Local moves are a lot easier than long-distance relocations, but they can still be overwhelming. Follow this local moving guide to ensure a stress-free move day.

Start by finding a local moving company you can trust. Make sure the movers you select have a professional website, local contact information, and insurance.

Packing Tips

As you prepare for the big day, start by decluttering your space. This can lighten the load and help you determine what to toss, sell or donate. It will also make it easier for you to sort through your belongings and pack up everything you’ll be taking with you.

Next, find a home moving checklist to help you stay organized and on task. Whether it’s a binder, a folder on your computer, or a well-organized memo in your phone, this will be your Source of Truth for all things related to your move. Make sure it’s easily accessible to you and your family so you can cross reference items as needed and avoid any surprises come move day.

When it comes to hiring professional local movers, always check out their website and read customer reviews online before booking. You should also be able to quickly and easily find contact information, pricing information and insurance info on their site. A reputable company will have a professional website with a clean and organized design.

Once you’ve found a trusted local moving company, hire them to come by and assess your space before the actual move date. This will give you a better idea of the time and cost of your local move, as well as how many movers you’ll need. It’ll also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

On move day, your movers will take care of the heavy lifting and will do their best to keep everything neatly and carefully packed. It’s still a good idea to pack your own personal belongings, like important documents and medications, a few changes of clothing and some snacks. Keep a small duffle bag or suitcase nearby to allow for easy access to these items throughout your move and immediately after you arrive at your new home.

While it’s tempting to fill every box to the brim, overstuffed boxes are harder to carry and can be difficult for movers to stack safely on a truck. For maximum efficiency, keep your boxes under 50 pounds and clearly mark them with the room they’re going to go in.

Packing Supplies

As with all home moving projects, you’ll need a variety of supplies for packing. This includes boxes in various sizes, tape, markers, packing paper, bubble wrap, and old towels and blankets. It’s also a good idea to have a few extra items, like garbage bags in different sizes and box cutters.

Start by minimizing your possessions before you begin packing them up. Host a yard sale, donate to a local charity, or simply find loved ones who can use what you no longer need. This can help make your move easier and less expensive.

When it comes to buying supplies, be sure that you purchase quality boxes. Look for sturdy construction and the box maker’s certification that it can hold a specific amount of weight. Also, consider purchasing specialty supplies, like wardrobe boxes for clothes on hangers and dishware boxes for glassware and other delicate items.

Besides boxes, you’ll need plenty of packing paper to wrap fragile items and protect them from damage in transit. You can purchase rolls at Lowe’s, Home Depot or your local packing-supply store. If you’re on a budget, try using newspaper instead of buying the more expensive paper. Be sure to buy acid-free and ink-free newsprint to avoid staining your treasured belongings.

Other packing supplies include a marker pens with waterproof ink and plastic bags of varying sizes, including small sealable bags and garbage bags. You’ll want to have these on hand when you start packing so that you can easily sort and label your boxes as you go.

You’ll also need bubble wrap for wrapping larger, flat items such as mirrors, picture frames and glassware. It’s a great alternative to paper padding and prevents damage from scratches and bumps in transit.

Finally, if you’ll need to transport large items from your home to the moving truck and back again, you’ll need furniture pads and a hand truck or dolly. You may be able to rent these items at your local hardware store or moving company. If not, ask friends or family members if they have one you can borrow for the day, or shop around to find the best prices on these essential pieces of equipment.

Moving Day

There are several steps to take before your moving day. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, you will need to make key decisions about which items to pack and when. It’s also important to research the reputation of your local home moving company. Choosing a reputable company will help you avoid scams, damage charges, or other hidden costs.

You should also take the time to finish any repairs and cleaning that need to be done before your move. For example, you might need to clean out your refrigerator and defrost it overnight. You may also need to vacuum your carpets and wash your windows. This will save you from having to do it all on the day of your move.

During the last week, you should also schedule disconnects for utilities like gas, electric and water. You can also cancel or redirect scheduled deliveries, including newspapers, pest control, lawn service, Internet and cable TV. Finally, you can also arrange for connections at your new residence. You should also pay any outstanding fees or penalties, such as parking tickets or legal fees.

It’s also a good idea to prepare for your trip by buying snacks, beverages and travel supplies. You can also purchase a map of your new area so you can familiarize yourself with the streets and landmarks. You will also want to have an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, bottled water and a change of clothes.

On moving day, it’s a good idea to wake up early so you can have plenty of time to get ready and finish any final tasks. You should also give a quick tour of your house to the movers and point out any boxes that contain fragile or heavy items. This will help them plan how they will load your belongings onto the truck.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping the movers. This is not a requirement, but it’s a nice gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work. You can even provide them with a snack and beverage to thank them for their assistance.