You still have to move your possessions and pack your house, even if it's only a short distance. It includes planning, organizing, and hauling heavy furnishings and moving boxes and appliances.
Should you do it yourself? Why not hire a professional moving company for short distances? Look for “movers near me” online.
Moving within your area is different from moving across state or country lines. However, it can present its own unique set of issues. Whether you choose to do everything yourself, hire professionals, or combine the two, each option has advantages and disadvantages.
You can use this guide to decide what you want to accomplish, why you should hire a local short-distance mover, how to choose the right mover, and what you should look for when hiring a moving company.
How to Locate the Top Local Short-Distance Movers
There will likely be many reputable local and national short-distance movers near you. Local moving companies are often overlooked, even though national moving providers may be easier to locate. Local moving companies may know the area and offer you a better price.
How to compare and research short-distance movers near you. Find the most affordable and reliable ‘movers near me' and enjoy a stress-free experience.
Determine the Moving Services You Need
You may not be aware of the size moving truck that you will need or what kind of moving assistance you require when you begin your initial research. Consider your non-negotiables early to communicate your moving requirements to the moving companies from whom you will receive moving estimates.
Research Moving Companies Online
Most short-distance and long-distance moving companies will list the services they offer and their service area on their websites. You can see the trucks' size, add-ons, and ballpark price (with some digging or by filling out a form to get a quote). Don't worry if you aren't sure what size moving truck you need. You should be able to get help from the moving company representatives.
Reduce Your Options for Moving Companies
List the short-distance moving companies near you you believe are best suited for the job. Before you choose a moving company, get three quotes from different companies. Use a moving directory to find movers that are reputable in your area. You can also specify your requirements by selecting your move type, such as full service, auto transportation, office moves, etc. Check out Bekins or JK Moving website and see if their moving services suit your budget.
Check Out Moving Company Reviews
Hearing from individuals who have used a particular moving company is precious. Online moving company directories offer reviews from people with experience working with licensed and insured moving companies. There are also expert reviews of moving companies where professionals can share their experience and rate different moving companies.
Ask Around for Referrals
Ask trusted family and friends about their experiences with moving companies.
Check Your License and Insurance
Hire a moving firm that can provide proof of insurance and license. The United States Department of Transportation should license all professional interstate movers. USDOT allows you to check the license number of a moving company and its complaint history online. Local moving companies, which only move customers within a state, are regulated by their state, not the U.S. Department of Transportation. The state must license local movers. Each state has different licensing and moving regulations.
Be Wary of Red Flags
Move on if something seems sketchy. Red flags are if you receive an estimate without seeing the property or if they demand a deposit before moving day. Find out more about the 11 most common moving scams and how to avoid these.
Request Quotes From a Minimum of Three Local Moving Companies
The price of a move is determined by many factors, including the distance traveled, the amount of stuff being moved, the difficulty in moving your items, etc. You can get some information about the cost of moving from the mover's website. However, you should contact them directly to get a more accurate price.
To get free quotes, you can use a moving calculator. Enter your ZIP code of origin, ZIP code of destination, the size of the move (in terms of the number of bedrooms), whether you need packing services (none or partial), and your move date. Enter your contact details to receive free, no-obligation moving quotes from vetted moving companies.
Ask Movers Questions
Asking questions to potential movers is the perfect time. Have they got the experience you require? Are they offering discounts? What is their cancellation policy? Explore the internet and search “movers near me” to locate a professional mover in your area.
Book Your Short-Distance Move
It is possible to book online as long as your preferred date is available. If you're flexible, you might get a better deal. It's usually cheaper to move during the week than on weekends. According to a moving checklist from a company, which outlines the timeline for an average move, you should start looking into short-distance moving companies two months in advance, obtain moving estimates seven weeks beforehand, and schedule movers six weeks before the day of the move.
Checking in with the moving firm a month before the move is recommended to ensure they are still available and confirm the date and time of the move. It is also an excellent time to talk about any logistics that may be relevant, such as parking.
Movers Near Me: Why You Should Hire a Professional Long-Distance Moving Company
Local movers often specialize in moving short distances for residential or commercial purposes. They'll also provide the truck and other services (such as packing, moving supplies, etc.). With their large fleets and hundreds of locations, national moving companies often handle long-distance moves. Movers can help you move, whether it's short or long distance. Who wouldn't like to have a stress-free experience? Hire local movers to help you with your short-distance moving.
