How to Prepare for Short-Distance Moves
Short-distance moves require no less skill or planning than long-distance moves. The organization and time that goes into smoothly executing a short-distance move are often underestimated, leaving families stressed and sweaty when it’s crunch time. But don’t let the excitement dissipate! This handy local moving checklist lays out a smooth plan that will help you and your family navigate the packing, moving, and unpacking process.
1 Month Before Moving:
Grab a pen and notepad: Procrastination is your arch-nemesis! For each room of your house, make an inventory of which items need to be moved, and which items can be sold or donated/discarded.
Garage Sale: Gather the “sell” items from your list and sell them at a garage sale, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other platforms.
Change of Address: Short-distance moves don’t leave a trail of breadcrumbs to your new place. Visit your local post office and fill out a change of address form so that your bills, postcards, birthday cards from grandma, and more can follow you to your new spot!
Gather Packing Supplies (and get to work!): Unless you are hiring a professional packing service, you will need to purchase packing supplies in advance of your move. You can purchase them at a local shipping or office supplies store, along with color-coded labels, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Professional moving services often sell these items as well. Don’t let the supplies collect dust! Start packing right away.
Pick a Winner: Contact your desired moving company and request a quote. Be sure to confirm the reservation with the company for your time and date of moving. Don’t forget to ask questions regarding moving coverage!
Be Informed: Moving companies operate within a set of rules and regulations. Contact the moving company or research online which items and substances they do not handle. Even for short-distance moves, many professional moving companies abstain from handling aerosols, liquids, inflammable items, firearms and ammunition, and compressed gas, such as propane, in the moving van by law or for safety purposes. Please make other arrangements to transport these items.
2 Weeks Before Moving:
Clean the Rugs: If you have a knack for DIY hacks and are a fan of all-natural cleaning methods, locate the vinegar, baking soda, and a few other household supplies to eliminate dust, odors, and other debris. Or, contact your local cleaner to wash and wrap your rugs and drapes before Moving Day.
Grab a pen and notepad, again: Scan your home or apartment and make a list of small repairs that need to be addressed before Moving Day. This is especially important for renters. While at it, review your furniture for small bang-ups and make a note. Once you are done moving into your new house or apartment, you will be aware of any new damage caused to your furniture, allowing you to inform the moving company with evidence to support your claim. After all, stuff can happen during short-distance moves, too. Also, renters should inform their landlords of their moving date and review any terms of the lease necessary.
Pack and Stack: Continue gathering your items into the boxes! Clearly label each box by destination and contents as you pack for easy unpacking. Don’t forget to seal them up, a surprisingly common mistake! Don’t forget to remove all photos from the walls. And any box with fragile items must be marked FRAGILE! If you do hire a professional packing service, they will bring the packing supplies with them.
Spread the word: Inform credit card companies, doctors, lawyers, insurance, and utility companies of your change of address. In specific regard to the utility companies, you can schedule your end and start date for electric, gas, water, and Internet.
Take a Day Off: Often overlooked for short-distance moves, you can ensure that your big day goes smoothly by making arrangements for your little ones and pets and requesting the day off from your employer.
2-5 Days Before Your Move:
Pack Your Necessities: Arrange the items you will need during this transitional time before and after your move and pack them into a designated bag or suitcase. Consider one for you, one for your spouse, and one for your children. Don’t just gather clothing—include toiletries, medicine, important electronics and charging cables, your weekly planner, and more. Even for short-distance moves, you’ll be glad you have these things at your side.
Pack a Lunch Box: Even for short-distance moves, you’ll need sustenance, so plan ahead by packing drinks, snacks, and a lunch for the family.
Deep Clean: Hire professional cleaners or dedicate time to thoroughly clean both the home you’re leaving and moving to when they are empty.
The Big Day!
Hang in there! We’ve almost made it through our local move checklist.
Make a Final Run Through: After the moving van has pulled away, complete a final survey of your old home. Check every cabinet, nook, and cranny for items you may have overlooked!
Assign Duties: Give each family member an age-appropriate duty to keep them busy and feeling useful during the family’s short-distance move.
Pack your Car: Remember those “necessities suitcases”? Stack those bags or boxes into your personal vehicle so that they are handy. Don’t forget the snacks and lunch!
Even for short-distance moves, the list can be overwhelming. So why face the music by yourself when a professional moving service can ease your worries? At Camelot Moving & Storage, Inc., not only do we move your belongings to a professional standard, but we also provide packing and unpacking services to reduce the workload and stress from your move. Remove half of the workload from this local move checklist and request a quote today.