What’s the Cheapest Way To Move? A Guide for Thrifty Moving

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Clearly, not everyone has stayed home since the pandemic — studies show 4% more people moved last year than the year prior. And — surprise, surprise — as demand grew for moving, so did moving prices. There’s been a reported increase in lots of associated moving costs.

But even in the current economy, moving house doesn’t need to cost an absolute fortune. By starting early, doing your research, and following these affordable moving tips below, it’s actually possible to save hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the scale of your move.

A Guide to Getting the Cheapest Move Possible

Step One: Declutter Your Stuff

a side by side comparison of hallway filled with enough boxes and miscellaneous items to fill a room, and the same hallway but empty of all the items

No matter what anyone tells you, the two biggest factors that influence all the costs of a move are:

  1. HOW you move — there will always be a cost, whether you choose to go the DIY route, hire a full-service company, or opt for something in between, all of which we’ll cover later
  2. The size of your move

The simple fact is the less stuff you have, the cheaper it will be to move. This is why decluttering is the first step you should take towards lowering your moving costs. 

For example, using movers to move a one-bedroom apartment locally has a median cost of around $400. Compare that to the cost of moving a large house, which can often run you around $3,000 in transportation and moving costs! 

So, it stands to reason that if you have a two-bedroom apartment and you sell or donate about a room’s worth of stuff, then you’re paying significantly less to move what’s left. As a bonus, you get a fresh start when decorating in your new space. There’s also an opportunity to make money if you sell off some of your belongings, which can help offset the costs of the move itself.

Step Two: Avoid buying packing and moving supplies

plastic bags in a cardboard box that can be used as packing material

One pack of tape is a negligible expense, but all of your packing and moving materials can add up (to the tune of $550, if you go for a large kit).

One way around this is to stash plastic bags, packing materials, and boxes in the months before your move. However, not everyone has this kind of foresight, much less the space in their house. 

The week before your move, you can hit up your local grocer and see if they have any extra boxes. During moving season, a lot of people think to visit superstores, so they actually run out quickly. Think outside the box — so to speak — by visiting outliers like liquor stores, furniture stores, and hotels. You can also post on Facebook, since you never know if one of your friends just finished a move.

Looking for a sustainable option? Utilize your own blankets, sheets, clothes, and towels as packing materials, in addition to newspapers and magazines. You can also rent packing materials (like plastic boxes) — then send them back when you’re done. 

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.

Step Three: Pick the right time to move

Timing is everything, as they say, and that’s especially true for moving. For one thing, you’ll want to avoid peak moving season (May through September) if you want to save cash and eliminate stress. But even the day of the week and time of day can affect your moving price tag.

For instance, it’s cheaper to move in the middle of the month, since leases typically start and end on the first. But moving on a Monday as opposed to a Saturday can also be cheaper when you’re renting a moving truck. As this article points out, a quote for on Wednesday was $1.09/mile, but on Saturday the quote was $1.39/mile.

 

“…if you’re moving between states and need to stay somewhere overnight to break up the drive, the price of hotels and fuel costs might entirely cancel out what you were trying to save by going DIY.”

 

If you’re paying for a rental truck or movers by the hour, then you’ll want to avoid rush hour, since getting caught in traffic can send your prices through the roof. This happened to a friend of mine when she was moved across town in NYC, taking her $400 quote up to $750 — pretty pricey, considering her movers were just sitting in a truck on the highway. The moral of the story? The earlier in the day you plan your move when you’re hiring helpers, the more you can save.

Step Four: Decide if DIY is best for you

a couple loading boxes into a moving truck already filled with more boxes and furniture

Believe it or not, DIY might not be the cheapest option for you. In general, doing the entire move yourself does cost less (DIY moves average about $660, while a full-service move can cost up to $2,568), but depending on how you go about it, there can be a lot of hidden costs.  

Your biggest expense is probably going to be your own time. You have to plan, take time off from work or school, get childcare if needed, and spend days doing really tiring work. Not to mention, if you’re moving between states and need to stay somewhere overnight to break up the drive, the price of hotels and fuel costs might entirely cancel out what you were trying to save by going DIY.

If you research hotels and the route beforehand (and are smart about your PTO), you can still save. But that’s still more time spent planning out your move.

DIY is best if you:

  • Don’t have a lot of stuff, or it’s all pretty cheap and replaceable 
  • Can easily take time off work or school
  • Plan out driving routes, hotel stays, and other stops to find the cheapest options

Step five: Decide if you want moving help

a couple signs off on a move that a pair of movers have just completed. A stacks of boxes are visible in the background.

Your other option is to hire moving help. But surely you’re thinking: How does hiring people help me save money? For one thing, it’s a lot cheaper to hire loading and unloading help when you’re doing the driving compared to hiring a moving company to do it all for you. This is known in the biz as a “hybrid” move — a blend of DIY and a full-service move. Essentially, you’re doing the driving, but you also pay for a bit of help on the side to load and unload your stuff. 

 

“Rent a trailer instead of a truck. Even if you pay to have a trailer hitch installed, you may still save money — and, as a bonus, you won’t have to worry about shipping your car.”

 

Paying for moving help not only spares your back, but can help you save on your truck or trailer rental. By using their expert packing skills, moving helpers can help you fit more stuff into the space than you could — all while securing your items so nothing gets damaged or breaks during the drive. It may be well worth dishing out an extra couple hundred to hire help if you can rent a smaller moving truck and protect your possessions.

Hiring moving help is best if you:

  • Have a large home with a lot of heavy or fragile furniture 
  • Worry about being able to arrange childcare or PTO
  • Can’t lift or carry heavy furniture easily 

Make sure any company you hire movers from is fully licensed and insured before committing. You should also look for honest reviews from past customers to get a sense of what the company is really like. Of all the areas I’ve listed above, I would say this is the one where you should avoid getting overly thrifty; good help is almost invaluable when you’re in the middle of a big move, and bad help can turn an already stressful experience into a nightmare — if not turn out to be an outright scam

Step Six: Consider another option: portable moving containers

a white moving container sitting on a residential street, waiting to be loaded

Speaking of ways to move, using moving containers is an excellent option if you find yourself in one of the following scenarios:

  • A) You’re seeking a middle ground with DIY: You don’t want to pay for a full-service move, but you don’t want to do everything yourself either. With a moving container, you rent the unit (which can be dropped off) and load it on your own timeline. When it’s all ready to go, the company picks it up and drives it to your destination — your new residence or a storage facility.

 

  • B) You’re not 100% on all the details yet: When a friend moved from Florida to Boston, she decided to stay in a hotel for a few weeks while she explored neighborhoods and met with realtors. Since her lease in Orlando was ending, it made sense for her to pack up all of her furniture and boxes in a moving container and have a company take it to a storage facility. Thirty days later, after she’d signed her new lease, they delivered everything to her in Boston. This was a way to save on costs, but there were other conveniences like being free to drive her own car up the coast instead of a fully loaded moving truck.

 

  • C) You want to take your time (and save your money on) loading: Let’s say you plan to pay for some help to load your boxes and furniture. Moving containers can help you save in this scenario because you can pack the container little by little on your own time. Then, on moving days, your hourly helpers only need to load a few big things, instead of a hundred little things, which means a smaller mover bill in the end.

Step Seven: Look for other ways to save on your move

a family packs boxes and suitcases into the bed of their truck

There are a million little ways to trim expenses that can quickly add up to big savings. Depending on what kind of move you’re planning on, here are some cheap moving hacks to keep in mind:

  • Pack as much stuff as you can into your own car. You’d be surprised how much can fit into a four-door sedan.
  • Rent a trailer instead of a truck. Even if you pay to have a trailer hitch installed, you may still save money — and, as a bonus, you won’t have to worry about shipping your car.
  • If you’re using a moving container or going DIY, ask your friends or the friendly college kids next door for help lifting heavier items like furniture. It never hurts to ask — and it’s much cheaper to buy them a pizza than to pay professionals by the hour.
  • Use as many of your own belongings as you can for packing material to save on moving supplies and space in your moving truck. For example, pack every suitcase you own, load up your laundry hamper with shoes and smaller bags, and fill sturdy trash cans with items and tape down the lid.

Moving can be stressful and expensive — but it doesn’t need to be that expensive. Hopefully, this article puts you on the path to finding the cheapest way to move for your specific situation.

