Set the Budget for Your Local Move
The first thing when it comes to moving is to calculate how much you are willing to pay for your relocation. This will help you decide whether you want to hire a local moving company or to perform the move by yourself. You can find local movers in LA that are very affordable, so before making a decision – do some research first. There are some common moving expenses you should take into consideration, such as:
- Hiring movers or renting a moving truck or container
- Moving supplies – boxes, tape, paper, padding, and wrapping supplies
- Travel cost – gas, fuel, etc.
- Storage cost if you need a storage unit to temporarily place your items in
- Cleaning service for your current and your new home
- ‘Rainy days’ money in case something goes differently than you planned
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- Make a Plan
Once you set the budget, it’s time for planning. Moving is all about organization. To simplify the moving process for yourself, dedicate a notebook for your upcoming local move. Don’t rely on making mental notes, because you will probably forget something. Write down what is your budget, where to get supplies for your move, to-do lists, everything that is needed for your relocation should be written down.
- Do an Inventory of Your Home
This step is very important, whether you are using a moving company or you are moving by yourself. It is time-consuming to list everything that you have, but let’s point out why it benefits you. First, it will help you sort out your items before the packing marathon. Inventory will help you to keep track of your belongings throughout the move. Once the move is done, you will be able to check if everything was moved from your old home or something is missing.
- Get Moving Supplies
You have decided to hire local movers that will pack your belongings? Then you can skip this step. If you are going to pack by yourself, you should know that investing in quality moving boxes will help you save your items from damage. If this is your first time moving and you are not sure how many packing boxes you need, feel free to ask your moving company or employees at the store where you are buying boxes for advice. Except for boxes, purchase packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and make sure you have a marker to label all the boxes properly. Most of the stores can sell you packing kits, so you will have everything needed.
- Hire a Moving Company
You have decided to hire a moving company, but you don’t know where to start. If you don’t have any friends or neighbors that can recommend some moving companies for you, you can just simply type on Google ‘movers near me’ or ‘moving company Los Angeles’ and start reading reviews and collecting information from their online pages. Make a list of at least 5 moving companies that you want to call and gather quotes. After that, based on your budget you will decide which local movers to hire. Always ask the moving companies you’re calling if they have any hidden or additional fees, what is included in their rates and if they are insured.
- Ask Someone to Help you with Kids or Pets on Moving Day
This is the number one safety rule when it comes to moving – to keep both small kids and pets away from the relocation action. That is why you should organize help in advance. Ask your friends that live close to you or family members to take care of your little ones once a day. You don’t want to worry about their safety on your moving day when there are a lot more things that you need to assist with.
- Start Your Packing
Packing is the most important pre-move task for you. It is very important for the success of your own move. That is why you should start thinking about packing as early as possible. You don’t want to greet your movers on a moving day and your home is not even half packed. If you are living in a bigger house or apartment, you should know that you will need some help – either from your friends or professional packers. Pro tip for packing is to start from the kitchen because that is the most difficult room for packing. And don’t forget to pack an essential bag.
- Prepare Your New Home for Moving In
You want to make your new place feel like home from day one, so make sure it’s in tip-top shape before move-in day. Do some cleaning and painting before you move in. A new home means new furniture, so shop for the last few items you would like to have in your new home. Don’t forget to buy essentials like soap, shampoo, etc.
- Moving Day Checklist
Create a moving day checklist for yourself. It will help you have a stress-free move. Make sure your phone is charged. Get up on time, you don’t want your movers to arrive when you are still in pajamas. Have enough cash with you if you are paying in cash, or have enough to tip the movers once your move is done. Prepare enough water for yourself and the workers. If you don’t want to make any food in advance, you can order a pizza. Make a list of things you need to do before movers arrive and what you need to do before you leave your new home.
- Don’t Forget
No matter how busy you are organizing your move, you shouldn’t forget the following:
- Change your address before the move
- Forward mail to your new address
- Set up electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, etc.
- Notify your family and friends that you moved
- Say goodbye to your old neighborhood
- Meet your new neighbors
- Explore your new neighborhood
