If you do go down the move it yourself path and don’t want to pay a moving company to move your things, a great way to save money without breaking your back is to get your friends to help you move. The age old proverb of many hands make light work has never been truer then on moving day…
In my experience, the best way to get people to help you is to offer some non-cash "incentive." Provide free pizza or beer for those who help out. Maybe even put on a breakfast in the morning (if you are moving away). However, the best time to feed everyone is when the move is complete (or when all your moving boxes are in the new location).
You should aim to get between 4 or 5 ‘helpers’. Many hands make light work, but too many cooks can spoil the broth. There are only so many people that can help carry a couch through a narrow doorway or down a set of stairs. If you are having trouble getting people to help you move, remind them of a time that you’ve helped them out and let them know it will only take a couple of hours (even though you know it’s going to take half a day). After all… what are friends for, if to not help you move?
It’s a good idea to remind people about safe ways of lifting heavy objects (that is to lift with their legs and not to carry anything alone that is better handled by a team). If you could only manage to get your female friends to help you, set them to work on packing kitchen wares while you and the other men take care of moving storage containers, moving boxes and other heavy items like pool tables and pianos.
Take extra precautions to make your home a safe working area. Remember to clean up toys, trash, or any banana skins that might be lying around on the floor. Keep your doors open and point out light fittings, or sharp objects that may be dangerous to maneuver around. Also, spend a bit of time working out the best possible position to park your rental truck. While it might be ok to leave a moving van or a moving trailer on a slope, it’s not such a good idea to park a large moving truck on a steep incline. Hand breaks have been known to fail and stuff can roll out if not secured properly (think fridges, or benches, or any other large objects that might have wheels.).
Also, give your friends plenty of notice… It’s harder to make an excuse that way : )