2023 Study: Where, How and Why Are Americans Moving This Year?

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Key Findings

  • More than half (52%) of all moves in America take place in the summer
  • Our survey findings suggest 40% plan on moving at some point this year
  • ‘Family’ (30%) and ‘Wanting More Space’ (25%) are the top reasons for moving this year
  • A total of 38% are moving for financial reasons, such as inflation, cost of living, and housing unaffordability
  • Climate change is a factor mentioned by 15% of Americans planning to move this year
  • 40% of those moving intend to stay within their city, but 18% are set on moving to a different state
  • More than half (55%) of those not moving this year would move if they had the means

 

Every year, millions of Americans move, and over half (52%) of those moves take place during what we in the moving business call “moving season” — otherwise known as the summer months of May through August.

So what does the moving season hold for us this year? To get a sense of how many Americans intend to move, when they’re going to move, and what drives their moving decisions, HireAHelper conducted a nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults in the U.S. earlier this month.

 

“The state most people have their sights on is California, where 11% would move if finances weren’t an issue.”

 

38% of Americans we surveyed intend to move at some point in 2023, collectively citing “Family“, “Looking for More Space” and “Wanting To Save Money” as the top reasons. A further 35% would move if they could, but find themselves struggling to afford housing where they want to live, or are struggling to afford the move itself.

Let’s delve into the findings and see how Americans look ahead to the 2023 moving season.


Moves in the Making: Four in Ten Americans Plan To Move in 2023

an illustration of someone taping a box. In the corner it's labeled fragileAs we noted earlier, nearly four in ten (40%) of our survey respondents said they are planning to move at some point this year. 

Moving intent is highest among the younger generation, as almost half (49%) of Gen Z respondents reported a planned move for sometime in 2023. And while this intent is still strong with Millennials (42%), it gradually fades with age, and dropping to a reported 27% for Baby Boomers.

Interestingly enough, Parents (41%) are more likely to be planning a move in 2023 than Non-Parents (36%). That said, that only applied to families with one or two kids. For families with three or more children, the percentage of those staying put exceeds the percentage of prospective movers.

Renters (46%) are more likely to be on the move than Homeowners (30%). However, only 25% of renters who are moving expect to own their next home, as 59% of renters reported moving to another rental.

Where are people leaving?

an illustration of white plates and cups being wrapped in brown packing paper. A currently empty cardboard box sits nearbyAmong people living in America’s biggest metropolitan areas, the intent to move is highest in Washington, D.C. (72%) and Los Angeles, CA (55%). There, the majority of residents we surveyed reported having plans to move at some point this year.

In San Francisco, CA (47%), New York, NY (46%), Philadelphia, PA (46%), and Houston, TX (45%), the share of people who reported intent to move this year fell just below half.

Conversely, within the metros of Charlotte, NC (16%), Orlando, FL (32%), and Chicago, IL (32%), the moving intent is the lowest among all metros with a sufficient number of respondents.

At the state level, New Jersey residents seem most keen to move (56%), whereas those in North Carolina (24%) are least likely to relocate in 2023.


Family, Square Footage and Finances: Top Reasons Why Americans Are Moving in 2023

The number one reason for those intending to move this year was reasons related to “Family” (30%), (such as “Being Closer to Family Members,”) with “Wanting More Space or a Bigger Home” (~25%) being the second most popular choice.

 

“Those who do plan on hiring some help for their move are looking to spend an average of $675…[and those] who expect to move without hired help are looking to keep it at an average of $312.”

 

However, if we look at the financial reasons, we’ll find that many Americans are moving either because of  “Foreclosure/Eviction” (7.5%), “Can’t Afford (Their) Current Housing” (10.7%), “(Moving Somewhere With) A Lower Cost of Living” (15.3%), or “Inflation” (17.2%).

If we add up all the respondents that said at least one of these financial reasons applies to them, the total share of Americans who intended to move due to financial pressures rose to 38%.

an illustration of a canvas wrapped in bubble wrap. it's stood on top of other packed boxes. Granted, the higher rates of inflation from 2022 seem to have leveled out, but our findings suggest that financial pressures continue to compel a significant number of Americans to relocate.

The financial reasons above were mentioned at the following rates by these demographics:

  • Families with children (40%) compared to childless households (37%)
  • People of color (44%) compared to white Americans (36%)
  • Renters (41%) compared to homeowners (35%)

Other popular reasons for moving in 2023 include “New Job” (16.2%), which, in fact, is more popular than moving due to “(Becoming) Unemployed” (9.8%).

Curiously, and unfortunately, more people are moving due to an “End of a Relationship/Divorce” (10.3%) compared to those moving due to a “New Relationship or Got Married” (7.1%).

an illustration of boxes being moved with a dollyOne significant reason that’s beginning to factor into the moving plans of Americans is “Climate Change” (14.9%), which is in fact distinct from “Want Nicer Weather” (10.4%).

According to estimates based on U.S. Census Bureau data, climate change affects some 20,000 moves per year, with experts suggesting that figure is set to increase.


Getting Practical: Planned Moving Distance and Estimated Cost

Based on our survey responses, 40% of people who are planning to move in 2023 are staying within the same city, while 33% intend to leave their current city, yet still stay within the same state.

Impressively, 18% of respondents intend to move to a different state. Specifically among those respondents, their reasons given were for “Better Weather” (38%), a “New Job” (34%), “Being Closer to Family” (21%), and “Seeking a Lower Cost of Living” (21%).

Thinking about the cost of their move, 44% intend to spend between $100 and $500 on moving, with an overall average being slightly higher at $530. This estimate includes buying moving boxes, potentially renting a truck, maybe hiring movers, etc.

Needless to say, not all Americans who plan on moving intend to hire movers, but 52% of them do, while 48% either intend to execute the move themselves or haven’t decided yet.

Those who do plan on hiring some help for their move are looking to spend an average of $675 between boxes, truck rentals, and movers. Those who expect to move without hired help are looking to keep it at an average of $312. (This figure is in line with nationwide averages of moving costs.)

See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.


Would If I Could: Common Barriers Preventing Americans from Moving

Quite a few Americans are planning to move this year, and the number could have been even higher if it weren’t for certain factors keeping people from moving.

Of those respondents that aren’t moving this year or aren’t sure yet, 55% would move if they had the means and opportunity. The main reason they can’t move? They can’t afford it. People claimed they “Can’t Afford To Move” (58%) or they “Can’t Afford Housing Where (They) Want To Live” (38%).

But it’s not just the financial worries that keep Americans from moving. About a quarter of respondents in our survey who’d move if they could selected “Would Be Too Far Away From (Their) Family” (24%), “Worried About Making a Big Change” (25%) or “Worried It May Not Work Out” (27%), respectively.

Perhaps these concerns, as well as the general decline in the percentage of Americans moving partially explains why, our study found that, on average, Americans now move an average of eight times in their lifetime, down from a 2007 estimate of 11.7 times.


Dream Destinations: Where Would Americans Move if Anything Was Possible

One question we asked in our survey was about the state Americans would move to if money was no object. 

The state most people have their sights on is California, where 11% would move if finances weren’t an issue. Notably, Hawaii and Florida were the dream destinations for 9% of Americans, while New York and Colorado were the top choices for an additional 5% of respondents. 

Texas — a state that’s recently been a popular destination for corporate moves — would also be the go-to place to be for 4% of respondents.

A surprising 4% would leave the United States altogether if they could, but as many as 9% of our respondents would not choose to leave their state, even if money was no object.


Sources and Methodology
All data, unless otherwise stated, have been derived from the findings of the survey HireAHelper ran via Pollfish in May 2023. The survey used a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults (18+) living in the United States.
Survey results were weighted by age, gender, and income using data extracted from the American Community Survey’s five-year data, collected from ~120,000 households.

Illustrations by Nero Hamaoui

What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving

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After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.

These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move. 


If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?

Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.

1. Document the damage

For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.

Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.

If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.

My stuff is missing!

But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.

Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim. 

 

“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”

 

If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good. 

(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)

2. File a claim

Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.

Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.

