There are many reasons why someone will move from one place to another, be it for a job change, financial issues, the standard of living, etc. In 2022, lots of Americans moved interstate due to low taxes. Washington DC, amongst many others in the south and west, saw more moves, as these states charge a low marginal state income tax rate of about 4.0 percent.
There’s a lot of planning to be done in local moving because the whole process may seem impossible without that. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take now to help make your local move as smooth as possible. This guide will help you plan your local move to be prepared when it comes around.
Start With a Packing Plan
Planning is the first step to making sure your move goes smoothly. The best way to start planning is by creating a packing plan that includes everything you want to bring and then deciding which items should go in each box.
Here’s how:
- First, make sure you have enough boxes. The general rule of thumb is one box per room or closet. However, some prefer using more than one box per room. It all depends on how much stuff they’re bringing and how big their rooms are, so keep those factors in mind when deciding how many boxes are best for your situation.
- Next, choose whether or not you’d like help from professionals specializing in residential moving services. According to data from Moving, the average cost of a local move for a 2-3 bedroom move is around $1,250.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
You’ll need to have your essential documents in order before planning your move. Your birth certificate, social security card, and other key pieces of paperwork should be handy. If they’re not already on hand, ensure you’ve got copies stored somewhere safe.
Almost every person who resides or works in the US will have a social security number (SSN). According to USA.gov, you will have an SSN if you are a US citizen, permanent US resident, or non-resident working in the US.
Ensure you also have a list of all the documents you need and another list of those already in place. You never know when some vital piece of paper might slip through the cracks.
Find a Local Moving Company
The next step to planning your local move is finding a moving company. There are many factors to consider when choosing a mover, but the most important thing is that they’re licensed and insured. Many online resources can help you book a local moving company.
Such websites or firms work by collecting information about numerous local moving companies and aggregating all the information into one place. All the information on Unpakt comes from moving companies’ websites. This allows anyone to compare the aggregated information side-by-side, helping them choose the right company for hire.
Create a Moving Timeline
When you’re moving locally, creating a timeline for the move is important. This will help you keep track of all your tasks and deadlines and ensure that nothing gets missed.
Create a list of moving dates and deadlines in chronological order. The first items on this list should be:
- When do I need to start packing?
- When does my truck arrive?
List all other tasks between these dates that must be completed before or after the truck arrives.
Don’t Forget About the Pets
When you’re planning your move, don’t forget about the pets. If you’re moving locally and have decided to bring your cat or dog, there are a few things to consider before making this decision.
- The cost of pet travel: Whether an airline ticket or a car ride, taking your pet along with you can add up quickly. Make sure that whatever method of transportation works best for them will also fit your budget. Data shows that interstate transportation of miniature dog breeds across the US costs $350 to $700.
- Considerations for boarding during the move: If not everyone in the family is going on this trip, someone must stay behind with the animals while everyone else is gone. This may include hiring someone with experience caring for animals and having references available in case of any problems during their stay with their temporary caregiver.
- Cost of care while away: If possible, try not to schedule any major veterinary visits around this period so that everything goes smoothly when moving day occurs again.
Have a Backup Plan
You can do some things to make your move go as smoothly as possible. But if you’re like most people, there will come a time when things don’t go according to plan. Don’t let yourself get stressed out about it; instead, have a backup plan in place so that if one thing goes wrong, you’ll have another option ready.
For example, if your moving truck breaks down on the way to your new home and they can only fix it tomorrow morning, call up a friend or family member who lives close by and ask them if they could help store some of your belongings overnight. In contrast, another truck comes out in the morning or even offers them one of the rooms in their house as temporary storage space while everything else gets sorted out.
Plan on Dealing With Moving Day Anxiety
Moving day is a big deal. You’ve spent months, if not years, preparing for it, and now it’s time to execute. But don’t panic. You can do this.
Get help from friends and family. It might feel like an imposition at first, but having extra hands on deck will make all the difference in getting everything done smoothly and efficiently. Plus, who doesn’t love hanging out with their pals?
If you are overwhelmed by all the moving logistics involved in packing up your home and transporting its contents across town or state lines, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from professionals like movers or real estate agents. They’re used to dealing with stressed-out people who need their help.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you better understand what it takes to move locally. Moving can be stressful, but with the proper planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Remember to start with a packing plan, get all your paperwork in order, find a local moving company, and ensure everything gets done in time for moving day.
