Did you know that since March 2020, 8.9 million people moved to new homes? Since then, the moving rate has been steady.
Have you been thinking about moving but don’t know where to go?
Moving to another state always seems like a nice change of pace, but the costs can go through the roof. That is why many people choose local moves within their town or area.
But even moving locally in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is a taxing event. Moving is always stressful and full of pitfalls everywhere you turn.
But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. If you want to learn the top tips for a successful local move, continue reading below.
Make a Local Moving Strategy
The first thing you want to do when preparing for moves is to create a strategy. Some people prefer to move on a whim and play it by ear. But those are the instances where issues tend to arise.
To keep moving problems to a minimum, you should sit down and plan. Many people even make moving binders.
These can be a simple three-ring binder where you store all of your crucial forms, documents, and lists about your move. That way, everything is kept organized.
If you need something, you won’t have to go searching for it because it will be in your binder. Along with your plan, you should create moving checklists.
Be sure to create:
- Pre-Home Moving Checklist
- Moving Company Checklist
- Inventory Checklist
- Packing Checklist
- New Home Checklist
Under all of these, list any information that you cannot forget. For instance, the packing checklist should have a section reminding you to label your boxes and divide them by room.
Alternatively, a pre-home moving checklist would remind you to switch your utilities and change your mail address. By creating a detailed moving plan, you ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Change Your Address
The next tip is to change your address before the local move. You do not want to get to your new place and realize that your mail isn’t coming to you. You change your address in two different ways.
Your first option is to visit your local post office and request a change. Your second is to get a call or email the post office and tell them you are moving.
You also don’t have to worry about waiting until the last minute. Nowadays, you can request to forward your mail at a set date!
Transfer Utilities
After you change your mailing address, don’t forget your utilities. Moving to a new home with no electricity is not an ideal situation. In your moving binder, make a list of all the utilities you need to transfer over, like power, water, and cable.
Find Boxes Ahead of Time
One of the most stressful parts of packing for moves is locating boxes. Never wait until the last minute to do this because it can be difficult.
Some people opt to buy cardboard boxes from the store, but that can get pricey. If you do not want to spend the money, you can ask your local supermarket if they have any spare boxes.
Some businesses will save their boxes for you when they get shipments. You can also check a nearby church to see if they have any available.
Label Everything
Label every box you pack. It is tempting to start throwing things in boxes and get the packing process over. But you might regret that when you go to unpack later on.
You will thank yourself for labeling boxes by room, item or marking them as fragile. That way, you can unpack faster and ensure your valuables don’t break.
Take Inventory
Things get lost easily during the chaos of moving. Even if you are moving locally, you still have the opportunity to misplace items.
In your moving binder, go ahead and take inventory of each room. It may be a taxing venture, but this will guarantee you do not lose anything.
Purge Junk
After you take inventory, you should know what you want to keep and what to throw out. Create a junk pile as you pack. Afterward, you can take it to the garbage or donate items to your local charity.
Pack Smart
On the subject of packing, you want to begin sooner rather than later. Do not wait until a few days before your move.
If you know you are moving, then start packing right away. You will see part of the moving jitters melt away when you can look around and see an organized, packed house.
Decide on a Local Moving Company or DIY
One of the biggest questions people ask themselves is whether to hire movers or do it all themselves. Studies show that 1 in 8 Americans find moving even more stressful than going to jail.
If you fall into this category, local movers are the way to go. When hiring movers, like Smooth Move, do not be afraid to ask them questions about their services. If you are living in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Smooth Move will meet you at your place of residence.
From there, we will provide services like:
- Packing and unpacking
- Junk removal
- Delivery
- Provide boxes and moving supplies
On top of that, we will give you a same-day estimate. All you have to do is call us up and tell us how many boxes and rooms you have. From there, we can give you a quote so you know how much your local move will cost.
Make Local Moves Easier With Smooth Move
As you can tell, there are several tips for making local moves a bit less stressful. And if you don’t want to move by yourself, hiring a local moving company is the best option.
If you live in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, then Smooth Move is here to help.
We offer affordable moving services with experienced, licensed professionals who will make moving that much easier for you. If you need movers, then feel free to contact us and request a free online quote today.