Many people think that local moving is much easier than long-distance move. And this is true, but not quite. You will need some tips and tricks for your local move, especially if you do not have any experience at all. Moving locally is maybe easier because you are not changing the city (or state). But, on the other hand, you will have many obligations, obstacles, and stressful situations too. Whatever the reason in for your in-state move, tips and trick are essential.
Do not underestimate the work you have to do when moving locally
The crucial thing is to not underestimate the amount of work you have to finish before a moving, and after moving too. It is a common mistake when people are moving locally, unfortunately. Making a plan is important for any type of move. A good organization is a key to a successful move. And that is why you should ask for tips about a local move and what should you do before a move.
Making a checklist for your short distance moving is helpful. With the checklist, you can plan for your move in advance and stay organized. Also, there are low chances that you will forget some task. You can find finished checklist online, or make it yourself. Each person is different and has different habits.
Start with packing
Make your packing easier and be organized. These are simple tips for how to pack for your local move:
- First, decide what to take and what to toss and make categories. Do not pack all your items with you because it will take your time and money. For example, if you did not use that jacket one year or more, donate it. Old and unuseful items you can throw.
- Collect enough moving supplies such as boxes and air bubble foil and other wrapping material. Boxes must be in good condition, especially for fragile items. You can buy them, or get them for free in supermarkets and local stores. If you hire a full-service mover, they will bring their moving boxes.
- Start with packing as soon as you can even when you are moving locally. First pack things you do not need before a moving day. For example, off-season clothing, some kitchen appliances, etc. Do not think you have enough time for packing because you are not moving somewhere far away.
- Label all your boxes, so your unpacking will be easier.
Collect enough different boxes, secure, and label them
DIY moving
When moving locally, you can move all your belongings by yourself, but only if you have experience. You will need a moving truck or a van, and of course a knowledge how to drive. This solution is not recommended if you have never driven a bigger vehicle. You can endanger yourself and people around you and your household items. Keep in mind that you will be driving in a city, and that is more difficult than driving on the open road. DIY moving is cheaper but you will have more work to do and also to ask your friends for a help. You cannot lift all those heavy and large furniture alone.
It is difficult to move all your items alone. Some of them are heavy and large. Ask your friends for help.
Hiring a local moving company
Hiring a moving company is a good option and safe for local moving. Movers will handle more difficult tasks, you cannot do alone. For example, moving furniture, heavy and large appliances, etc. Of course, if you hire a full service, then they will pack and unpack all your boxes too. Moving company has insurance, experience, and professional workers. Many people think that when they are moving locally, they do not need a moving company. But, without enough strong friends and experience, moving is not possible. So, find a reliable mover near you and have stressless move.
Calculate the local moving costs
Even when you choose a DIY you will have some costs. You will need to rent a moving truck or a van, but packing tape, boxes, wrapping material, changing documents, etc.
Calculate all the costs, so you can set your moving budget.
If you hire a moving company, the costs depend on the number of boxes you have to move, type of items and distance. If the moving company is charging your per hour, you can expect that one house is about $110 (for two workers and a truck). Of course, if you want more people, it will be more expensive. Also if you do not want to pack the boxes, the average price per hour is $30 for packing. Keep in mind that there are many ways to cut moving costs and to have an affordable move.
Transfer your utilities
Even when it is a local move, you MUST transfer your utilities and to change some of your documents too, because now you have a new address. So, contact your service providers such as cable TV, internet, water, electricity, gas, magazine, etc. Do it a few weeks before your moving day. Notify all the providers that you are moving. If you forget this step, you will pay your old bills. Nobody wants that. So, transfer them and you are safe.
If you forget to transfer all your utilities, you will continue to pay them for someone else.
Research a new neighborhood
Do a little research about the new city. Walk around the neighborhood, find grocery stores, bank, post office, etc. After a moving day, you will probably be exhausting to explore and you will need groceries or maybe some medications. So, before a move, explore a little bit. This way, you will feel more comfortable at home.
As you can see, moving locally requires a lot of tasks, so be prepared and organized. Do not make moving mistakes by being unprepared. By following these simple tips and tricks, your local move will be successful and stressless. Good luck with your move!