You Don’t Have to Do Any Work
Full-service movers can do more than just move heavy furniture and boxes and load and unload the truck. You can have them help you with packing, disassembling, and reassembling furniture, moving specialty items, offering storage, and more. You will have less work to do and less stress.
They Will Know What to Do
You can trust moving pros to handle your heavy couch and fragile items. The moving pros have years of experience and know how to transport the most difficult items safely. The moving professionals will arrive with all the necessary equipment to move your items safely and efficiently. You'll need to rent a moving truck and purchase or rent moving equipment like dollies, straps, and moving blankets.
You Will Be Moved Quickly
A team of professional movers can also help you move quickly, including if it is a local move. You can't say the same thing about asking your family and friends to help you unload and load the moving truck.
You Will Be Moved Safely
Lifting, loading, and handling boxes and furniture can be difficult if inexperienced. Professionals have years of expertise and can manage even the most heavy and bulky items without damaging or injuring their property. It is possible to get injured during a move.
You Are Covered
Professional movers are covered by liability insurance if something breaks or gets damaged. If you are going to DIY, it may be limited, but better than nothing. Ask your mover for coverage options, and consider purchasing insurance from a third party to cover your valuables.
You Can Focus on Other Tasks
Moving can be emotionally and physically draining. You can focus on other things when you have completed the tasks, such as unloading and loading your truck. You may need to finish some last-minute packaging, set up utilities at your new house, or spend time with your children or pets to help them adjust to the significant change.
What Are the Different Types of Moving Services Available for Short Distances?
For obvious reasons, such as the distance covered, short-distance moves are simpler and cheaper than interstate and long-distance moves. Short-distance moving services are less expensive and take less time to complete. There are still many services that they offer. This is a brief overview of moving services available for short distances for residential and commercial moves.
Unpacking and packing. Packing services are offered by full-service movers for short distances. They usually charge by the hour.
Unloading and loading. Loading and unloading are included in your quote, whether you make a hybrid move, rent a truck and use only labor, or hire movers who bring their trucks. Local moving companies typically charge hourly and have minimums to ensure they can do their job.
Moving and packing supplies. This extra will cost you more but can save you money and time. You can purchase packing materials such as bubble wrap, tape, and moving boxes. On a moving day, the movers must bring all their equipment, including dollies, straps, and ramps.
Specialty moving. Have you got heavy and difficult-to-move items, like a grand or piano? Some short-distance moving companies can handle these items, but not all. Ask ahead of time if you want to move a pool or hot tub or a valuable antique or piece of art. Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers require special care.
What Is the Cheapest Method to Move a Short Distance?
There are a few ways to save money when moving short distances (instead of hiring professional movers who provide full service):
Do It Yourself With Your Car or a Borrowed One
You can move a short distance for the lowest price by doing it yourself. Your family and friends may also be willing to assist you. You can use your car or borrow one from a family member or friend. Then, you will load, drive, and unload it. Gas, packing materials, and possibly feeding and hydrating your moving helpers will be your only costs. Cost is the biggest pro. Cons are the time required (possibly multiple trips) and the physical effort. You may also damage your items if you're not a professional.
Rent a Cargo Van, Truck, or Trailer
Renting a truck, van, or trailer for a couple of hours is an option if your possessions are too large to fit into the car. Renting a moving truck, van, or trailer for a few hours will cost more than if you were to do the move yourself. Renting a short-distance vehicle is cheaper than renting a moving van for a long-distance move.
Hire Labor-Only for Moving
You can hire helpers to perform physical work. Renting a truck is still required. Hire independent labor contractors or professional movers to help you with the heavy lifting. If you need help moving just one or two large pieces, consider hiring a moving company specializing in moving that item. Piano movers, appliance movers, etc. ).
Rent a Moving Container
Moving containers work well for local moves. Moving containers are usually large enough to hold the contents of a single room. Many moving container companies offer a variety of sizes.
Should You Consider Movers for Short Distances?
Self-moving can be the most cost-effective and convenient option if you are physically fit, the move is not complicated, and you don't mind losing your sanity. If you can relate to any of these situations, hiring a moving company might be the best option for your short-distance relocation:
- No one can help you free of charge. If you can't rely on friends, they aren't able to lift heavy boxes, or you live far from family, it's a good idea for you to hire professional help.
