General Moving Tips for Local Residential Moves

Whether it is a short local move or long distance move, to ensure a positive experience with minimal stress, make sure to begin planning as soon as possible at least five weeks prior to the move.

Moving can be a simple and quick task if you get it done the right way. Remember that the most important tip is to plan ahead. This will give you and the moving company a lot of time to prepare. Start making a moving checklist that will include everything you need to do before and during the move. Don't forget your bills and certain expenses; they may easily be overlooked in the process.

Set Your Budget

Even though moving might be expensive, making a budget can help you move for much less. Whether you can afford a full-service move or a DIY move will depend in part on your budget. Your move won't cost you more than you can afford if you have a reasonable moving budget.

The ideal moving method is the one that fits your needs and your financial situation. Compare moving company costs and compare them with a cost of renting a moving truck to determine which option is the most affordable.

To make your budgeting more precise, consider the hidden costs of moving. These can include cleaning fees, deposits for utilities at your new home, or even take-out meals during busy moving days. Research the average costs in your area for these services. For instance, a cleaning service might cost around $200-$400 for a standard-sized home. By accounting for these expenses, you can avoid unexpected financial surprises.

Hire a Mover or DIY

You'll be able to decide whether to hire movers or do it yourself once you've established your budget. If you plan to hire movers, now is the time to compare the best movers. Begin by asking friends and family for recommendations. Before making a choice, compare quotations from various businesses.

Get prices on equipment and trunk rentals if you're doing a DIY move. Additionally, enlist the assistance of friends and family to help you load and pack.

When weighing the decision between hiring movers and a DIY move, consider the time and effort required for each. For example, a professional moving service might charge $80-$100 per hour, but they can significantly reduce your workload and moving time. On the other hand, a DIY move, while cheaper, requires more time and physical effort. Assess your personal capacity and time constraints to make an informed decision.

Unclutter Before Your Move

Think about the space in your new home before you move. The move is an excellent opportunity to have a clear-out. Get rid of all unwanted and junk items. Have a yard sale or give it to your local charities or family members. Make a list of new items you may need in your new home.

The best way to ensure that a charity will take up large donations like furniture is to schedule a pickup in advance. To avoid worrying about how you're going to carry anything, look through this list of charity that will pick up your donations.

In addition to decluttering, consider the layout and dimensions of your new home. Measure large furniture to ensure it fits in the new space. This step can prevent the hassle of moving items that won't fit or suit your new home. For instance, if your new living room is 15x20 feet, ensure your sectional sofa will comfortably fit within these dimensions.

Pick a Moving Day

The summer is a pick time in the moving industry, especially the beginning and the end of the months. If you are planning to use professional moving services, get several moving quotes to help you better estimate the price of your move. Book the movers as soon as you know the moving date, just to be sure that the movers are available on the day you want to move. If you are moving locally, try to move on a weekday, it may even be cheaper than moving during a weekend. If you are planning on Do-It-Yourself move, make all rental arrangements ahead of time.

Consider the local traffic patterns and weather forecasts when choosing your moving day. For example, in urban areas, avoiding peak traffic hours can save time and reduce stress. Additionally, check the weather forecast for your moving day to avoid rain or extreme temperatures, which can complicate the moving process.

Gather Moving Boxes

It's time to buy moving boxes and packing supplies now that you have a clearer idea of how much stuff you need to move. Purchase extra moving boxes than you anticipate needing. The last thing you want is to run out on packing day and have to search for or buy more. That will squander time and add to the stress.

When gathering boxes, consider the specific types needed for different items. For instance, wardrobe boxes for clothes can prevent wrinkling and make unpacking easier. Also, look for specialized boxes for fragile items like dishes or electronics. These often have extra padding and support to protect your valuables during the move.

Start Packing Early

In an ideal world, you'd be aware of a move weeks or even months in advance. Pack the goods you don't use, followed by off-season clothing. Winter jackets, as well as probably books and other sporadic items, can be packed in advance if you are moving in the summer. When it comes time to move, many things will already be prepared, reducing your stress.

