370,300 people moved homes in the U.K in 2017, and the average cost of moving a house is GBP 1000 according to RemovalReviews. Whether you are moving to a nearby location or a distance place, you can benefit a lot by conducting the move by yourself. It is much cheaper, you feel secure when you are packing your own stuff, and you have control of the situation. Here is what you need to execute a successful move.
Assemble the right packing materials
Packing is one of the most stressful parts of a move. The sorting, folding, wrapping, and labelling is both time-consuming and tedious. To ease the work, you need the right packing supplies. Some of these items can be acquired for free or at low costs. You can go to your local store and ask if they can give you empty boxes. You can also use empty printer paper boxes which you can get from work. Use clean towels, clothing or newspaper to wrap and protect your delicate items. Other tools you need include duct tape to seal boxes, a marker for labelling and a dolly for safe loading and to speed up things.
Man with a Van Removal Service
Often less expensive than a full-blown removals company, the Man With A Van Network is a great alternative. This type of service is ideal for those willing to pack their own boxes and get everything ready for removal and delivery to your new address. Get an online quotation so you know exactly how much it will cost before you book up. Note, man and van services are growing in popularity so you might need to plan and book in advance.
Renting a moving van
For a hassle-free move, you need the right moving truck. The last thing you need is renting a vehicle that is too small which will force you to make several trips. For a safe bet, first estimate the size of your belongings. Since you are driving the truck, you need insurance to cover possible damage. You can find a good insurance deal that includes supplemental liability insurance which protects you against claims made by a third party for bodily injury or property damage and limited damage waiver which covers loss or damage to the truck. Remember to reserve the van early, inspect it to ensure it is well serviced and in proper working order, and make sure to compare prices before you rent.
Enlist help
Just because it’s a DIY move, doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Asking a friend or family member for help can make an enormous difference when it comes to loading. Some items such as furniture and appliances are heavy to lift, can get damaged easily when dropped and can cause back injuries. Therefore, you should utilise safety equipment such as straps, dollies and stair climbing carts. The heavy lifting is tough work, therefore, you need to keep everyone hydrated. Provide enough drinking water, and you can also offer beverages or lunch for motivation and to show appreciation.
Have a purging clutter checklist
During a move, you will realise you have a lot of items you don’t need. Relocating with this items means they will take up more space in the van and clutter your home in your new location. From furniture, books, toys, clothing, and electronics, create a list of the items you don’t need. Place a bag or box in each room, evaluate each item when packing, and put junk and unused objects in the bags. You can dispose the badly damaged items or sell and donate those that are in good condition. This will earn you extra cash and save space in your new home.
Moving to a new place is exciting, but the reality of planning and executing the move can be stressful. For the best result, start preparing early by acquiring the right supplies, booking the right vehicle, assembling a reliable team to help you, and throwing away any junk. With this approach, you are assured of an inexpensive, fast and flawless move.