How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:

  • Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
  • Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
  • Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
  • Bekins Van Lines: Claims can be filed online. For assistance, call (833) 425-4982 and dial option “3”, or email claims@wvlcorp.com
  • HireAHelper: You can fill out their online claim form. There’s also the option of calling (800) 995-5003 or emailing customer-support@hireahelper.com  
  • Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
  • Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”  
  • North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
  • U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
  • United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
  • Wheaton World Wide Moving: Claims can be filed online. For help, call (855) 284-4011 and dial option 3, or email claims@wvlcorp.com

How To File a Claim With Local Moving Companies:

Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.

However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.

3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)

If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.

The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.

Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

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Easily book your help online.

 

You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.

If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report

4. You can also seek arbitration from the government

Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)

What about moving insurance?

If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck. 

Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:

  • Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
  • Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
  • Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.

Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.  

Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)

What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?

In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue. 

After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):

  • The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
  • They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim

Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.


Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important

You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)

Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable. 

The Official Break-Up Moving Checklist

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On their own, breaking up and moving are both ranked on the list of life’s top stressors. Together, especially without proper planning, they add up to a special kind of terrible.

While it will likely take more time to move on versus move out, this detailed moving checklist will at least help you with all of life’s annoying details while you’re trying to focus on a divorce, separation, or just a plain-ol’-fashioned breakup.

[See the illustrated checklist here!]

Moving Checklist: How To Move Out After a Break-Up

Step 1: Assess your separation, then make a plan

The fact that you’re even reading a moving checklist tells me you’ve already decided who’s going to split — and you’re likely the one moving out.

But before you pick up the moving boxes, it helps to think through some logistics. If you’re in the tough situation of having to move after a breakup, most people opt in to one of these game plans:

  • Plan A: Get out quick!

The problem: Unless your ex is particularly understanding or has tons of space, you’ll likely need a quick place to store your stuff while you figure things out. And sometimes… you need to get out fast. You may find it best to couch it at a friend or family member’s house while you get your bearings, save up some cash, and come up with your actual plan.

  • Plan B: Temporary new place

break up spot pieceThe problem: So you need a new “non-forever” home that isn’t depressing? If the housing market is as crazy where you live as it is everywhere else, you probably need some time to shop around for your next home (especially if you’re planning on buying). You should consider:

  • A short-term rental (think AirBnb or Vrbo)
  • Month-to-month or 3-6 month apartment lease
  • Extended-stay hotel

A temporary home is also a great option when you have kids and don’t want to pull them out of school in the middle of the year, or if you’re waiting to move long-distance and want to line up a job first. (You may or may not need to store your stuff in this situation, depending on the size of your temporary pad.)

  • Plan C: Big change 

The problem: Separation got you wanting to move to the mountains and live in a remote cabin? Maybe your breakup has put things into perspective and you’re ready for a markedly big change… or heck, maybe you’d rather move nearer to a support network instead of running into your ex at the grocery store.

This plan generally involves a long-distance move and/or storage, whether it’s to another city in your state, across the country, or across the world. (As it can take longer to realistically coordinate a relocation like this, it may be worth it to opt for Plan A, listed above, and sleep in a friend’s guestroom until you’re ready to go.)

  • Plan D: Take your time

The problem: Maybe your situation isn’t bad, but the housing market is?

Sometimes you get lucky and you can keep things civil long enough to choose your ideal next home, sort through your things, and make a direct point-A-to-point-B move without having to put anything in storage. (Hey, it happened to me!) If so, make a plan that takes advantage of this time.

Extra Special Considerations for a Break-Up Move

  • Kids

The goal when you’re divorcing or breaking up with kids is to keep their lives as stable as possible. If you’re arguing a lot with your ex, it may be best to move out yourself first (Plan A above) to save your kiddos stress. You may also want to take some extra time to find an ideal kid-friendly setup or a place that’s near their school.

Of course, if there’s domestic violence or a threat of abuse, it’s best to remove yourself and your children as soon as you can. Lean on friends and family for support, and gain legal representation as soon as possible.

  • Pets

Before you discuss splitting up your pets with your ex, take some time to reflect on whether you can truly offer your pet a fulfilling life when you’re on your own. Any decision you make should be in your pet’s best interest. By the way, I’ve known couples to work out a joint-custody agreement successfully! You may also opt to leave Buddy at home with your ex until you can snag a pet-friendly setup.

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Step 2: Match your plan to its best moving option

After you know where and when you’re going next, it’s time to figure out how.

Maybe you’ve got money to burn. Maybe your breakup has left you flat on your back. Maybe you can bench press your couch in your sleep. Maybe your back goes out more than you do. Ultimately, every moving scenario is fairly different, including yours. Fortunately, there’s a moving option for whatever your budget and energy levels are.

DIY move

diy move

What it is: You’re taking the move into your own hands, from packing to unloading. This option involves renting a truck or borrowing one from a friend.

What it’s best for: Plan A, B

People who are on a budget, good old-fashioned DIYers, and/or those who need to move out quickly. (We have a checklist for that too!)

Insider tips: Moving is a lot of work, even under the best circumstances. This is the time to reach out to friends and family — especially if they’re into weightlifting. Ask them if you can borrow their truck, watch the kids on moving day, or get help with moving the heavy stuff.

Labor-only + Truck rental

Moving mattress

What it is: A hybrid between a DIY move and hiring full-service help, this solution involves renting and driving the truck yourself but hiring professionals for loading and unloading.

Who it’s best for: Plan A, B

Movers by the hour are great if you aren’t up for heavy lifting or could use a helping hand with disassembling and reassembling furniture. Need a recommendation? Make sure to check mover marketplaces with transparent reviews.

Insider tips: This option is still great for those who want to move out quickly, but it might not be as nimble as a full-on DIY move. If you hire movers, remember to mention if you have stairs or specialty items such as pianos, as packers and loaders generally charge extra for these. And don’t feel pressured to go with the fastest or cheapest option just because you’re eager to get away from your ex! Ignoring red flags isn’t great in a relationship, and it’s not great for picking moving assistance either.

moving truck prices
See real-time moving truck prices on Moving101

Portable storage moving service

college moving pod

What it is: This is when a moving company delivers one or more portable storage containers to your driveway, you load your things into the container, then the company picks up the container and delivers it to either your new home or a storage facility.

Who it’s best for: Plan B, C, D

Typically, portable storage companies like PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT are flexible with timelines, which lets you load at your own pace. This is helpful for couples who are on decent terms and want to take some time to sort through logistics and their possessions. It’s also great for those making a big change via a long-distance move, as you don’t have to worry about driving, or necessarily even coordinating when you’ll arrive. Your stuff will just be whisked away and waiting for you, typically with monthly billing. 

And although it’s potentially pricey for a temporary new place, it can be a luxury for the heartbroken needing a short-term, temporary move that requires storage.

Insider tips: If you’re unsure where you’ll be living long-term, get two containers! One can be loaded up with the essentials and delivered to a family member’s home or a short-term rental. The other can be kept in storage until you close on a new house or find a more permanent living solution. If you need help with the heavy lifting, portable containers pair super well with hourly packing and loading assistance.

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

HireAHelper.com can save you up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate van lines.

Compare our long distance moving company options.

Full-service move

full service move

What it is: Get comprehensive professional help moving from start to finish. We’re talking packing, unpacking, loading, unloading — the whole shebang! You won’t have to lift a finger, except to enter your credit card information. (Did I mention this option is usually the priciest?)

Who it’s best for: Plan C, D

If you’re able, this is best if you need support in more ways than one. It’s also a great fit for people who have a lot of stuff, are moving long-distance, or just want the peace of mind that comes with a full-service provider.

Insider tips: While this option can be the most convenient, it often takes the longest, as you’ll be moving on the company’s schedule — not your own. You may want to stay with a friend until moving day, especially if you’re planning on moving long-distance or during the busy summertime months. You might be tempted given the circumstances to book the first mover you talk to, but make sure to do your due diligence when picking out a company.

Real Talk

If you’re trying to safely remove yourself from an abusive relationship, there are professionals who are dedicated to helping people in your situation.

To get started, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, learn where your local shelters are (just in case), then click here to seek out moving companies near you who might be able to move domestic abusive victims for free.

Step #3: Self-care is vital while you pack and separate

Before you start throwing your things into boxes — and burning that little box of dating mementos — take a step back to get some operational things in place. It may take a little more work on the front end, but it’ll make the transition to your new place a lot easier.

