Moving locally is less stressful than moving long-distance, but still, you have a lot of work to finish. Searching for tips will speed up the process, and you are less likely to make a mistake when packing. By reading this text you will learn how to pack for a local move properly and successfully.
Moving is a very exciting process even if you are not changing the city, just your home. If you do not know how to pack your home efficiently, your belongings may be damaged during the transportation. What to pack, how to pack, and how to relocate your items? A lot of questions, but luckily, there are answers to all of them.
Gather supplies before you pack for a local move
The first step you need to take before you start packing is to prepare everything. That means gathering all packing supplies and equipment. If you will pack by yourself (without professional packers), you will definitely need packing supplies and equipment. You will need:
- Moving boxes in various sizes. They should be firm and new. Purchase them, or you can get them for free in stores and supermarkets, for example.
- You will need packing paper to protect your items from dirt and scratches.
- For fragile items, having an air bubble foil is necessary. Even if you need to pack for a local move, it is possible that your fragile items will get damaged.
- A dolly is very helpful and useful when it’s time to load and unload heavy boxes from the moving van or a truck and to relocate heavy items.
- You will also need strong packing tape to close and secure boxes and a black marker to label all of your moving boxes.
Research local moving and packing companies
A common mistake that people make when moving locally is to not consider hiring a moving company and packing pros. Once you decide that you are going change a home, start researching local moving companies. The internet is one of the biggest sources of information, especially social media, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Each reliable company must have an official website, for example, spydermoving.com.
Watch out for moving red flags. It is a short-distance move but, unfortunately, it is still possible to get scammed. Doing research will keep you away from fraudsters and bad companies.
Downsize and sort items
When moving locally, costs will not depend on the size and weight of your belongings. But, on the other hand, your new home is probably different than your current one. Maybe your furniture will not fit, or you’ll have less storage space, etc. Also, if you have a tight moving budget, downsizing will help because movers will charge you by time. The more time they need for loading and unloading, the more will you pay.
So, before you start packing, sort and categorize your items. Decide what to toss, what to take, and what to sell or donate (organizing a yard sale is also an option that you should consider). Moving is a perfect time to get rid of all the items that you do not use. If you did not wear those jeans for six months or more, you probably do not need them. People often collect junk, and then their homes become all cluttered and messy.
Start by packing the least important items
Where to start with packing? Well, the most logical answer is: start with the packing items you will not need before the moving day. Usually, those items are found in your garage, basement, or attic. Off-season clothing, Christmas decoration, old toys, DVDs, book collection, basically, all the items you currently do not use. This way, your life and your daily routines will remain unchanged, especially if you have a family and young kids.
For the end, leave the stuff that you are using every day, such as toiletries, some dishes, a few pieces of clothing, etc. Pack an essential bag with items you will need right after the move is over. The best time to pack this box is one day before the move (or a couple of days prior to moving).
Tips for packing fragile and valuable items
You are not moving far away, but it does not mean you can pack for a local move however you want. In order to make sure that your belongings don’t get damaged (especially the fragile items), consider these tips and tricks.
- Only use quality materials for packing. If you get moving boxes for free, these boxes will usually be old and not that firm. That can cause damage or your items may end up completely broken. It is better to purchase a few strong boxes for your valuable items. An air bubble foil is also necessary.
- Do not rush and take it easy. If you are moving on short notice and you have a few days to pack, rushing is not a solution. After all, you can always hire professional packers and movers. Oxford, MS has its local moving team which many years of experience.
- Moving wine glasses or china is very frustrating. So, use sufficient padding and fill empty space in the box with packing paper.
- Label each box at the top and at least at one side with BIG letters. That is how you will know that boxes need “special attention” during the transportation.
Packing your car for a local move
When it is time to properly pack the garage, a car is one of the items you should pack too. You will probably drive to your new home, so that you can put some of the boxes inside your car. It is better to have your valuables and documents with you, than in the moving truck. Also, you can drive your pets, perishable food, medications, and some of the hazardous materials.
If all of these steps are too much for you, the simplest solution is to find professionals who will pack all of your household items quickly and easily. Pack for a local move with ease and do it successfully. With these tips, you should be able to do that. Good luck!
