This Guide has been developed by the relocation experts at the Parent Relocation Council to assist with your relocation. We are parents who have relocated and know that a successful move is dependent on up-to-date information about perspective communities. We have created this resource to provide you with all the information required to manage your relocation. It is divided into three categories:  Before the move, during the move, and settling in.

The Do-It-Yourself Move

The DIY move isn't for the faint-hearted but if you don't have much furniture then it can be ideal (i.e., small apartments, or even small homes). You can hire a van, ask your friends to give you a hand, load up and away you go hopefully saving yourself some money as well.

You can save money, but you should only consider moving yourself if you don’t have a large amount of furniture, and have a group of willing friends. Don't forget to calculate into your costs gasoline, time off work, packing materials, pizzas and free drink for all the friends or family that help you out.

If someone drops your TV or your new sofa gets damaged will you be upset? Check with your household contents insurance policy. Some will cover you while moving yourself, but most will usually only offer protection if your belongings are packed and moved by a professional company. Read the small print.

Are you and everyone that is helping physically fit? Moving a house is not only mentally stressful but also very physically demanding. Make sure you have enough friends and family to help you carry all the large items of furniture and a problem solver to help when the sofa won't fit through the door.

Choose a moving van from a company that has full insurance included in the price. You will want coverage for any damages, theft or loss throughout your rental period. Remember to ask about any additional expenses that may be added to your rental rate.  Be sure the van is covered if it breaks down. This will eliminate the worst-case scenario of being stuck on a freeway and having to determine how to transport you and all your goods to your new home.

Check the vehicle's interior and exterior condition. If there are any damages make sure the employee is aware of them before you rent the vehicle. Walk around the vehicle before you sign the rental agreement making a note of any scratches, dents etc. You will have to drive the van. Are you confident driving a large vehicle? Make sure the vehicle that you hire is large enough to accommodate all of your belongings in one trip.

Plan on having the loading completed early in the day. It is important that you are able to load a van securely without items falling over in transit or when unloading injuring somebody. It will be a long day, usually three to four times longer than if a professional company moved you. Plan accordingly.

Packing Your Home

Make a plan. Start with rooms that you use the least. Plan to pack one room a day. It may take two or three days to do bigger rooms. If you haven’t used something in a year, decide if you should give to charity, throw it out or put aside for a yard sale.

The boxes that you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded as the boxes that are designed for moving.

Select the right boxes - the correct sizes and strengths. Make sure you buy boxes that will be strong enough, hold enough and the right size for what you will be packing. Use small boxes for heavy items such as books or cds etc, medium boxes for everyday things and large boxes for light objects like bedding. Have enough wardrobe boxes, as they'll save you ironing time later. You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes but you want to pack your fine clothing such as suits or dresses in wardrobe boxes. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box, but be reasonable. Don't let the box become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect your fine china.

Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that mover’s use. Do not use masking tape. 

Remember that moving is an adventure and you must keep a positive attitude.