  • If you bought something with your ex-partner, consider selling it back to them: If you don’t have it, you don’t have to pack it. If you want to cut your moving costs or move out in record time, clean out that closet, donate your things to a local charity, or, if you have time, host a garage sale (just don’t sell your ex’s stuff without permission). 
  • Save sentimentals for dead last: This is good advice for any move, but it goes double during a breakup. For untold amounts of reasons, dump sentimental stuff in a box and deal with it last.
  • Don’t get petty: Trust me, it’s best to take the high road. No arguing over knick-knacks! It’s not worth it.
  • Get ahead of having to pick up your mail: It can be easy in our digital age to forget about this step, but it’s better to take care of this now to avoid having to pick up your mail from your ex’s place after you move out.
  • Short on time? Hire professional movers by the hour. There’s a reason they’re the professionals; they can deal with all of the heavy stuff for only a couple hundred bucks, which is HUGE since you’re probably stressed out to the max.
  • Stock up on supplies: Proper moving supplies can mean all the difference between having your stuff arrive intact or in pieces. Forgo throwing things into a garbage bag and get some quality moving supplies, like boxes, packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap. Like free stuff? Here are some tips for getting free boxes.
@hireahelper Where to get FREE moving boxes! #packingboxes #cardboardboxes #cardboard #movingboxes #movingtips ♬ original sound – HireAHelper

Step #4: Move on

Just because your move is behind you doesn’t mean your ex is. Here are some tips for moving on after moving out:

  • Meet people near where you’re going: Get back into the social scene by starting close to home. This may be especially helpful if you’re not used to being alone, as you may be able to lean on your new neighbors for support with childcare or even handyman tasks if that’s not your thing.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff with your ex: After you’ve moved, you may realize that you left behind your favorite coffee mug or that you didn’t get reimbursed for half of the last utility bill. If it’s not a make-or-break situation, let bygones be bygones. It’s time to move on.
  • Overprioritize decorating your new space: Nothing spells a fresh start like a new place does. Put extra energy into picking out curtains, new furniture, and art for the new pad. 
  • You need a new routine: This is especially true if you have kiddos or pets. Create a sense of normalcy by establishing a new pattern. Just for funsies, throw in some things you wouldn’t have been able to enjoy when you were attached — cook with gluten, watch your guilty-pleasure Netflix show, or heck, let the dog sleep in bed with you.

More of a visual learner? Screenshot or download the official break-up moving checklist™ below!

breakup moving checklist
Click to enlarge
Illustrations by Shideh Ghandeharizadeh

I’m a Millennial and I Hired Movers, Here’s What Happened

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After a lawless period of asking my friends for help moving throughout my early twenties, then straining my romantic relationships in my late twenties, I have arrived in my thirties ready to embrace movers! Like a lot of young people though, I didn’t exactly know how hiring movers even worked.

But when our dream Los Angeles apartment dropped into our lap, I found myself at a crossroads. Half the judgemental voices in my head were screaming to do the heavy lifting myself, while the other half murmured exhaustedly that I’m too old for that.

One thing both voices agreed on, though, was hiring movers for free. I couldn’t have been more delighted when HireAHelper stepped in to help me out. Yep, they offered me an all-expenses-paid move! (Though we did cover the tip ourselves, which I hope serves as a reminder whenever you get something for free.)

All that was expected of me in return was to book it myself and give an honest review. So here goes.

How Does Getting Movers Actually Work?

Whereas my previous moves inevitably began about a week (or let’s be honest, a few days) before the move as I threw everything into boxes, the conversations about this move started a whole couple of months ahead of my move.

Turns out, for a local move you can book shockingly affordable professional movers online without having to even talk to anyone, and it doesn’t even matter if it’s next day or next month. (But as you might imagine, the early bird gets the worm.)

All you need to be able to see hourly rates is a ZIP Code and a hypothetical move date to see who’s available near you — that’s literally it. 

Third-party sites like HireAHelper.com keep moving companies honest.

Or if you’re brave like me, you can just call and talk to a real-life customer service person. She got me mover booked in like, literally five minutes. (Sidenote: I learned booking a long-distance move needs a little more communication, but it’s the same basic idea.)

What does a moving company ask you when you book movers?

For a local move like mine, not a whole lot, honestly. Over the phone (and its the same online), they asked me:

  • The rough moving date
  • Distance traveling (aka a second ZIP Code/address)
  • Type of residence (e.g., home, apartment, condo, business, etc.)
  • Number of bedrooms
  • If you want labor-only or need them to bring a truck

Four out of five of those were easy answers — we were moving our West Hollywood one-bedroom apartment five miles east to Los Feliz, which qualified it as a local move — but the date itself was seriously up in the air.

After giving these few details, the person on the phone suggested how many movers I’d probably need and how many hours they’d likely need to finish my specific move.

I was still worried about the date though. We were initially told we could move in at the beginning of the month at the earliest, and definitely by the 15th, but I was starting to get a little suspicious that construction was going to take longer. 

Not knowing the exact moving date is a fact that would 100% have derailed me if I was doing this by myself, but luckily, my new friend Sandy didn’t seem bothered by that issue at all. She told me we should just get a date on the calendar and we could always move it later. 

Sandy was able to score me an appointment with Rigo’s Moving & Storage, one of LA’s top-rated moving companies. (They currently have a 4.9 rating out of 5, with nearly 500 reviews.) 

 

“Honestly, my most difficult task was figuring out what to do while everyone around me was being so industrious, but it was over so quickly that I hardly even had time to get uncomfortable”

 

Instead of belated “sorry, can’t make it” texts from my weary friends on the day-of, I got confirmation emails from HAH and Rigo’s in quick succession, and just like that, the move itself was off my plate. I suddenly felt like I could focus on work, packing, and the many other stressors that come with a move. 

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What happens before moving day?

On the Monday before the beginning of the month move — yes, I was right about the construction — my phone rang. My immediate thought? “Omg, my friend with the van is about to bail.” But then I snapped awake, remembering that I’m not in my twenties anymore.

It was actually my moving company, calling to confirm my 9:00 a.m. appointment later that week. Then the evening before the actual move, I received yet another call. I thought it might be one final confirmation, or Rigo’s coming to their senses and ditching me to go to brunch, but it turned out to be HireAHelper reviewing my info for the next day. 

On the phone, my movers asked if there was a reason for booking a 12-foot truck, which he thought was kind of small. He then asked if they could send a 26-foot truck instead, free of charge, just to make sure his team didn’t have to make multiple trips.

Sure now that this was a prank call from Ashton Kutcher and that I didn’t have movers coming at all, I agreed. (And it turns out, no, HireAHelper did not put them up to this.) The main thing I contributed was packing.

What exactly happens on moving day?

The next day, right smack dab in the middle of the moving window, I got another call. Now, surely, this would be the moment when everything fell apart and I’d have to make twenty sweaty car trips while my boyfriend and I stewed in irritated, exhausted silence.

But nope! It was a heads up that our movers were ten minutes away, followed by another when they were right outside. (If you’re keeping track, that’s four separate phone calls confirming and communicating about a single move, which was incredibly reassuring to someone scarred by the stress of previous moves.)

Before I knew it, four movers descended on our apartment and asked for a few details on what was going and what was staying before launching into work. A big part of me was still assuming I’d get put to work, but in a ceaseless wave of motion, they:

  • Plastic-wrapped furniture
  • Disassembled our bed frame
  • Took endless rounds of boxes down the apartment complex stairs

Honestly, my most difficult task was figuring out what to do while everyone around me was being so industrious, but it was over so quickly that I hardly even had time to get uncomfortable.

Okay, then what happens during the unload?

After just over an hour, our apartment was empty and the Rigo’s guys told us we could head to the next location; they were already prepped with the address, so nobody needed to wait on each other. (A far cry from having a three-car caravan follow me to the new address and inevitably losing one of my ducklings at every traffic light and having to circle back.)

We drove all of 20 minutes to Los Feliz and arrived just as the window for our moving permit was opening, so there was plenty of space available on our street for the upgraded truck. (I had to reserve a time with the city to make room for the trucks by the way!) 

 

“…in the process of squeezing up and down the stairs, there was some scuffing that happened to the newly-painted walls…I pointed it out to one of the movers…and he assured me that he’d already taken photos and that someone would be reaching out to make sure I got compensated.”

