Simple Local Moving Tips: Planning For A Smooth Relocation

Local Moving Tips

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Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Steal the Style

Moving is often described as one of life’s most stressful activities. A smooth relocation requires careful attention to detail, from understanding how best to prepare your items for packing and organizing your budget to researching trusted local movers if needed. To make the process easier, we’ve put together ultimate local moving tips that have all you need to know when preparing for a smooth relocation — whether you’re relocating down the street or across town!

4 Weeks Before the Move

Choose Between a DIY Move and Hiring a Moving Company

One key task to attend to one month beforehand is to decide whether you will be handling your relocation on your own or turning to local movers for their expertise.

A local moving company would normally offer competitive rates that are exponentially less time-consuming than doing everything alone. In the long run, it is up to you if you want to escape stress or save money. Whichever route is chosen, making this decision in advance is a must.

Find Reliable Local Movers

But where do I find reliable Miami movers, you may be wondering? Well, for one thing, it is worth doing your research including

  • reading reviews from previous customers;
  • checking the license and insurance;
  • authorizing any quotes you receive.

Knowing what kind of services each local moving company offers and their total costs can help you decide which option is best for your budget and needs.

Get Rid of All Unwanted Items

Another task to attend to is to get rid of all unwanted items. Whether donating or having a yard sale, dispose of any furniture and belongings that are not needed in your following destination. This will help reduce clutter and confusion on the moving day, while also potentially making some extra money along the way.

Start Packing

Take the time to gather all essential household items and make sure they are properly stored and packed in boxes for easy transport. Be mindful of fragile items: allocate special care when packing to ensure that each item reaches its destination intact.

3 Weeks Before the Move

Discuss the Relocation With the Kids

It’s understandable that young ones may be unsettled by the relocation, so it is essential to equip them with all the information they need and make sure their opinions are heard. Being honest, calm, and reassuring will help them understand what’s happening and feel more secure about their new home.

Take Care of Your Medical Records

One task that is often overlooked when moving is preparing medical records, which should ideally be addressed three weeks in advance. Collecting pre-existing medical information from doctors, gathering prescriptions from pharmacies, and transferring any existing insurance plans can relieve much stress in the long run.

Cancel All Subscriptions

Three weeks before your relocation, you should make sure to cancel any subscriptions or services you have. This will ensure that you don’t get billed for them after your move, saving you from further headaches in an already hectic period.

2 Weeks Before the Move

Update Your Address

With two weeks left before the due date, it is essential to update your address. This task can save you a lot of hassle, as failing to do so could result in important documents or packages being sent to the wrong place. Many establishments require you to update your new address and might charge a fee for late payments if the details are not current.

Transfer the Utilities

Half a month before your relocation can be a hectic time, yet, make sure that transferring your utilities is one of the tasks you attend to. Taking care of this process early will ensure that any services mentioned on your lease agreement have transitioned from one address to another by the time you move in. This includes any gas, electricity, water, cable, or Internet accounts.

Decide on Whether to Take or Leave the Plants

One of the best local moving tips often overlooked is to decide whether to take or leave your plants. In many cases, depending on the size of the plants and where you are moving to, it may be more beneficial to leave them with a caretaker or donate them to a local organization.

Take Your Pets to the Vet

Make sure all of your pets are up-to-date on their veterinary visits. Getting veterinary checkups and records, as well as vaccinations, can reduce the risk of health problems or stress during the relocation. If you will be moving more than 50 miles away it is likewise wise to check with your veterinarian regarding any state restrictions that may be in place for transporting pets.

1 Week Before the Move

Confirm the Relocation Details With the Movers

A task that must be attended to one week ahead of your relocation is confirming any necessary details with the local movers you will be using. Make sure to give them your address and contact information as well as the date, time, and any specific challenge you may anticipate so they can make adequate preparations.

Pack Essentials for Each Family Member

Another task that you should attend to in the week leading up to your move is to pack an essentials bag for each member of the family. These can contain items such as a change of clothes, bathroom supplies, medications, and any other items that need immediate access upon arriving at your new home.

Throw a Farewell Party

A nice way to add an enjoyable experience amidst the chaos is to host a farewell party. This special gathering provides an opportunity for friends and family to say goodbye and can help alleviate some of the stress associated with relocation.

A well-planned party should include plenty of food and conversation, as well as a few mementos guests can take home as tokens of appreciation. With that type of event, you’ll be able to remember your past home fondly while looking forward to your journey ahead!

On the Moving Day

Start Your Relocation Early

Starting early is key to success, as having extra time will make the process much easier and smoother. Giving yourself adequate time means that you will not be rushed when packing your belongings, loading the truck with local movers, and settling into your new home. Besides, having the opportunity to double-check locks and appliances will give you more peace of mind.

Ensure the Safety of All Family Members

Moving day can seem overwhelming, but taking the time to pay attention to safety details can result in a more seamless transition. Before all the packing and loading are underway, establish transportation plans for everyone traveling with you.

Take the opportunity to inspect your new home before everyone moves into it. If something needs to be fixed or addressed, do it beforehand. Plus, have important items and documents easily accessible throughout the move so you know where these items are at all times.

Do the Final Check

Doing a final check before you remove all of your belongings from the old home and the local moving company transfers them to the new one is essential to ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Checking cabinets and drawers for any forgotten items, and double-checking doors and windows so they’re locked before you leave are just a few tasks that should be on your checklist.

Greet the Movers

Last but not least, don’t forget about meeting and tipping the movers properly. Greeting them with a warm welcome helps set the tone for their service, and conveying gratitude through a tip shows that their services were appreciated.

Conclusion

No matter how short the distance of your move, it’s important to plan and prepare as much as possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Our local moving tips should help you get started on the right foot. And while packing up all your possessions may seem daunting, reliable local movers can make quick work of it and take a lot of the stress off your shoulders.