DIY Moving Made Easy

DIY Moving Made Easy: 10 Packing Tips to Save Time, Money, and Stress

Taking the do-it-yourself route during a move can be a rewarding experience—not just financially, but also in terms of control and flexibility. Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, self packing your belongings is one of the best ways to cut costs while ensuring everything is organized to your liking. To help make your DIY move as smooth as possible, we’ve compiled 10 essential self packing tips to keep your move efficient and stress-free.

1. Start Early and Make a Plan

The key to successful self packing is starting early. Begin packing non-essential items several weeks before your move date. Create a room-by-room plan so that your packing process stays organized and manageable.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Self packing is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Sort items into categories—keep, donate, sell, and toss—to minimize what you’ll need to transport.

3. Invest in Quality Supplies

Using strong boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper can make a big difference. While it may be tempting to gather free boxes, be sure they’re sturdy enough to handle the weight of your belongings.

4. Use Household Items for Packing

Use blankets, towels, and clothes to cushion fragile items to save money and space. Socks are great for wrapping glasses; suitcases can hold heavy items like books or electronics.

5. Label Everything Clearly

As part of your self packing system, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Mark boxes containing fragile items and note if anything needs to be unpacked upon arrival.

6. Don’t Overpack Boxes

Avoid the temptation to fill every inch of a box. Overpacked boxes can break, and too heavy boxes can cause injury or damage your items.

7. Disassemble Large Furniture

If you’re handling the move yourself, disassembling bulky furniture like beds, tables, and desks will make them easier to transport and less likely to be damaged. Keep hardware in labeled plastic bags and tape them to the furniture.

8. Pack a First-Night Essentials Box

Include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and snacks. This box should be the last one you pack and the first one you open at your new home.

9. Protect Your Valuables

Keep jewelry, important documents, and irreplaceable items with you instead of in the moving truck. This reduces the risk of loss or damage during the move.

10. Take Breaks and Stay Safe

Self packing can be physically demanding. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and ask for help when needed. It’s important to care for your body as much as your belongings.

Ready to Move? You’ve Got This!

Self packing gives you full control over how your items are packed and handled. With a solid plan, the right materials, and a little patience, your DIY move can go off without a hitch. Whether you’re renting a moving truck or enlisting help from friends, following these tips can make your relocation smoother and more efficient.

If you need additional help or professional packing advice, don’t hesitate to contact your local moving experts, like Hall Lane. Even if you’re doing most of the work yourself, having experienced guidance can go a long way.