Local Moving 101: A Complete Guide to In-Town Moving
Moving to a new home, even if it's just a few miles away, can be an exciting experience. However, despite the convenience, there is still a lot of planning and preparation required before you can truly settle into your new place. As the experts on all things in-town moving, U-Haul is here to help. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips for a successful local move with U-Haul.
What is an In-Town Move?
Local moving, also known as in-town moving, involves transporting your belongings from one location to another within the same city or nearby area. Unlike long-distance moves that cover significant distances across states or countries, an in-town move usually involves shorter travel times and lower transportation costs. The distance of an in-town move can vary, but it generally encompasses moves within a few miles or within the same city limits.
To ensure a seamless and stress-free move, U-Haul offers comprehensive solutions designed to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for an in-town moving truck rental, moving supplies, local movers, or nearby storage for your extra items, U-Haul has you covered.
Phase 1: Planning Your Local Move
Before you start packing moving boxes, take some time to plan your local move. Below are a few of the steps we recommend taking to get your move off on the right foot.
Start with a Good Purge
No matter how far you’re moving, it’ll be easier on your back and wallet if you move less stuff. That means before you start packing, take the time to go through your dressers, closets, garage, and even the attic and sort your little-used belongings.
Many people find it useful to sort their belongings into three categories: donate, sell, and keep. The items still in usable condition should be donated, the sell pile should consist of valuable things, and the keep pile is self-explanatory.
Figure Out Your Transportation
Remember the first time you moved out of your parents’ house? You could fit everything you own in the back seat of your car. Well, that’s likely not the case anymore. Unless you want to make multiple trips across town, you’ll be better off renting a vehicle designed for moving, like a truck or cargo van. Research moving truck sizes to get a good idea of what might be best for you.
Portable moving and storage containers, such as U-Box containers, are also great for in-town moves. Your containers are dropped off at your current location, loaded on your time, then picked up and delivered to your new home. Alternatively, you can keep your U-Box container at a nearby U-Haul storage facility and access it anytime. Learn more about U-Box container delivery methods and popular uses to see if it’s a good fit.
Create a Moving Budget
Although moving locally costs significantly less than moving long distance, there are still costs associated, so budget accordingly. Luckily, many moving services and providers allow you to get an estimate online. Scout truck rental rates and packing supplies, and remember things like first and last month’s rent and security deposits if you’re moving into a new apartment.
Also, consider whether you’ll be going the DIY route or hiring movers. Generally, DIY is the cheapest choice, as you’ll only pay for any packing supplies you need and your truck rental. Hiring movers will likely tack on several hundred dollars. A full-service move – which includes a truck and movers – is the most expensive way to move, even locally.
Change of Address/Transfer Utilities
Before you’re in the heart of your move, set aside some time to update your information. That involves completing a change of address form on the USPS website. It may also include transferring your utilities (electric, gas, water, etc.) to your new address. Doing these things ahead of time will allow you to focus only on the move itself and ensure your new space is ready for you when you move in.
Phase 2: Preparing For the Big Day
Proper preparation is key to a smooth local move. Use the information below to prep like a pro.
Gather Your Moving Supplies
Using proper moving supplies is key to a successful move – whether you’re moving 10 miles or 10,000. Of course, you’ll want to start with plenty of moving boxes and packaging materials. Not sure what exactly you need? Our moving supplies calculator is a great place to start. Not only will this helpful tool tell you the supplies you need, it’ll also give you a price (key for making your budget).
There are also several ways to get moving boxes cheaply, maybe even free if you’re lucky. If you’re still not sure how many you need, buy your boxes in bulk from U-Haul. This is a more affordable choice, and if you end up with too many, you can always return your unused boxes to any U-Haul store (with receipt). Learn more about the different types of moving boxes and packaging materials available.
Pack Up Your Belongings
Unless your move is at the last minute, try to spread the packing process out over several weeks. Go room by room, little by little, so things are organized and protected in your boxes. You’ll also want to start with the least essential things in your home. Then, as the big day approaches, pack up your essentials as well. Need tips for packing like a pro? Below are some helpful guides for packing the different rooms in your home.
Make a Truck, Trailer, or Moving Container Reservation
With the packing process underway, your budget ready to go, and your transportation method chosen, you can move forward with creating a reservation for the moving services you need. If you’re able, we recommend moving on a weekday. Not only will you find cheaper rental rates in many cases, but you’ll also enjoy better inventory for the service/vehicle you need.
Phase 3: Moving Day
The big day has arrived! Make the most of it by being prepared and organized.
Create an Essentials Bag
An essentials bag – sometimes called a “first night” bag – is a must-have. It’s the duffle bag, cardboard box, or suitcase that you take with you either in your personal vehicle or pack last in your moving truck. It should hold various items that you will need during your first 12 hours or so in your new place, including phone and laptop chargers, an extra change of clothes, pajamas, basic toiletries, and anything else you can think of. You might also include a set of sheets and pillows if you have space.
The key benefit of an essentials bag is, after you’re finished moving in, you don’t have to dig through dozens of boxes to find what you need – it’s all right there.
Load Your Truck Like a Pro
Whether you’re loading a truck, van, trailer, or U-Box container, the loading concepts are similar. Ideally, the weight is distributed evenly from front to back. Be sure to use tie-downs and furniture pads (available for rent with every U-Haul truck) to secure items and prevent shifting. Use heavier items (dressers, TV stands, couches, etc.) to build a base, and stack boxes on stop, going from heavy to light. View our guide for packing a moving truck to ensure your truck is loaded safely and effectively.
Don’t want to do any heavy lifting? You can hire labor-only movers from Moving Help® to load and unload your moving truck.
Do a Final Cleaning/Walkthrough
Before turning over the keys to your old home, clean the space thoroughly and conduct any necessary repairs. Be sure the air conditioning and all the lights are off and the windows and doors are closed and locked. Leaving the property in good condition gives you a better chance at receiving your security deposit.
At your new place, be sure to take photos of any imperfections and make sure your landlord is aware of any necessary repairs before you unpack and get set up. You may be tempted to start arranging furniture and unpacking right away, but it’s much easier to examine your home when the space is mostly empty.
Get the Local Moving Support You Need
A local move with U-Haul can be a smooth and enjoyable experience if you plan ahead and utilize the resources available. Take advantage of our affordable moving trucks, storage solutions, and moving supplies to make your in-town move a success. With careful planning and the right support, you can start a new chapter in your life with ease and confidence!