- You're overwhelmed and don't want to waste time. You are overwhelmed. The moving process can be stressful and daunting. It's possible that you don't want to handle every aspect. You might want to hire professionals to handle the job.
- You have limited options for renting a moving vehicle. You may need a moving truck quickly because of your location or the busy moving season.
- You calculated hidden costs and decided that DIY wasn't worth the effort. The costs can mount up depending on the amount of stuff you own. It's not as simple as just loading and unloading a truck. Costs of moving and packing supplies, renting a vehicle and equipment for moving, gas, and other costs are all essential to consider. Hiring professionals could be a more cost-effective option.
- You have a large or special item. Professionals should transport pianos, pool tables, and other valuables like art, antiques, and appliances. These items will need special handling and attention. Professional movers know how to move your piano up and down stairs, as well as how to pack your statue.
Final Thoughts
When moving short distances, hiring professional movers can significantly simplify the process. While it may be tempting to handle the move on your own, professional movers bring valuable expertise, save time, and ensure the safety of your belongings. To find the best local short-distance movers, research and compare different companies, check online reviews, and ask for referrals. Ensure the company is licensed and insured, and obtain quotes while communicating your specific needs.
Proper planning and organization are essential for a successful move. Start early, create a to-do list, and consider decluttering before packing. Professional movers offer packing, loading and unloading, and specialty moving services. DIY options like using your vehicle or renting a truck are available if cost is a concern. However, professional movers offer convenience and efficiency that can outweigh the additional expense.
With the right approach and preparation, you can turn your short-distance move into a stress-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Distance Moving
What is the most economical way to move short distances?
Moving is the cheapest option for moving a short distance. This method is also called DIY. Ask friends and family for help. You can use your vehicle or borrow someone else's. Renting a trailer, cargo van, or truck can be a cheaper alternative to DIY.
What is the cost of moving a short distance, and how much will it cost?
The cost of moving short distances can range from $900 to $2,500 or $1700 on average. This includes a two-person team and a rental truck. Additional items, such as packing or specialty items, will be more expensive. Cost per hour will increase with the number of crew members (50-$100 if there are only one or two, 75-150 if there are three, and up to 200 for four).
What is a short-distance move?
Short-distance moves are considered to be within 50 miles. A move that crosses state borders is intrastate.
Short-Distance Moving Tips
You've already read about how to find local movers who can move you short distances. We also discussed the importance of getting quotes and vetting movers. Here are a few more tips for short-distance moves.
- Do not underestimate the importance of a short-distance move. A short-distance relocation is easier in many ways than a long-distance one. Many steps are similar, such as planning, organizing, and packing. Moving short distances isn't always easier than moving long distances.
- Make a to-do list. Use a moving checklist. You can use this to create a schedule and adhere to deadlines, such as when renting a storage space or ordering moving materials.
- Pack early. Procrastination can be costly unless you hire packers. Once you have a moving date, think about what you must pack first. Gather your supplies and create a packing station. This is where you will label and assemble the boxes.
- Make an inventory first. If you have hired professionals, you must provide an inventory of all your possessions. This is also helpful if something gets damaged and needs to be claimed. Even if you do your short-distance moving, it's still helpful to know what you have, how much you bring, and what you can eliminate. The next step is to downsize.
- Purge. You can declutter, recycle, and donate what you have (see a list of charities that offer free pickup). Be honest. You may save money by moving less stuff and improving your emotional state.
- Measure your new house. You can visit your new house and measure the windows to see if you need curtains or if your furniture will not fit. It will also allow you to downsize and purge.
- Ask for help. Do not limit your requests to moving days. You can thank them by providing refreshments.
- Plan your moving day. Plan your moving day. Pack your essentials, charge your phone, and confine your pets. Tip your movers.
Eric Chandler
Moving Company Professional
Eric Chandler is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in both writing and the moving industry. With years of experience as a writer, he has a talent for crafting engaging content on various subjects for major publications and online platforms. Eric also owns a successful moving company that provides reliable and efficient services to clients across the country. His extensive knowledge of the moving process, from packing to delivery, has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy moving expert.
