However, local moves do pose a few unique challenges that you should be aware of.
1. It’s Easier to Hold Onto Stuff
For a long-distance move, you don’t have the opportunity to make several trips to your new home. Thus, it’s in your best interest to get rid of the belongings you don’t need. With a local move, you don’t have as much of an incentive to give away old belongings.
While this may seem like a benefit, it can be a challenge as well. Holding onto belongings you don’t need can crowd your new home and increase your stress level. Since moving companies charge you by weight, holding onto belongings also increases the cost of your move.
Even if you’re moving locally, you should thoroughly go through your belongings. If you find something you no longer use, donate the item to someone who will.
More: What Not To Pack
2. It’s Harder to “Move On”
After a long-distance move, you probably don’t know many people in your new area. Thus, you’re motivated to make new friends and put down roots in your new town.
When you move locally, though, it can be harder to call your new community “home.” Rather than meeting new neighbors, you travel to your old community to meet with old friends. With one foot in your new community and the other foot in your old community, you miss out on the opportunity for new friendships, new hobbies, and new experiences.
Keeping in touch with old friends isn’t a bad thing, but make sure you also become a part of your new community. Join a club or organization, go to a gym or community center, or simply make sure you meet all your neighbors.
3. You Might Not Adequately Prepare for Your Move
If you’re just moving to the next city over, you might think you don’t need to plan for your move. You might assume you can throw some boxes together the day before your move and just kind of “wing it.” But winging it can make moving day incredibly stressful for you and anyone helping you.
While local moves don’t take as much planning as long-distance moves, planning is still important. Make sure you start getting ready at least a few weeks before your move by:
- Gathering supplies
- Sorting and giving away belongings
- Saying goodbye to friends and recruiting their help
- Developing your Household Moving Guide
Moving companies recommend that you book their services at least two weeks in advance-the earlier the better. This is especially important during the busy summer months.
4. You Might Get Stuck Maintaining Two Houses
Since local moves are quicker and easier, many people move locally before selling their old home. This leaves them with two mortgage payments and a lot of hassle.
If you must move before you can sell your old home, make sure it’s ready to sell. Don’t try to live between homes or allow some of your family members to live in the home you’re trying to sell. Clear out all your belongings and clean it as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of finding a buyer. To decrease financial stress, you could also rent out your old home if you can’t find a buyer right away.
5. You’re Tempted to Do-It-Yourself
Since you’re not moving very far, you might try to handle your entire move by yourself. But this may be a bad idea.
Consider the fragile items you own, such as your piano or furniture. You and your friends don’t have the training and experience to move these specialty items without damaging them – or your friends. Professional movers know how to protect your valuable items. Plus, a moving company can offer valuation protection to repair or replace items damaged during the moving process.
A moving company can also save you time and hassle by offering all the services you need. Along with the actual moving of your items, they may offer packing and storage services as well. These options can give you time to address other important needs, such as setting up utilities, changing your address, and decorating your new place.
Movers can also provide all the necessary moving equipment, such as dollies, tools, and furniture blankets.
A local move is simpler than a long-distance move in many ways. But it can also present some unique challenges. You can simplify your local move by being aware of these potential challenges and working to address them.
Don’t try to handle your local move alone. The moving experts at Bekins are here to help you with every step of your local move. Call us today for a free quote or visit online for your in-home estimate.
