A local move, by definition, is one that happens within the state of residence (aka intrastate) – that is, it never traverses any state lines. A local move can also be considered one that sticks within a radius of 50 miles between points A and B.
Now, if you are planning a move locally, you may be forgiven for thinking it will be a straightforward affair. After all, what could be challenging about moving from, say, this neighborhood to the next, other than the packing aspect, right?
Wrong.
Truth is, just because it is a short distance does not mean there isn’t much to it. Sure, local moves are easier to plan, organize, and carry out compared to long-distance moves. However, any kind of move has its own specifics and needs to be carefully planned for.
Matter of fact, underestimating a local move can get you into a few sticky situations prior to or on the day of moving.
To help ease the process of local relocation and ensure you handle the upcoming move in the best possible way, we prepared a list of five key things you need to keep in mind.
Check also: Alabama Movers
Table of Contents
1. Don’t wait until late to start planning
The best time to start planning for your local move is as soon as the decision to move has been made.
This doesn’t mean to start bringing in the moving boxes as soon as tomorrow. You need a plan, and this can come in the form of a moving checklist you can either create yourself or source from a reputable local moving company.
A moving checklist is to moving what a business plan is to a business enterprise. Without it, it will feel like stumbling around in the dark. You feel lost and never really get a sense of where you are headed.
Have a checklist of everything you need to do before you can settle in at your new home. Yes, everything – it doesn’t mean you have to accomplish it all at once.
Take on the tasks one-by-one as you have prioritized them and watch how this eliminates undue pressure while helping you stay on the right organizational track as you cross out each task.
2. Know the cost of your move in advance
When it comes to moving house, as with any other large project, knowing the nitty-gritties is super important.
Cost is one of the sticking points in any move and knowing the exact figures you will be dealing with provides some much needed peace of mind while allowing you to budget for the move.
Moving companies charge either by the hour or a fixed rate depending on the scope of the work. But knowing this alone is not enough. You need to get the exact cost of the move in advance.
Movers provide estimates, so dig up a few solid ones with stellar reviews and start shopping for the costings.
You could start with phone or video estimates. Then once you home in on a few who “speak your language”, have them come in for an in-house estimate which should be able to reveal the exact cost of the move.
Definite prices are always better than estimates and surprise charges, but don’t jump at the guys promising you the lowest prices as these could turn out to be unprofessional or shady outfits luring you in.
This is why choosing your mover needs to be a carefully contemplated decision.
3. A licensed and insured mover should be a minimum requirement
The movers who make it into your consideration need to have a local operating license as a minimum requirement. You don’t want to hire a briefcase company that asks for payment in advance only to fail to show up on the day of the move. Imagine the horror!
More than that, though, you need to be sure you are working with professionals, and a license is one way to prove that – but remember this alone doesn’t guarantee anything.
As well, opt for a mover who offers insurance for your belongings as soon as the items are in their hands.
You may not be moving cross-country, but sometimes accidents happen and you don’t want to be the one picking up the damages tab when it’s all said and done. Besides, you’ve paid plenty for the move anyway!
4. It’s a good time to declutter
We all accumulate stuff over the years that we end up outgrowing. An upcoming move, even a local one, presents you with a chance to get rid of items that don’t serve you anymore.
There is literally no downside with decluttering your life and it comes with the added bonus of cutting down on your moving bill.
The Marie Kondo method is a good approach to start with. Look it up, if you’re not familiar with it.
5. You still need to transfer utilities
Lastly, there is the issue of utilities you need to think about.
You may be moving house within the neighborhood, but transferring the utilities to the new address is your prerogative, not the utility companies’.
Get in touch with all your service providers (gas, water, electricity, cable, and any subscriptions you may have) and notify them of your impending change of address a few weeks prior.
Don’t forget to keep records of your switch-overs just in case of an error. You sure don’t want to be paying someone else’s bill.
There is nothing like planning in advance and the ensuing peace of mind. And that’s what these 5 things help you achieve.