Start packing early and attempt to finish it before the movers arrive to load the truck because moving day will be busy enough. You must maintain momentum by ensuring that all things are loaded onto the truck.

Research Movers

Get at least three quotes and read customer reviews. While you don't have to choose a company immediately, you should consider your possibilities. We've already done part of the research for you by listing the top movers for different types of moves on our platform.

When researching movers, check their licensing and insurance status. For instance, in the U.S., check if they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This step ensures that you are hiring a legitimate and insured company, providing peace of mind during the move.

Change Your Address

Notify your post office, credit card companies, hospitals, banks, insurance companies, etc. about your move. Transfer your school and medical records. Discontinue your gas, electric, TV, water, phone, newspaper and internet services.

To arrange service at your new home, contact your utility providers at least 2 weeks in advance. When you get there, you don't want to discover that the hot water or power isn't working.

Beyond the basics, remember to update your address for online shopping accounts, subscription services, and memberships. This step is often overlooked but ensures that future deliveries and communications are correctly routed to your new address.

Pack Valuables

If you hire professional movers, they can pack everything for you, which is an optional service. However, you should pack all your important paperwork and all high-value items yourself. Remove and pack all valuables items yourself such as jewelry, legal documents, antiques, liquor, etc. Most of the movers will not take those items and, even if they do unknowingly, they will not be responsible for such items. Some moving companies have restrictions on flammable and hazardous products such as fireworks, propane tanks, cleaning fluids, acids, chemistry sets, ammunition, etc. If you have children, have them pack their toys.

For high-value items like artwork or antiques, consider additional insurance coverage. Standard moving insurance may not cover the full value of these items. Contact your insurance provider to discuss options for supplemental coverage, ensuring full protection for your most valuable possessions.

Put Together Essential Kit

Your sanity will be saved by the essential kit on your first night in your new house. After the relocation, you should already have everything you'll need. If you're relocating with a small child, you'll also need to pack extra clothing and baby food in addition to diapers.

Include a small tool kit in your essentials. This kit can be crucial for assembling furniture or making quick repairs upon arrival at your new home. Basic tools like screwdrivers, a hammer, and measuring tape can save time and frustration during the initial setup in your new space.

Clean Appliances

Clean out your refrigerator and freezer well before moving them. Keep the doors slightly open to keep the air circulating just before you move. If you are moving yourself, don't load appliances on their sides, it can cause damage if they're not kept upright.

Drain fuel from any lawnmowers and other machinery. If you have liquids that you plan to take with you, place them in individual waterproof bags or jars.

Prepare Children

If you are moving with children, show them around the new house before you move in and answer their questions. Children may react to moving in different ways. After the move, introduce yourself and your kids to your new neighbors and find out if any of the neighbors have any kids around the same age.

Create a personalized moving book or guide for younger children. This can include pictures of the new house, a map of the neighborhood, and a story about the moving adventure. This approach can help children feel more involved and less anxious about the change.

Moving Pets

If there are any pets in your house, it will probably be best to move them first and keep them in the backyard so that they can get used to their new home, too. You may also place them in a quiet room while you are moving.

For pet owners, prepare a pet-specific moving kit. This should include food, water, toys, and any medications your pet needs. Also, update your pet's microchip information and tags with your new address and contact details.

Help Movers

Clear a path for the movers to carry your items before they come, and maintain it clear all the way through. You can't see what's in front of you, especially when carrying heavy objects. Wires and extension cords that could trip someone should be removed too.

Walk the movers through your home or apartment when they arrive. Provide your preferences for how the items should be loaded as soon as possible. If the movers need to use the restroom during the move, show them where it is.

Always be there when the movers are packing your goods. Anything you pack ahead will save you time and money on moving day, but make sure to mark all your boxes by the bedrooms or contents. Keep in mind if you decide to do your packing or partial packing that movers are not liable for damage to those boxes unless there is obvious exterior damage to your boxes. Find out from homeowner's or renter's insurance companies whether your goods are covered in transit.

Find Moving Companies in Your State