Tips and ideas to make your local move a smoother, easier transition.
Moving can be a harrowing experience for anyone. In town moves, however, can be made less stressful, or even something to look forward to, if done with plenty of planning in advance.
Local moves can be done many ways: One can hire a moving company to come pack up your stuff, load it into their truck, and unload it at your new residence. This option is probably the most expensive and the least labor intensive on your part. Just make sure you are there to supervise, so that things do not get broken.
Another option is to do all of the packing yourself and pay a moving company to come in, load your belongings into their truck, have them transport it to your new digs and unload the truck. This is a very popular option for people who cannot lift heavy furniture, but are perfectly capable or even prefer to pack their own belongings.
A new option is something called PODS. A storage company will deliver large storage boxes: 10 feet long and 7 feet high in some cases. You load your things into the pod, a driver comes and picks it up and moves it to your new location, where you unload it into your new place. They'll even store the PODS unit for you at their climate controlled storage facilities, if need be.
Another option is to rent a truck from a company that rents them (i.e., Hertz or Penske), load your own stuff and take it to the new place. Just remember when you do this option you need to take the truck back with a tank full of gas or they will charge you quite a bit to fill the tank. Also, make sure you do not dent or damage the vehicle because they will charge you for it. There are options for insurance and such on these rentals; whether you use them is up to you.
Finally, there is the call all your friends and offer them pizza move. All your friends bring their trucks and SUV's and as a group you help load the vehicles and drive them to the new place and unload them. Afterward, you have a little mini party to thank your friends. By far the least expensive option; but how many of us have access to it?
Generally, if you are reserving the services of a moving company, you will want to shop around for the best rate, as they vary drastically. Also, ask around for suggestions from friends and co-workers. People are very willing to tell you whether or not they had a good experience with their movers. Most moving companies can supply, for a fee, packing boxes, materials, padded moving blankets, furniture and appliance dollies and just about anything else you might need for moving.
The rest is packing and coordination of the move, and making sure utility services are all set and ready to be used when you get to your new place.
Finally, unpack, decorate and enjoy--the move is over!
