4 Tips to Prepare for a Short-Distance Move
While moving short distances or locally may seem easy, needing minimal or no preparation, it’s not always the case with all local moves. Every type of relocation, whether long or short-distance, carries specific challenges that homeowners can’t just ignore. If you’re planning a local relocation and were reluctant to make any advanced preparations for a successful move, you might be in for surprise challenges. Below, we’ll share four practical moving tips you can implement to prepare for your next short-distance move successfully.
Work With Local Movers
Hiring a local mover who understands your area’s routes, moving requirements, and other important moving information can increase the chances of a successful move. You don’t want to gamble with hiring a national mover who barely understands your area and the local rules, exposing you to potential moving problems. For example, if you’re in Los Angeles and only need to move from one county to another, hiring local LA movers is often the most practical choice.
If you compare hiring a local mover versus a DIY move, hiring a local mover will mostly be beneficial. They offer safer transportation and handling of your items while also providing adequate insurance against any transportation-related accidents. They also offer additional solutions, like leasing a container storage if you need temporary storage before the move. Ensure you ask for the additional services they offer and an in-house estimate to be sure you’re working within your budget before signing the dotted lines.
Get Enough Packing Materials
Even if you’re hiring local movers for the move, you may still decide to pack by yourself. For a successful packing and labeling, you’ll need to first find enough packing materials. You can buy clean boxes of assorted sizes with working covers and sturdy bottoms from a local supermarket or packaging store.
Sometimes they can give these boxes for free, and you might also consider asking your neighbors or friends if they have a few boxes they’re not using. No matter what you do to get the packaging materials, ensure they’re in great shape and are available on time to avoid last-minute rushes and misplacement of items.
Move Your Possessions in Shifts
Not every house move plays out as smoothly as we want it to. Some moves are characterized by delays that may clash with your move-out deadline. If the new home you’re going to is undergoing renovations, which may stretch past your deadline, you may want to consider an alternative move pattern.
Instead of moving your items all at once, you can hire a temporary storage unit and only move in with your essential items as you await the completion of renovations. This way, you can buy more time to allow for perfect renovation work while also not holding up the old house once your tenancy contract expires.
Get Enough Help
This is very important if you’re going for a DIY move. You may think that because you’re moving to a close neighborhood, you don’t need additional help. There are a lot of heavy lifting and packing, and unpacking tasks you may need help with during the move. Ensure you have at least four able-bodied people to help with the move for a seamless experience.
Planning a successful short-distance move can be as stressful as planning some long-distance moves. To ensure a successful move, don’t leave any stone unturned in preparation and planning. By prioritizing these four tips, you can ensure a quick, successful move that won’t deeply hurt your finances.