8 Ways to Save Time and Money on a Short Distance Move

Moving short distances can be a lot of work. You have to pack up all your belongings, schlep them across town and then unpack everything at the other location.

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It's not a pleasant experience for anyone involved (except professional movers). If you are moving from one apartment across town to another, there are some things that you can do on your own as well as some things that will save you money!

Here are eight simple tips for saving time and money when moving a short distance.

1. Start Packing Early

If you are moving somewhere just across town, it is a good idea to start packing early. If you can start packing two weeks before your move date, this will give you enough time to pack everything.

All your belongings must be properly packed before the movers arrive, so they don't have to do the extra work of sorting and repacking. This is also one more reason to hire movers if you don't have experience packing things yourself.

2. Take Pictures Before You Move and Label Everything

While you are packing it is a good idea to take pictures of all the rooms in your house so when you unpack everything at the new location you can put everything back exactly where it was.

This is a good idea because it will save you time and help with any damage that might have occurred during the move. For example, if your microwave moved around in transit, take pictures of where it should be so when you unpack your things at the new location, you can put it right back where you want it.

Also, it is a good idea to label everything you pack because this will make unpacking much more accessible and also safe for your things. You can use labels specially designed for moving or just write on masking tape with a permanent marker.

It is helpful to label the box with what is inside, so when it comes time to unpack, you know exactly which box the item should go in.

For example, labeling a box "Kitchen" will help you find kitchen items much easier and also make sure that nothing gets mixed up during the move.

3. Get a Storage Container

If you do not have enough room for all your belongings at the new location, it is a good idea to get a storage container, so you don't have to make two trips with your furniture and boxes.

You can keep some of your stuff in storage while you wait until you find an apartment or house that is big enough to hold all your belongings.

4. Get Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders help move things such as tables, mattresses, and dressers. They help you move these large pieces of furniture more quickly because they have wheels on the bottom that let them roll smoothly across the ground.

This makes it much easier to move things that are too heavy or awkward to carry.

5. Rent Packing Supplies

If you are not experienced at packing your own things, it is good to rent some moving supplies such as boxes, tape, and furniture moving straps. This will make a move much easier because you can just focus on packing instead of figuring out how to pack what you want in a box.

Also, when you are buying these supplies, make sure you get the ones that are of good quality. It is a good idea to spend a little extra money to get better boxes because they will last longer and protect your stuff more during transit.

6. Choose Local Movers Early

If you do not have enough room in your vehicle or don't have anyone to help you move, it may be a good idea to hire some professionals to help. Many moving companies such as MoveDay local movers specialize in local moves, and they will take anything you need from one location to another for a small fee.

This is also a much more convenient alternative than making multiple trips with your own car and dealing with parking hassles or broken furniture.

7. Choose the Right Moving Date

When you are planning your move, it will be helpful to find out when certain places are open. For example, if you need to get a storage container or rent moving supplies, it is good to call around and see what is available before your move date, so there aren't any surprises.

You can also check your local library for information on the moving companies in your area to find out which ones are dependable.

8. Don't Pack Belongings You Don't Need

Part of moving is saying goodbye to old items that you no longer need. It can be tempting to pack everything and tag it along with you, but this will only add to the amount of time it takes your moving company to complete your move.

If you're uncertain about what belongs and what doesn't, ask yourself these questions: "Have I used this in the last year?", "Will I need this for my new job/school/home?" or even just, "Do I really like it?” If you can't answer yes to at least one of these questions, it might be time to leave it behind.

When it comes to moving, the more prepared you are for this big undertaking, the better.

There is a lot of work that goes into packing and transporting everything in your home, so anything that can make this process easier is worth trying. The best thing you can do to get ready for your move is planning what you need to take and how you will get it there.

When moving, the more organized you are in preparation for your move, the easier everything else will be once the big day comes around.