Interview with an Expert DIY Mover Who Moved 12 Times in the Last 4 Years

Couple carrying removal box

Every day we interesting people visit our stores.  Whether their need for storage or moving supplies is happy (new job) or sad (loss of a loved one), we listen to everyone’s needs and help them all experience the Amazing Difference of Amazing Spaces.  Many people who move like to try the DIY “Do it yourself” moving style.  These individuals pack, wrap, and load all items on their own, without the help of a professional mover.

Last week, I met a fascinating young lady who is clearly an expert on do it yourself moving.  This fine individual informed me that she’s moved for college, out-of-state for her job, and within Houston all throughout the past four years.  I asked her if I could interview her so she could give everyone some wonderful advice on moving.  Check out her insights below:

1. What is the best tip you can give a first time mover? 

Label your boxes carefully, because when it comes time to unpack you will forget what you packed. Make sure the box is at the minimum labelled with what room that box belongs in and then something that reminds you what is in the box without giving away that something valuable might be in the box.

2. Do you think the type of box you use truly makes a difference? (i.e., is a sturdier box better? Do you always need a wardrobe box?)

I love a good sturdy box that I can use for at least two moves. I don’t usually use a wardrobe box unless I am moving across the state or out of state. I really like medium boxes or boxes with handles. Even though the movers will most likely move the boxes to the truck and then into the new place, handles are awesome and allow you to move your own stuff later from room to room while you are unpacking

3. Have you ever used a professional mover? Why or why not?

I used a professional mover when I moved to Baltimore 2 years ago. I had never moved that far from home and they were ok. It was hard to get ahold of them until they got closer to the moving date. It also took them much longer to get to Baltimore then it took me (a whole month). That being said I packed a large suitcase with clothes I could wash over and over again (work clothes, workout clothes, PJs, etc..) and then packed my car with a small box of things I would miss if something happened to it (and I was bringing my cat so I had his things also). Not my favorite experience but I was able to live like that for three months, because my apartment ended up not being ready for two months after I started the new job. I had a unique experience because from the time I interviewed and the time I moved and started the job was only 3 weeks. It was quick but doable. Of course not ideal, but being flexible with whatever came my cat and I’s way was crucial

4. What different types of moving have you done (out of state, in-state, within the same city) and what was different about them?

I have moved several times in city (during college), between cities (home to college and back), and out of state (as previously mentioned). Each move was different. The in-city moves I just hired friends with trucks. The between cities moves I hired a moving truck, but I packed my own boxes so I could hopefully remember some of the things I packed in some of the boxes

5. Do you think that someone who has kids or pets would benefit from hiring a baby sitter or pet sitter during a move?

Hands-down hiring a babysitter for kids or “fur-babies” is critical. I usually moved my cat to my parents’ house or the vet until it was time to hit the road and head out. He has made every move with me and I found this was great. Animals usually get very stressed by all the chaos and keeping them sets them up for a difficult transport to the next place. I found its more calming to get them and transport them myself after the old place is empty and the new place has the boxes in them

6. Have you ever used moving blankets?  What item helped you the most during your moves?

moving blankets are awesome. If you are on a tight budget you can use your own sheets, blankets, pillow cases, pillows, and towels to wrap valuables in. If you aren’t on a tight budget, moving blankets are specially designed for these moves and are very worth their money.

7. Is there any fancy product that you’d LOVE to use during a move, but can’t see spending any money on it?

I actually can’t think of a special item that I would love to use

8. What do you typically do when you plan out a move? Do you have a strategy or just wing it?

When I know that I am going to move, I strategize. I like to get everything out of the cabinets one room at a time and get one room packed at a time so I can see my progress. It helps alleviate stress on your part because then you can see that your hard work is paying off and you feel a sense of accomplishment (all important things when you are already juggling a lot).


We’d like to thank our Amazing customer for helping us write this blog post. If you have any questions for her, please leave a comment below and we’ll send them her way!

Leave a Reply