 

This side of the move was decidedly more difficult, as our new apartment has an upstairs (!!!) and a lot more space, so I posted up in the living room to direct traffic. I’d also labeled each box with either a “UP” for upstairs or a “D” for downstairs so that I wouldn’t need to be present for every decision. (The habit of giving up control apparently dies hard.)

One of the movers got right to work upstairs reassembling our bed frame, calling down to me to make sure he’d placed it in a position I’d like (okay, communication!!), while the other three made trip after trip to the truck, coaxing the dolly up the outside steps and carefully negotiating larger items up the cramped indoor staircase.

They would have been well within their rights to complain, as I have nonstop when helping friends move in the past. But the funny thing about people being paid instead of doing you a favor is that they’re as motivated to do it quickly and well.

Then it was over?

At least I was sweating by the time the last box had made it inside, but it all still felt like it was over in a snap. Three hours might sound like a long time for a move, but it pales in comparison to the 10- and 12-hour marathons I’ve put myself through in the past. 

But this time around, my lovely boyfriend verified that all our items made it on a spreadsheet he’d prepared, I signed the paperwork for Rigo’s, and our four-person team was out the door and back in their truck, all before noon, and with no greasy pizza boxes to clean up or anything!

Post-Move Thoughts

With a bit of hindsight to mull things over, here’s what I think: If I had this move to do over again, I would change very little, even if I was using my own money. 

There were for sure little things that weren’t ideal, like the fact that two of our movers didn’t wear masks. (To be fair, I was too nervous to ask them to, but if you find yourself in a similar position, please ask! You’re paying for a service, and you’re absolutely in the right to expect your movers to adhere to both public health guidelines and those COVID-19 policies laid out by HAH.)

Another small downside is that in the process of squeezing up and down the stairs, there was some scuffing that happened to the newly-painted walls. Feeling very thirty-something, I pointed it out to one of the movers when I signed the paperwork, and he assured me that he’d already taken photos and that someone would be reaching out to make sure I got compensated. 

But other than those two things, honestly, everything went beautifully.

The move could not have been faster or smoother, our sectional is stable, the bed frame was rebuilt beautifully, and not one single item I moved was damaged in the process. My boyfriend was so enamored with this move that he says next time we should have the movers pack for us, too. To which I say… but then what would we fight about??

The Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Move

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Updated: New info for 2021

The moment you know for sure that you’re about to move, life seems to turn on its head.

You instantly have a million questions on what to do next, but often feel like you have no place to turn for those important answers. That’s where we come in! This moving checklist will ensure that you get all of the essentials done so you stay on track for a stress-free move.

Create a Timeline to Tackle Your Move Using Our Moving Checklist

Moving is a process. It shouldn’t (and can’t) happen overnight. Our checklist provides a detailed and resourceful step-by-step guide as you start your journey to a new place, big or small. What should you be doing now? What should you be doing the month, week, or even day of the move? Heck, is there anything extra to do after the move, besides unpacking? We’re here to answer all of those questions for you!


6 Weeks Before the Big Move

Moving Checklist: 6 Weeks Out

How do I plan to move out? And what are my moving options?

Before you begin this moving checklist, we highly suggest you read this Moving 101 guide to get all of the details on your moving options. Essentially, moves fall into one of these three categories:

  • Do-It-Yourself Move: You rent the truck (or find a friend’s truck), load it up, then drive it all to the next location by yourself or with friends.
  • The Hybrid Move: You hire help to load and/or unload the truck, you drive and rent the truck.
  • Full-Service Move: You can relax while the movers take care of loading and driving. The movers you choose will depend on a number of factors, including budget and timeline. Our sister company Moving Place can be a great alternative to traditional full-service moving companies, because they take care of every detail of your move at reasonable prices.
  • Moving101 has charts and up-to-the-day costs to help you find the right move for your situation. Plus, you can use the Moving Cost Calculator to get your budget in order from the very start.

When should you schedule movers?

For the absolute best prices and flexibility, start perusing available movers and trucks now, at roughly six weeks out.

If you are renting a truck for your move, make sure to compare your options. U-Haul isn’t the only option anymore. Budget and Penske are just two of the rental truck competitors that have their own fleets available all over the country.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to stress about actually booking movers just yet … you have until about three weeks before the move to do it comfortably. And if you’re just booking labor-only move helpers from HireAHelper, you also have plenty of time to secure them – you don’t necessarily have to start worrying until two weeks before the move. After that, though, movers and trucks become harder to come by.

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How do I prepare to move to another state?

However, if you are booking a Full-Service Move, complete with movers, a truck and even a container, then booking now at six weeks out will keep you right on track. This is especially true if you are moving to another state, where things like state laws and paperwork for movers going across state lines come into play. This month-and-a-half timeline is more likely to ensure the things you need on moving day are available and reserved just for you!

Consider renting a container for your things.

Container moves are a perfect way to move in some situations, especially ones where your new property is not ready yet. This container guide lays out the pros and cons to help answer whether or not a container move is a good fit for you. Did you know most moving companies will store your container for one month for free? Yes, this guide has the scoop to help you decide what’s the best plan for your situation.

Get rid of the stuff you don’t need now before you think about packing.

Purging before a move is a great idea for a number of reasons. Not only will you have less to pack up and move, but you’ll also have less to unpack and organize in your new place. The easiest way to slowly purge is to keep a small box or bag in every room of your house (especially in the closets). Items you find that are broken, missing or just never used should be added to these boxes and eventually donated or thrown away. You can also have a garage sale or sell your old items online, which will help you make some last-minute cash right before your move. For items you end up donating, be sure to save the documentation from the donation center so you can use it as a tax write-off at the end of the year.

What exactly can I do with my old stuff?

When it’s time to finally sort through the items in those donation boxes, here is a list of items you can donate to particular spots in your city. And if you have any random items to get rid of (a mattress, outdated appliances), we’ve got you covered too. Read up at those links!

4 Weeks Before the Big Move

Moving Checklist: 4 Weeks Out

Start notifying businesses about your upcoming move.

Four weeks before your move is a good time to start notifying the necessary people or companies about your relocation. These parties include:

  • Utility companies
  • Local schools
  • Homeowner’s insurance company
  • Current landlord
  • Bank/credit card companies
  • Government agencies
  • Anywhere you hold subscriptions
  • Anyone else who may be sending you important documents over the next few months

Not only do you want to notify them of your move, but of course you will need to give them your new address to them if you will still be using their services. When it comes time to change your mailing address, this step-by-step guide was extremely helpful for us.

Start collecting moving boxes now.

No moving checklist is complete without helping you figure out what kind of moving boxes you want. And there are plenty of ways to get them on the cheap … or even FREE if you do a little research. This checklist outlines all of the places you can score free boxes, and here’s a list of places you can try to at least get a deal on the ones you do purchase. But always remember that wherever and however you get your boxes, be sure they are clean and in good shape. No matter how cheap they are, there’s no value in getting your stuff dirty or crushed.

HireAHelper Free Moving Box Checklist (click to expand)

Since you still have plenty of time before the move, you don’t need to be frantically throwing items into boxes. Four weeks is plenty of time to start packing your stuff with an organized game plan. Will you pack items from one room together? Will you pack items of the same size together? Whatever method works for you is great, just be sure you are labeling your boxes as clearly and as detailed as possible so the unpacking process is even easier! If you’re not sure what labeling system is best for you, we really love this trick because it makes moving day efficient.

Purchase furniture to be built or delivered. 

Buying furniture now is a great idea so it can be ordered and delivered to your new home just as you’re about ready to set things up. Instead of lugging over that king-sized bed or oversized buffet, sell those items on Craigslist and look for new items that will fit. If they’re back-ordered or will take time to ship, that’s perfect because you still have a month to go!

Remember: if you have them shipped to your new address, you won’t have to worry about moving them. For items you end up buying on Craigslist, be sure to set up the pickup date on your moving day so that you can utilize the truck you have already rented! You can use this same trick at stores like IKEA. You can do all of your shopping and arrange to pick up these large pieces on your moving day so you can get the most bang for your buck for your moving truck rental.

3 Weeks Before the Big Move

If you decided to rent a truck, figure out which one and how big it needs to be about now.

