Did you know that the average cost of hiring professional movers is between $90-$120 an hour for a local move in Ontario? Depending on the size of your move, how far you’re moving, and how many movers you’ll need, moving expenses can quickly add up! If you’re looking to save money on your moving-related expenses, it’s best to consider all your options and decide what solution works best for you and your moving needs.
If you’re an avid DIY-er or are simply looking to save money on your move, we’ve created this helpful guide to moving without hiring professional movers.
The Importance of Planning For Your Move
If you’ve moved before, you’ll know that moving requires a lot of planning, organization, and coordination! By planning your move ahead, you’ll avoid unwanted costs, headaches, and surprises.
Planning for your move will also help make the days leading up to your move, moving date, and the days that immediately follow less stressful. When you plan for the supplies you need, what you are taking with you, what closing tasks need to be done, the logistics, and expenses, you will be more prepared for tackling your move with ease.
Create A Moving Checklist
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of planning for your move, it’s time to create a checklist of everything that needs to be done before you move, during your move, and post-move. In your checklist, you’ll want to include tasks related to your utilities, billing information, moving supplies, the items you are taking with you, how you will move your belongings, and where your items will go.
If getting started is your biggest challenge, we’ve created a complete moving checklist for you to take an extra item off your growing list. Get your free copy of our comprehensive moving checklist here.
Consider Your Portable Storage Options
Once you’ve created your moving plan and checklist, it’s time to consider moving solutions and portable storage options. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- How much space do I need to move my belongings?
- What is the best way to get my belongings from my old home to my new location?
- Do I need a place to temporarily store my items in-between my move?
- What is my budget?
After you think through these questions, you’ll want to consider what your moving options are! Some common moving and portable storage solutions that do not require the help of professional movers include:
- Rent a moving truck, van, or trailer
- Using portable storage solutions such as The Move Out Bin
- Enlisting the help of family and friends
- Using your personal vehicle
Rent a Moving Truck, Van, or Trailer
If you’re considering renting a vehicle or trailer to help move your belongings from Point A to Point B, you’ll want to consider:
- How far your move is
- How much space you will need to fit your belongings
- What your budget is
- Whether you plan to make multiple trips or rent multiple vehicles/trailers
It is common for vehicle rental services to charge you based on the mileage you accrue, so be sure to keep this in mind when you are quote shopping.
Move With Portable Storage
Portable storage solutions such as The Move Out Bin’s portable storage containers make moving convenient and affordable. Portable storage containers allow you to pack your belongings at your location and do so at your own pace.
When you are done packing and ready to move to your new location, our team will arrive to move you to your new location. Using our revolutionary tilt-free delivery system, your items will be secured and safe from damages resulting from your items moving around.
If you finished packing before your new space is ready, for no extra cost we can store your storage bin at our secure facility until you’re ready to move. This is a benefit that many of our clients enjoy as movers cannot store your belongings until your new location is ready…but we can!
If you require full service from professional movers but still need a place to store your items until your new home is ready, we can help with that. We do collaborate with select professional movers to load our portable storage containers with your belongings and hold them at our storage facility until you are ready to move to your new location.
When your belongings are delivered to your new location, you can take all the time you need to unpack your belongings into your new space. Once you’re finished unpacking, call our team and we will come to remove the storage container from your property.
Enlist The Help of Family and Friends
Moving with the help of family and friends can be a fun experience! If your family members and/or friends are able to lend you their time, strength, and vehicles to assist with your move – you’ll have fun making memories and be surrounded by a crew you know you can personally trust with your belongings. Some important factors to consider when moving with family and friends include:
- How much space you will need to move your belongings
- The distance everyone will be required to travel
- How much time you will require to complete your move
When enlisting the help of your family and friends, you’ll also want to give your crew enough notice so that you can coordinate with everyone’s schedules. For tips on moving with family and friends, Laura Mueller created this guide for moving etiquette, check it out!
Move With Your Own Vehicle
In true DIY fashion, moving with your own vehicle is a solution that can be favourable for small moves. Moving with your own vehicle allows you to save on some moving costs but could cost you more time of doing-it-yourself. Some important things to consider when using your own vehicle include:
- The type of belongings you have- are you moving fragile and delicate items, and/or large pieces of furniture?
- The size of your vehicle
- How far you are travelling
- If you will need to make multiple trips
Moving with your own vehicle could be a great option for smaller moves where you have fewer belongings! If you are moving within your local area, this is also a great option if you need to make multiple trips.
Simplified Moving and Storage
No matter which option works best for your moving needs, The Move Out Bin is here to help. Be sure to download our moving checklist to help with your planning process, check out our moving supplies, and read up on our helpful blogs and guides.
We also offer free instant quotes if you decide to use our portable storage containers for your Windsor-Essex move. Our team is always happy to answer any inquiries you have, give us a call today at 519-566-3332 to discuss how we can simplify your moving and storage needs.
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