How To Make a Long Distance DIY Move

Whether you’re moving for work-related reasons, to be closer to family, or just to get a fresh start, the process can sometimes be overwhelming. We’ve all been there! A long distance move can be both time-consuming and expensive.

Regardless of how economical you are, a long distance move is going to be pricey. However, with the correct planning, some elbow grease, and maybe a little help, you can significantly cut those costs.

If you’re planning a long distance, DIY move, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you save time and money, both of which can sometimes be in limited supply when you’re moving. 

Start Planning Immediately

Planning for your long distance move can be a very time-consuming process, so it’s best to get that part out of the way as soon as possible. If doing so is at all possible, you should start planning for your move the moment you’ve decided to make the move because there will be a lot of moving parts to tackle. 

Of course:

Planning for a long distance move is easier said than done. Sometimes, it can be difficult to even know where to start.

 A lot of the following tips are included here specifically to help you with that aspect of the moving process – how to get started and where to start. 

Start Collecting Boxes ASAP

Before you can start packing your boxes, you’ll obviously need some boxes. You probably have a few of your own stashed in a closet or an attic, but more likely than not, you don’t have enough boxes to pack all of your belongings. 

If this isn’t the case, you’re lucky! You can skip this step. However, if you’re one of the many people that don’t have a massive collection of cardboard boxes, the good news is that you can easily obtain the boxes you need without spending a penny.

Ask friends that have recently moved if they have leftover spare boxes you can use for your long distance move. Since they just moved and no longer need an assortment of moving boxes chances are they won’t mind letting them go. 

If you’re still short on boxes, ask local businesses to save up their unused boxes and schedule a time to pick them up.  This could be a furniture store, liquor store, bookstore, and more. 

Some businesses go through hundreds of boxes every month, and they throw most of them away. By asking for their unused boxes, all you’re doing is saving someone a trip to the dumpster. It’s mutually beneficial, so most businesses will be happy to help. 

Stay Organized 

Now you have your moving boxes. What’s next? The key to making a smooth, long distance move is staying organized every step of the way. 

Label your boxes with the room that they will go in. If you want to make your move even smoother, you can label using subcategories. These subcategories can detail where in that room every box of items should go. For example, master closet or master bathroom. 

Rent a Portable Moving Container

Hiring a moving company is one of the most expensive aspects of moving. Luckily, there are a couple of less expensive alternatives for you to consider.

Portable moving container companies will drop off a large freight-like container at your current home. The company will tell you how long you have to load the container with your belongings. Later, they’ll come back and take care of the rest for you. 

While you’re driving to your new home, the portable moving container company will be transporting all of your belongings. This is a lot less expensive than hiring a full-service moving company because you’re doing the labor on your own. The company just takes care of the shipment. 

Or Rent a One-Way Moving Truck

If you want to save even more money, you can rent a one-way moving truck. If there’s a nearby rental truck company with locations near your soon-to-be home, ask them about a one-way move. A lot of them will allow you to use the rental and then drop it off at another location. 

Of course, the downside to the one-way moving truck rental is the fact that you’ll have to drive it yourself. 

Consequently:

You’ll need someone else to drive your own vehicle to your new location if you plan on taking it with you.  

Preparing for a Smooth, Long Distance Move

A lot goes into preparing for a long distance move, especially if you don’t plan on recruiting a moving company. Taking the DIY route can save you a lot of money, but it will require a lot more effort on your end. 

That being said, there’s a lot that you can do to make this process easier on yourself. If you take these five tips into account before making your big move, you can save yourself both time and money.