Now that we’re three weeks out, it’s time to book your truck. The kind of truck you rent will be different for each move, but it will mostly depend on how much stuff you’re moving from point A to point B. You may want to shop around to find the best deal and see which day will be the least expensive. This post guides you through all of these important truck rental factors.

Okay, who exactly should I hire to move my stuff?

That’s the easiest question on this list! Just check out HireAHelper for all of your heavy-lifting needs. You can find local movers to help you on moving day so you won’t have to lift a finger. It’s suggested that you book your Helpers about 2-3 weeks in advance, so now is the time to get this checked off your to-do list.

It’s (officially) time to start packing.

It’s finally time to start packing up. And since you already figured out where to get boxes on the cheap, you can go ahead and pick up all of your moving supplies. Don’t forget to consult this post for a list of all of the supplies you will need for packing (plus tips to pack them up efficiently).

Make sure you know what you’re not allowed to transport on moving trucks.

Yep, you can’t bring it all! Here’s an entire list of things you should keep off the truck come moving day. Be sure to have a game plan to get these items to your new place.

How do I pack strange objects?

Moving Checklist: 3 Weeks Out

Let’s face it, not everything you own is going to fit nicely into a cardboard box. But we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions to pack up even the most unusual objects, such as these: 

1 Week Before the Big Move – What should I do a week before moving?

Do the mandatory cleanups of your old place.

It’s always nice to leave your old property in good shape for the new homeowners, but for renters, it’s imperative to do a few things before you leave in order to increase the chances of getting your security deposit back. After your place is emptied, make sure to patch and paint any holes in the walls so you don’t get charged for this simple repair. If there is anything else your landlord requires (like getting the carpets professionally cleaned), be sure to coordinate this before you head out.

What else should I pick up at the store?

Call us crazy, but we think a fanny pack, now fashionably called a “sling bag,” may be the best thing to wear come moving day … and here’s why! Now’s the time to find a sweet one so you’re all prepped and ready.

Also, consult this list so you have the seven items you absolutely need for moving day.

Prioritize the right cleanups for your new place.

Cleaning is the next big one on our moving checklist. If you can get into your new house, we highly suggest you head over there before you actually move everything in to give the new space a good, deep clean. Here are five areas that need some TLC right away. You can also setup time for a locksmith to come over to your new place to re-key the locks shortly after your move.

A Successful Moving Day

Moving Checklist: Moving Day

Be fully prepped with all the right stuff.

  • Put on your handy dandy moving day fanny pack and make sure you have these moving day essentials all ready to go.
  • If you booked a container, it should be fully loaded before moving day … especially if you have a morning pickup for your container.
  • If you rented a truck, make sure you get to the rental place early to avoid a line. Start your day on the right foot and totally on time! Also, if you hired Helpers, make sure you allow yourself at least an hour for picking up the truck so you can get back in time. You don’t want to waste any valuable time with your hired help!
  • The best thing you can do is to have a talk with you and your moving team at the beginning of the day. Go over all of the key pieces of information so everyone is on the same page from the start. You need to be a confident leader!

If I hired movers what should I do?

Sit back, be a manager, and watch them do the heavy lifting. Yes, this may feel a little awkward, but it’s what they’re there for! (Plus, for insurance reasons, you’re usually not allowed to help anyway.) Don’t be afraid to speak up if you want them to do something differently, like wrap the piece of furniture with one more pad for safety!

If I didn’t hire movers what should I do?

Get ready to hope your friends show up! Maybe do some stretches so you can avoid injury and mentally prepare yourself for being on the downside of a couch in a stairwell praying your friend holding the top doesn’t let go! At the very least, it’s going to be a long day, so stay hydrated and nimble. You’ll be extra excited to check this off the moving checklist.

Unload and label your stuff in the most efficient way.

If you used our labeling tips to make a game plan for which room each box should be delivered, then you’ll want to label the doors in the new place based on the key. This will keep things organized and will ensure that your Helpers get the right boxes in the right rooms of your new pad.

Should I tip my movers? If so … how much?

There’s a lot of debate on whether you should tip your movers or not, and if you do tip…how much should you cough up? For more clarification, check out this post and then make your call.

Following Up After the Big Move

Moving Checklist: Hiring Movers

Get rid of or utilize all your moving boxes correctly.

Chances are you’ll have a lot of leftover boxes. Here are some ideas to make the most of all of that cardboard:

If you can keep those boxes around for your next move, your future self will thank you. But if you don’t want to repurpose or don’t have the room to save them, please, don’t forget to recycle them! Here’s a searchable database that’ll let you know the closest place to recycle anything of yours that can be reused, including those moving boxes!

Meet your neighbors online!

Nothing like starting off on the right foot with the people you’ll be living next to for quite some time. Check out this post on neighbor etiquette, download the Nextdoor app (must have!), and then muster up the courage to head next door and say, “hello.”

Unpack (efficiently). 

Of course! We’ve got industry tips to make your unpacking party more manageable and more enjoyable. (Yes, it can be fun, but make sure you don’t hurt your back!).

Can I finally relax?

Yes, it’s time to celebrate! You definitely deserve to focus on this celebration step before moving on to the few remaining steps! After your move, we think it’s important to take a deep breath and celebrate in your new home. You’ve earned it!

What’s next?

Now the fun finally begins … getting settled into your new home! Consider painting the walls one of our favorite neutral colors, adding some smart home accessories, and even try tackling some of these DIY projects to transform your new home into home, sweet home. 

Two Ways to Take This Moving Checklist With You

    1. Tried and True Printer Friendly PDF – A ready-for-paper checklist. Pencil sold separately.
    2. Digital Friendly *Expanded* Version – Download/screenshot/save to your camera roll.

Illustrations by Dola Sun

How I Moved Across the Country Completely by Myself

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Here’s the way things started: I had an opportunity, a big one, but I needed to move across the country to take it. And I had to take some of my stuff with me.

But the biggest issue? The move needed to happen in April, and I would be traveling across the northern part of the country from Idaho to Pennsylvania, plowing through late winter snows and other potential issues.

Oh, and I’d be doing it alone.

I started off with a plan, some goals, and some ideas of how things would go. And as is typical of these kinds of adventures, not everything went smoothly. Here is what I learned on my long distance solo journey.

I Went With a Rental Truck

One of the first moving related decisions you have to make is what how to move, including if you should go with a rental truck.

You ultimately need enough room, but you don’t want to pay too much. If you opt for a rental truck, you need one that is reliable the whole way across, and that gets as good of fuel economy as you hope for from a large vehicle. (You will save a lot of money driving your own truck versus a Full Service option, but it’s still roughly a $1,000 rental after expenses, on average.)

Which rental truck do you go with?

I chose to rent from Penske. According to Moving101 user reviews, it was the brand that was both the most reliable and comfortable. I had a sense this was true, thanks to my package delivery days when we had to rent delivery vehicles whenever our own trucks were in for repairs.

I got a discount right on HireAHelper’s page for booking my rental truck

How do you tell how much room you need?

There are some handy charts online made by truck companies like Budget and Penske where you can estimate based on the number and type of things you need to bring with you.

Penske.com

In my case, the most important things were in my office, like a desk, books, computers, other supplies, and books. About 1-2 rooms worth of stuff. This meant a small truck was fine for me, which would also get better mileage not being weighed down. Huge, since I’m the one paying for the gas!

Do you need movers?

Lastly, since I was by myself at one end, and then only had my cousin to help me unload at the other, I hired pros for the heavy lifting part for just a couple hundred bucks. This was a way more affordable way to move across the country, as opposed to hiring a van line for several thousands of dollars, which I didn’t have time to wait around for anyway. If you need more hands-on help (like with transportation, for instance), there are even long distance moving companies that are still pretty affordable compared to Full service movers. 

The movers I got packed my truck way better than I could do by myself, which ensured that nothing would slide around or get damaged. And the person I got on the phone at HireAHelper was invaluable from start to finish, finding me the most affordable and highest rated movers for both ends of my journey in maybe 15 minutes.

I Dealt With Weather

Long Distance Moving

Sometimes when you gotta move, you just gotta move.

Early spring is often the time for late winter in the northern United States, and snow was a real possibility—one that turned into a reality in Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

In Utah, the snow was almost blinding for over 150 miles!

