Is a DIY move right for you?

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Posted: December 1, 2020 - Homebuyer's Blog

While a do-it-yourself move may save on moving costs, Hartz Homes knows that this may not be for everybody. It largely depends on the distance of your move, the supplies and rentals needed, the amount of stuff you’re moving, and the amount of help you’ll need. Here are five things to consider when thinking about a DIY move. Best of luck and happy moving!

Moving boxes and packing supplies

The most forgotten about yet essential DIY moving expense is that of moving boxes and packing supplies. Unless you’re planning to quite literally throw your belongings on the back of a truck, you’re going to need moving supplies to safely and securely transport items. Important supplies that you may need include cardboard moving boxes, plastic bins, specialty boxes, packing tape, plastic wrap, foam peanuts, foam pouches and markers for labeling. While these items aren’t necessarily expensive by themselves, they do add up. For instance, ordering a 10-pack of small, medium and large size boxes costs around $25. You’ll likely need much more than 10 boxes, so expect to spend around $100 on boxes.

Moving equipment rentals

Moving heavy items? You’ll likely need to rent a dolly and other pieces of moving equipment to successfully accomplish the move. In addition to dollies, examples of moving equipment that you may need to rent or buy when moving yourself include moving blankets, straps, hand trucks, loading ramps and trailers. You should be able to rent these items from your local home improvement center or through a truck rental company. The cost of renting moving equipment will depend on the specific item needed, the length of time rented and the current demand.

Renting a moving truck

Unless you’re able to borrow a truck from a friend, you’ll likely need to rent a moving truck from a reputable truck rental company. While truck rentals are less expensive than hiring full-service moving companies, they still aren’t cheap. If moving across the country with a 10 ft. box truck rental, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1800 or more for a one-way move. Larger truck rentals could cost upwards of $2,000 or more for cross-country moves. Of course, truck rental costs depend largely on seasonal demand, distance traveled, size of the truck and whether or not the move is one-way. Fortunately, there are plenty of moving truck companies to choose from – all of which have different offerings and price points.

Moving assistance

Unless you have friends and family who can help with the move, you’re going to need to hire pros to help with the heavy lifting. After all, no one should be lifting and carrying a sofa, bed and other large items by themselves. Consider hiring a labor-only moving service. You’ll likely be charged by the hour, but you’ll want to  check and compare different mover rates before hiring anyone.

Moving container

Looking for more of a hybrid DIY option? Renting a moving container instead of a moving truck may be the best option for you. It’s cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company and also doesn’t require you to haul a truck rental to the new home. Instead, all you have to do is load up the container with your belongings, and the company will deliver it to your destination. Since you have to pack and unpack the container yourself, this moving service is still partly DIY. It is, however, more expensive than a truck rental.

Please check out these new home communities from Hartz Homes:
Armitage Pointe of Addison, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Bella Vista Townhomes of Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Blue Bell Ridge of Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago area new construction)
Lago Vista of Lockport, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Leigh Creek of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Marquis Pointe of Montgomery, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Nantucket Lakes of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Park West of Manteno, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Playa Vista of Plainfield, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Shannon Estates of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Sky Harbor of New Lenox, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Whisper Creek of Mokena, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)

Hartz Homes has new home communities in:
Addison, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Aurora, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Bolingbrook, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Lockport, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
New Lenox (Chicago area new home construction)
Manteno, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Mokena, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)
Plainfield, Illinois (Chicago area new home construction)