Local movers are the best choice for your move, especially if you have a large house or need help with heavy items. Local movers typically charge hourly, and their rates vary based on distance, the size of your home, and add-ons like packing and storage.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations for a reliable local moving company. This will save you time in researching options.
Whether you’re making a local move or moving across the country, hiring professional movers can save you time. This is because you won’t have to worry about the logistics of packing, lifting, and transporting heavy items. You can also focus on things like cleaning, repairing your home, and organizing your belongings. If you want to save even more time, consider getting a quote from multiple local movers. This will help you find the best price and negotiate with them to save money. You should also ask your local movers about their liability options so you can better understand your rights if something goes wrong during the move.
Full-service local movers charge an hourly rate to load, transport and unload your belongings into your new home. They also charge for equipment and supplies like boxes, bubble cushion roll, and duct tape. Depending on the size of your home, this can add up quickly. To avoid paying for more than you need, be sure to develop a pre-move strategy and start packing up items at least a month in advance of your moving day. This will help you pack more efficiently and cut down on the number of hours that your movers spend at your home.
Aside from the costs of movers, there are also other expenses associated with a local move that can add up. These include utilities, insurance, house cleaning services, and rental truck or portable storage container costs. If you’re moving to a different city, you may need to pay additional taxes and fees, including utility deposits and connection fees. Finally, you’ll likely need to take off work during your move.
Hiring a local moving company can be expensive, especially if you choose to go with a full-service mover. To save money, get multiple quotes and look for discounts by selecting a weekday or off-season move date. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations and research companies on review websites like Yelp or the BBB. You can also reduce moving costs by selecting a less-expensive option, such as a self-service move or using a portable storage unit instead of a traditional truck.
Saves You Money
If you are moving a short distance, hiring local movers might be your best option. Local moves are less expensive than long-distance moves, as moving companies do not have to pay for gas, tolls, lodging if they need to stay overnight and other costs that are associated with long-distance moves. This is why many people who are relocating across town choose to hire local movers instead of trying to move themselves.
However, even with a local move, there are still a lot of moving expenses that can add up. Some of the most common costs include the hourly labor of movers, rental truck fees (and sometimes extra fees for larger trucks), packing and unpacking services, the cost of boxes, bubble cushion roll and other packing supplies, house cleaning or handyman services, utility deposits and connections at your new home, as well as storage costs.
Most moving companies will charge by the hour for their services, so be sure to get multiple quotes and compare prices. Then you can make the most informed decision about which company will be the best fit for your needs. Also, try to schedule your move during the week and in an off-season month if possible. This will help keep the cost down as movers are less busy and will be more willing to work with you to meet your budget requirements.
When you do decide to go with a moving company, be sure to ask about their experience and whether or not they offer discounts for moves that are completed during the week and in off-season months. Additionally, be sure to read reviews of the moving company online before hiring them. This will help you avoid scams and rip-offs.
Asking friends and family for moving help is another great way to save money on your local move. However, be aware that you may need to front the cost of pizza and beer for your helpers, as well as the rental truck or gas to transport the boxes. And if you are relocating large pieces of furniture, special equipment may be required to safely move them, so don’t skimp on the cost of those items.
Less Stress
Moving is a major life event that can be extremely stressful. Not only do you have to pack up your belongings, but you also need to ensure that everything is safely transported to your new home. This can be a challenge when you are dealing with heavy boxes, large furniture, or delicate items. If you try to transport these items on your own, you could damage your home or cause injuries to yourself. Hiring local movers to handle the move for you can prevent these problems and help you have a less stressful experience.
Local movers know the area like the backs of their hands and can help you avoid traffic, construction, and other obstacles that might derail your move. They are also familiar with parking rules, building codes, and other important details that can make your move go more smoothly. Additionally, they are familiar with the best ways to pack items so that they don’t get damaged during transit.
Another advantage of hiring local movers is that they are experienced in handling and maneuvering large pieces of furniture, appliances, and other bulky items. This can save you a lot of stress and time, as well as money, by avoiding costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, the movers can safely carry these heavy items without risking injury or property damage.
A full-service move typically involves the movers coming to your home, packing up your belongings, loading them onto their truck, and transporting them to your new home. This is a great option if you are not worried about the cost, can move everything in one day, want to leave the packing and unpacking to someone else, and don’t need storage or flexibility with your move date.
If you have pets, arrange for them to be taken care of on moving day. Hire a pet sitter or board them at a kennel so that they are not exposed to the chaos and noise of a move. Also, be sure to prepare ahead of time by having plenty of sturdy boxes, packing tape, and fillers such as packing paper or bubble wrap for fragile items.
Less Risk
While you can save a lot of money by hiring unlicensed movers or DIYing your local move, there are many risks associated with these options. One of the biggest is the risk of damage to your belongings, which can be costly or even irreplaceable if you’re dealing with fragile items like electronics and artwork. Another risk is the possibility of injury to yourself or your family members. Moving and carrying heavy loads can lead to back injuries and other ailments, so it’s important to hire a team of licensed and insured movers.
When hiring a local moving company, make sure you ask the right questions to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget. Ask about the company’s insurance coverage, and be sure to learn about the types of protection that are available. Ask about their policies regarding claim disputes, and consider obtaining additional liability insurance if you’re concerned about the likelihood of damage or loss to your belongings.
You should also inquire about the moving company’s pricing structure. Most companies will charge by the hour for their services, so you should know how much your move is expected to cost in advance. Beware of movers that give low-ball estimates; this is often a sign of fraud and may leave you with unforeseen expenses after your move.
Local moves can be a stressful experience, especially without the right planning and assistance. Hiring a qualified moving company can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, so be sure to research and compare local moving companies before making your final decision. If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable moving option, consider renting portable storage containers from PODS for your next local move. These sturdy units are a great way to protect your belongings while providing you with the flexibility of built-in storage during your move.