What this ultimately meant to my move was a slower drive and a later arrival. Another unusual factor you don’t really read about while moving in those flyover states: wind. And with a moving truck that wasn’t loaded with overly heavy things, it was a larger factor than I at first imagined.

Adding to the adventure was the need to pass large semi-trucks carrying heavy loads, something that often involved those rumble strips on the side of the freeway and white knuckles on the steering wheel.

Finding Alternate Routes Actually Helped Me

Long distance moving

Besides snow and wind, early spring is often the time when states start their annual road construction projects on freeways and highways. For the most part, I let Google pick the fastest route across the country, like most people. The good thing about that is that Google Maps knows how to bypass rush hour in cities I was not familiar with. The downside? Google did generally point out road construction … but it didn’t know what kind of vehicle I was driving.

Orange cones, narrow lanes, and slow speed zones were all things I encountered along the way. Having alternate routes mapped out was seriously a lifesaver for me a couple of times on my trip.

(I’m looking at you, eastern Wyoming.)

I Didn’t Reserve Places to Sleep Ahead of Time

I decided to go with the reservation-less trip, and risk not being able to find a place to stop for the night. Since I was traveling alone, I figured at worst, I could sleep in the cab of the truck for a few hours.

As you might have predicted, this actually turned into an issue.

Long distance moving

As I passed the Chicago area, there suddenly were no vacant motels for a long time. I finally spotted a Motel 6 sign and pulled off the exit to find a large concrete structure I was convinced had once been a bunker or a hospital.  A couple of weary looking truck drivers followed me off the exit, and we all seemed to be ready for a bed, any bed.

The rug-free floors and bare walls, the old television, and the lack of other amenities did not matter as I fell onto the aging mattress.

The rest of the trip I was able to find reasonable lodging wherever I went, but I was close to cab-resting a couple of times. Next time, if there is one, I might plan things a little differently.

I Kept Eating and Drinking Alarms on my Phone

I had to eat, drink, and stay alert as I drove. Driving by yourself for a long time makes that tough to do. Here are some things I found helpful to do after my alarms went off every five hours:

  • Grocery shop: All that road food is not great, so I grabbed some healthy snacks at a grocery store each morning along the way and kept a small cooler in the passenger seat to put them in.
  • Drink wisely: I needed to stay hydrated, but didn’t want to have to stop too often to empty my bladder. On the other hand, bathroom stops offered a chance to stretch and walk around, so I eventually found the right balance of drinking only every few hours and not being afraid of semi-frequent pit stops.
  • Know your caffeine tolerance: Caffeine helps keeps me awake. But it’s is also a diuretic, and too much tears up my stomach. Caffeine is not a super great long-term plan.

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

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Staying alert also involves listening to the right things

Long distance moving

Silence is not good, and neither is soothing music. I rolled down the windows when possible, listened to talk radio or audio books; these were all things that kept my brain engaged. I also had to pre-download listening materials, knowing there were big sections of land with no radio reception.

Finally, I had a hands-free way to talk on the phone in order to stay in touch with people along the way. In some states, hands-free phones are the law, but in all of them it’s a good idea.

You Will Be a Magnet to Law Enforcement

As I traveled across Illinois, I was pulled over by a state trooper. Then it happened again.

Long distance moving

Not because I was doing anything wrong, but because I was driving a moving truck, plus it was windy … so I wandered over the fog line a couple of times. Okay, okay, want to know the real reason they pulled me over? Apparently, it is quite common for drug runners to use moving trucks filled with junk to disguise their shipments.

Understand that even the most minor traffic violation in a moving truck might get you pulled over. Since it quickly became clear to officers I was not a drug smuggler (the second state trooper bought one of my books from me!), they let me go. But it was still a delay.

Simply know that the police will be watching, be sure you have all of your rental paperwork in order, and don’t carry anything illegal across state lines—even if it is legal in the state you’re going to. (We’re looking at you, marijuana). You will get in trouble, the kind that can really stick with you.


Moving across the country by yourself is a challenge, and one not all people are up to. If you feel like taking an easier route, you can check out Moving Place, a long distance moving company that can take care of everything that is transportation related: booking a truck, drivers, gas, etc. You pack and they’ll get your stuff safely to you new home at a fraction of the price of traditional moving companies. 

Once I arrived at my destination (during a gentle snowfall, actually) everything was fine. The best news: I got to my unloading movers on the right day! The move was more about the journey than the destination. I am now back in Idaho, but I learned a lot along the way:

Choose your truck, your timing, and your route carefully. Have goals, but be flexible. And keep things legal. It will turn your trip into something you will never forget.


Troy is a freelance writer and author who lives, works, and plays in Idaho. When not found behind the screen toying with the alphabet, he can be found cycling, hiking, skiing, and walking his very talented dog in the great outdoors.

 

How to Best Unload Your Moving Truck

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Loading your truck is like getting ready for prom. You want everything to be perfect.

Unloading, on the other hand, is kind of the same way; take everything off, drop it on the floor and go jump in the pool with your friends, right?

Yes and no. Unloading a moving truck is definitely easier than loading one, but like jumping in the pool, there are good ways and bad ways to do it.

Below are some tips for safety and speed so you can not only do the job right but have plenty of time for the post-party. (And this all applies for moving containers too!)

How to Prepare Your Unload

Park on a flat, level surface

If you are renting a portable container like a PODS, you can expect it will be set on even ground. The same thing goes for a rental truck.

You’ll want to park in a similar level place, to make unloading both safer and easier. If you simply have to park on a sloped surface, point the front of your truck downhill. (You can imagine why.)

Apply the emergency brake

This applies even if you park on a level surface. It also doesn’t hurt to put chocks – or rocks or blocks of wood – under one or more of the wheels. 

Open the back of the truck slowly

Your stuff will have shifted around in transit, and the possibility of something tumbling out onto the ground, or on you, is very real.

If something is about to come tumbling out, you may feel and/or hear it pushing against the door as you open it. But not always.

Keep your eyes open and have an extra set of hands ready.

Ramps slide out quickly, be careful

Rental trucks generally come equipped with a loading ramp that slides right out from under the rear door. Unlatching it, sliding it out and locking it in place is simple. So is hurting yourself if you aren’t careful.

That ramp is heavy! And pulling it too hard can turn it into a battering ram with you being the one getting battered. Ease it out all the way and set it down on something not your toes. And remember to set those hooks at the top of the ramp securely in place!

How to Unload Safely and Quickly

Get off to a pretty slow start

That’s right! Even if nothing looks about to topple over, you still want to take it easy when you begin unloading your stuff.

Your stuff will shift and resettle in transit

This goes triple if you have a freight trailer!

The pedal of the bicycle you so carefully placed on top of all those boxes might now be stuck in between two of those cartons, and pulling too hard trying to free your bike can send a whole stack of stuff cascading down on top of you. 

Remember, if your truck was packed to the gills, you won’t have much room back there for your feet. Take your time. Watch your step. Ease those first items off the truck, always aware of how close your Nikes are to the edge of that deck. One misstep and there goes your stuff (and you).

Assign a ramp person

If you have someone (or a few people) helping you, assign one person to stay on the truck to break down the load and put everything at the edge of the deck where the others can grab it without having to climb into the truck.

Not only does this save time, it also eliminates a ton of bending over.

Working like this, it’s never long before the person on the truck gets ahead of the others. This is a good time for that person to nominate someone to help carry that sofa or dresser off the truck and into the house. In addition, jumping off the truck and helping get all the stuff they’ve set on the deck into the house is the obvious way to keep the process rolling.

Tackling the unload all by yourself? Try working in a similar fashion. As you break down your load, position as many boxes and other items as possible along the edge of the deck. Then you’ll be able to make a bunch of trips back and forth without having to walk up and down that ramp every time, saving both your legs and your back.

 

Form a box brigade

Building on above, if you are lucky enough to have two or more people helping you unload:

  • Keep one person working on the truck
  • One person carrying stuff from the truck to a staging area (usually the garage or the front door)
  • One person working inside carrying everything from the staging area to where it all belongs

Naturally, the person on the truck will start getting ahead of the person carrying stuff to the staging area, who will in turn probably get ahead of the person running back and forth inside the house. Periodically jumping off the truck or stepping inside to help your buddy catch up keeps everyone moving – and quickens the process of emptying out that truck or portable container.

