The Ultimate Checklist for Small Moves

Moving can be difficult and even become a highly stressful event. Even if you are planning a small move within the same town or city, a lot of planning and consideration goes into the process. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to take the pain out of moving. And the best part is that you can move up to 2,000 pounds locally or long distance at a fraction of the cost you would have paid for a large move. 

So, if you want to move apartments or dorm rooms, or even if you just want to get a bunch of items from one place to another, the following checklist will get you going in no time:

Take the Time to Prepare for Your Small Move

If you have limited funds to spend on a small move, you’ll want to stay under the 2,000-pound limit. The best way to do that is to declutter your space before you start packing. Donate or sell clothes, shoes, appliances, and furniture you haven’t used in three months or longer. The smaller you can make your moving load, the more money you will save. You will also be able to pack faster and have a clutter-free space in your new home. 

Try Not to Exceed Your Budget

If your budget is strict, keep an eye on the extra costs that quickly add up during a small move. Generally speaking, a small move will cost you less than a large one. However, if you have large pieces of furniture or more than one appliance that you need to move with a big truck and the help of movers, you will pay extra. If you want to store your stuff temporarily, it will also eat a chunk of your budget. You must do enough research and compare several quotes so you don’t overshoot your budget. 

Buy the Right Supplies for Packing

Buying packaging from the moving company is likely to be expensive. You can package and box your stuff on your own, but you need the right supplies. Buy several sturdy boxes with enough space to pack your small items. Remember to get packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. You will also need markers to label your boxes per room. You can even color-code your packed boxes to make them easier to find at your new place. 

Aim to Take the Stress Out of Packing

No one likes packing, even if it is just one room. Packing is a tedious process and can quickly become overwhelming. Too often, you will be zipping up the last bag, only to find you stuffed your toothbrush right at the bottom. This means pulling everything out and starting from scratch. 

Avoid the repacking nightmare by marking and using all the available packing space. Use vacuum bags for clothes and roll your towels and blankets instead of folding them. If you are moving furniture pieces, consider disassembling them. Pack small items inside bigger ones, and pack toiletries and medication in a separate bag. Throw a change of clothes in there and make some space for important documents you may need during the move. 

If you are bad at packing, you can download a moving app to help create packing checklists and even track your belongings. Moving apps are also great for taking photos of electronic wiring configurations, so you can easily reconnect your appliances and electronics in your new place. 

Schedule Your Small Move During the Week

If possible, schedule your small move during the week or when it is off-peak season. When you compare quotes, you will notice that specific dates and seasons offer substantial discounts. If you can manage it, choose one of these dates. 

Consider Your Transport Options

When you are ready to hit the road, you must decide which transport option will be most affordable. If you are moving a short distance, a pickup truck or cargo van should fall within your budget. If you do not want to pay extra for movers, see if you can rope in some friends to help you load and unload your stuff. Unfortunately, if you have many large items that need moving across a long distance, professional movers are the best way to go. It will cost you more money but give you some peace of mind. 

Enjoy Your New Place

When you’ve ticked off all these items on your small move checklist, the only thing left to do is enjoy your new place. You can start unpacking those boxes, turn up the music, and get ready for a brand-new start.