DIY house removals can seem a daunting prospect. Indeed if you are moving a family home a long distance it may be advisable to use a removals company. However, if you are moving from a small home, bedsit or flat and are not moving far then a DIY move can save you lots of money. We discuss here how to do that move successfully.
PLANNING
Choose A Vehicle Size
Carry out a thorough appraisal of what you have to move and what size of van you will need to complete the job and how many journeys you may have to make.
It is also advisable to overestimate and make allowances for delays.
It is also very important to check if there is access and parking for the size of vehicle you have chosen at both ends of your journey – pay particular attention to the height and width.
Insurance
Check that your household contents insurance covers your goods in transit, if it does not then get them to give you a quote, it will be money well spent.
Lighten The Load
Obviously the less you have to move the smoother and quicker your move will be, so take the opportunity to get rid of some of the clutter that has accumulated over the years. You may be able to give some items you don’t really need to members of your family, or friends.
Indeed, consider selling those items of furniture, books etc that you are wanting rid of. You can then put this cash towards the cost of your move or treat yourself to something new for the new house when you have moved.
Look also at using things up. You will be amazed at how much non-perishable food you have in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom. Use it up and you will arrive at your new home ready for a fresh start.
Ask For Help
Although this is a DIY house removal, it is almost certain that you will require help. So if your family are unable to assist why not invite a few close friends to give you a helping hand with the move in return for a slap up meal on completion.
PACKING & PACKAGING
Buy or acquire plenty of strong boxes well in advance. You can never have too many. Online packing stores sell sets of boxes at very reasonable prices saving you hunting 
around your local shops and stores with your begging bowl.
Try to get a mixture of sizes and if you have lots of clothing purchase wardrobe boxes to hang them in.
Remember that boxes have to be carried at both ends of the journey so when packing ensure heavy objects e.g. books are at the bottom of the box with lighter objects on top e.g. soft furnishings clothes etc.
Set aside a couple of days to get the packing done and don’t be distracted. This way you will get it done faster and correctly.
Label And Colour Code
Clearly label or colour code every single box. There can be nothing more frustrating and time consuming than arriving at your destination and having to open boxes in the back of the van to see which goes where.
Breakables And Valuables
Ensure you have a few roles of bubble wrap and newspapers. When packing china, glass or valuable objects ensure they are firmly wrapped with bubble wrap or newspaper. Take time to box them carefully so there is no movement in the box.
LOADING THE VEHICLE
Planning the load is very important for safety and protection of your belongings during the journey and ease of unloading at your destination.
Place all the heavy goods such as washing machine, sofa and wardrobes on the floor to the front of the van. Make sure they are secure. Wedge them in and tie them to the sides of the van.
Ensure you put the lightest boxes and lighter household goods highest up, but also be sure these cannot move. You can purchase a few cheap ratchet straps for this purpose.
Sets of drawers are excellent for storage so, when loading take out the drawers and take them to the van separately. Re-insert them fully loaded and make sure they are pushed to the side of the van so they cannot slide open on the journey.
All your furniture should be protected by covering them with old blankets or sheets.
Make sure you try to box everything so to avoid having any loose unpacked items bouncing around during the journey. Remember If It Can Move, It Will.
DRIVING
If you are a competent car driver then driving a modern van is quite straight forward but, always remember you have your worldly goods in the back. So if you are driving on country winding roads keep your speed down to avoid breakages. There is nothing so distressing than hearing something in the back go bang.
Another reason you should take it steady is that the stopping time for a fully loaded van is far greater than a car. It is also worth noting that speed limits may be different for a van.
Always have someone to guide you back when reversing. Remember there are blind spots with a van and also the van is quite high at the back. Reversing into a car port is not recommended.
UNPACKING
As you labeled or colour-coded all your boxes choose in what order you want to unpack. When this is decided take the boxes straight to the room they belong.
When you have unloaded decide which room you want to unpack first. Then unpack that room tidying up as you go. This will save you time and mess. Then do the others in the same way.
Remember, there is nothing difficult with DIY house removals if you have organized everything beforehand.