Which, of course, leaves more time to enjoy the pool.

Use a dolly

When you are unloading your moving truck, a hand truck (also known as a dolly) is your best non-human friend.

Rolling heavy stuff means you don’t have to carry it. Rolling a stack of boxes means making one trip instead of three or four! The bigger your load and the heavier your stuff, the more you will thank yourself for having that hand truck around. It’s an essential item to rent of your moving truck doesn’t come with one, or if you don’t hire moving labor.

Make sure, by the way, to use that hand truck correctly. You should always be higher than the dolly when rolling stuff down that ramp. If you are hand-trucking something large and/or heavy, have an extra set of hands at the lower end to keep that thing moving steadily—and slowly!

Want to really learn how to use a dolly? Check out this post.

Center everything before it goes off the truck

It goes without saying that when you’re unloading major appliances and large pieces of furniture – or anything for that matter – you want to be doubly certain neither your feet nor the wheels of your hand truck miss that ramp.

But you also want your hand truck to hit the ramp squarely; if one wheel starts going downhill before the other your hand truck will start to tip to one side. Your buddy on the bottom end will naturally try to steady it, which can send one of his feet off the side of the ramp, and things will just keep going downhill from there.

Whether you are rolling or carrying that big heavy appliance or piece of furniture, you want to get centered on the back of the truck before you head for that ramp.

Again, when using a dolly, those wheels go down before you do. If you and a buddy are carrying that item, whoever is holding the bottom end needs to travel down first. In either case, the person on the lower end is responsible for maintaining a straight line of forward progress. 

Ready to unpack?

That’s a whole other thing, so make sure to read our unpacking guide too!

Protip: If you have to walk up a slope or up any stairs, it’s good practice to turn yourselves around so the person holding the top of that big bulky piece is again in a higher position.

Going upslope, however, the person on top takes over steering duty. The person on the bottom then will have the responsibility of providing most of the upward momentum. (This is especially true when going up a staircase.)

In other words, the person on bottom pushes while the person on top does their best to avoid banging into the walls and tripping up the steps. 

Get Some Quick Help

And if all else fails (or you realize you have more stuff than you thought you did after loading your truck), do yourself a favor and double-check our movers’ prices for unloading trucks.

Get Help Unloading Your Rental Truck

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From my decades of experience moving people, an unbooked mover is pretty motivated to come out, as opposed to sitting around doing nothing. Do a quick fly by on HireAHelper if you were wondering, “But are there any local movers near me available to lend me and my friends a hand?”

I’ve saved plenty of people’s moving day who thought to check, even last second.

Illustrations by Emily Roberts

Bubble Wrap 101: Protips, What It Doesn’t Work With, and Solid Alternatives

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For keeping your most valuable, most expensive stuff protected when you move, it may seem like there’s nothing better than bubble wrap. But we’ll let you in on a little secret. 

Movers very rarely – if ever – use the stuff.

Not because it doesn’t work. It does. But the pros know, all those little bubbles add up to some bulky and relatively expensive bit of cushioning. Packing paper, used correctly, will serve most any packing purpose and save you both space and money.

Still, you may be more comfortable enveloping your flat screen TV, your electronics, your stemware and your china in bubble wrap. That’s totally understandable. So if you decide to go this route, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Using Bubble Wrap: 5 Quick Tips

  1. Put a layer of packing paper between your TV and that bubble wrap. Plastic can leave marks on your screen, particularly in extreme temperatures. This goes for anything you wrap in bubbles. For items with sharp edges or corners, some extra paper can help keep those sharp areas from poking right through the plastic.
  2. Wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward for better protection against exterior pressure and accidental impact. The flat side is easier to write on (in case you want to be able to identify each item quickly) and will hold the tape in place much more effectively.
  3. Don’t bank on one layer of bubble wrap. Two layers of small bubble sheeting might be enough for a piece of stemware, though this would be in addition to packing them with plenty of packing paper and, for extra peace of mind, individual cells inside your cardboard box. If you are using the stuff with the bigger bubbles for heavier items like a large framed mirror or your CPU, one layer may suffice – but again, only in addition to some crumpled packing paper for extra cushioning on all sides.
  4. Keep that bubble wrap firmly in place by taping not just along the edges, but all the way around the item. You splurged on that bubble wrap, don’t start skimping on the tape!
  5. Have a pair of scissors on hand when you are unpacking. It would be a real bummer to break something – or drop and break something – while trying to tear that bubble wrap off using only your hands. 

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What to Pack in Bubble Wrap

bubble wrap

Valuable items. Fragile items. Heavy and hard-to-replace items. If you’re staring at something and you can’t decide whether to bubble wrap it, err on the side of caution and wrap it.

Specifically, you’ll want to consider bubble wrap for:

  • Large picture frames and mirrors
  • Flat screen TVs
  • Glass tabletops and shelving
  • Electronics and computers
  • Stemware and fine china
  • Fragile decorative items

Remember, bubble wrap alone will not do the trick. Even surrounded by two or three layers of air pockets, the things on this list will still need to be packed firmly in cardboard cartons with enough crumpled packing paper on all sides to keep them from shifting and bouncing in transit while keeping them safe from exterior impact.

After the bubble wrapping is done, use the right kind of box.

There’s no point in being safe if you use the wrong box for your stuff. Finish the job right by packing each bubble-wrapped item properly, surrounded by plenty of crumpled packing paper. Moving boxes come in specific shapes and sizes for your items, use accordingly.

bubble wrap

Mirror Cartons

Picture frames, mirrors, glass shelves and flat-screen TVs go in mirror cartons – sets of two, if not four pieces that you can use to form a custom-sized box.

Double-Walled Dish Pack Cartons

bubble wrap
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Electronics and computer components are best protected when packed in double-walled dish pack cartons, the same boxes we use for dishes, plates and glasses. And yes! This includes your china and stemware. Fragile decorative items like statuettes and ceramics can still be packed in medium (3 cubic foot) boxes, provided they are cushioned well and the boxes are clearly marked to minimize the chances of someone putting a box of books on top.

Cardboard Cells

A note about stemware: Nothing gets broken more often than this stuff. Wrapping each piece well is crucial, but so is packing it all correctly into your dish pack as the items on the bottom will have to support the weight of everything else in there.

bubble wrap
cactuscontainers.com

The best thing to do is get your hands on some of those cardboard cells, which not only keep your wine glasses from knocking against each other but offer an appreciable amount of vertical support, keeping all the weight of those glasses off the ones at the bottom of the box.

If you can’t find any cardboard cells, don’t despair! A thick layer of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of your dish pack and another layer of crumpled paper on top of each successive tier of firmly-packed stemware is what the pros use to keep everything safe. If you aren’t comfortable with that, line your entire dish pack with bubble wrap and put a couple of sheets in between your tiers of glasses. This isn’t the most cost-efficient way to pack your stemware, but it beats a box full of expensive shards of glass.

Alternatives

If not bubble wrap, then what? As stated earlier, packing paper is the standard. However, towels, crumpled newspaper, or virtually anything form-fitting, sturdy and that’s plenty soft can often do the trick for cheaper. Sound too simple? It really is. As long as you pad your items in a balanced way, it doesn’t need to be as expensive as bubble wrap. Just as long as “this one, extra towel” isn’t the only thing keeping your priceless vase safe. Check the moving supplies section at your local hardware store for bubble wrap alternatives.

A Note on Packing Peanuts

bubble wrapYou may like the idea of those Styrofoam nuggets, but in general, they are bulky, costly, and non-biodegradable. The eco-friendly alternative cornstarch peanuts are even more expensive and don’t make for a very satisfying snack, no matter how hungry you are at the end of your move. Plus, they end up getting scattered all over the floor and clinging to your clothes. In short, use (and eat) them if you like, but I don’t recommend them.


Admit it. It’s hard to resist popping those plastic bubbles once you’re done with that bubble wrap. But think for a moment how easy it is to pop them – and how much all the boxes you are packing must weigh.

Keep this in mind when you are packing up all those valuable, expensive, fragile items. On its own, a sheet of bubble wrap can’t adequately protect your stuff. You’re going to need plenty of packing paper (or towels or clothes) in a pinch. Pack those items firmly in the center of your box, protected on all sides.

And really, save yourself a headache (and maybe the stomachache) and stay away from those peanuts!

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