto that is honest. When the moving day turns up, sort out a party and offer sandwiches or pizza and drinks to anyone who decides to come and help. This way, people will be enjoying the day in a calm way and the job will get done quickly and pain-free. An additional concern of yours should be your children. Babysitters, whether its a family member or a day care resource should be arranged so the kids are looked after. To stop your kids getting anxious, let them watch their personal space being packed, that way they know you are not throwing away their favourite toys. The same goes for your family pet, try and locate someone who will take care of it on the moving day. When transporting pets, take precautions to avoid the pet from getting sick in the car. Also, pack your family pet’s belongings separately so it can be unpacked right away at your new property. When you are moving make sure your family pet is never left alone. Allow frequent rest stops so your family pet can relieve themselves and make sure they are always on a tether.

Truck Hire – How to find a reputable company

Most of will need to hire a truck as our family vehicles are not big enough to transfer everything. The experience of renting a van will be contingent on you. Take these points into consideration when renting:

1. First make sure you choose the correct size van needed to move your belongings. Make sure you give yourself a margin of about 15% more room than you think you require. This extra area makes sure you have enough area and are not left with belongings that don’t fit in. Not having enough space is a ordeal and very stressful.

2. With so many rental companies in business these days, you’d think they all would be the same amount of money. Regardless of the quantity of companies, this is just not the way it is. Compare prices from different businesses; ask friends for recommendations, ring companies and use the internet to search.

3. If you have leased a car before then you won’t find much change when renting a van. As soon as you have a moving date, rent your vehicle, don’t leave it to the last minute when you may end up with something that doesn’t match up to your needs. By thinking ahead your vehicle will be ready and waiting for you on moving day.

4. Van insurance is probably a good idea to consider. There is many dissimilarities between driving a van and driving a little car. Cost of repairing a hire vehicle if you make a miscalculation could be very expensive. By spending a little time looking for a large vehicle insurance policy ensures that you have a less anxious move.

5. How long do you require it for? – Make sure you hire the truck for a period of time thats lets you complete everything without having to rush. A vehicle that is due back and you haven’t finished is going to increase your stress and cost you dollars. The premiums for doing so are extremely high.

Tips for transporting your car.

If you have more than one car, decide on how to transport it to your new destination. Shipping, towing or making use of a trailer are just a couple of ways of moving a second family car. Another option worth looking at is advertising it, storing it or giving it to a relative. Make sure the car is capable of towing your second car and that all safety precautions have been taken with the second car to be towed. Boats, trailers, motor scooters, four wheelers, etc. may need specialist equipment to be towed. Ring the dealer who sold you the transport if you are unsure on the correct procedures or search the internet.

Prepared in cooperation with Jay Banks, Vancouver real estate agent and Canada Moving Guide provider

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