Moving can be an overwhelming experience, no matter the size. When it comes to small moves, you have to know the best strategies and tips to make the process smoother. But what exactly is considered a small move? Generally, it involves relocating a smaller number of items, often within the same city or nearby locations.
How To Move Short Distances
Even short-distance moves come with their own set of challenges. Think of it as a mini-adventure: same great suspense, less travel time. When it comes to small moves, planning is your best friend.
By thinking ahead and staying organized, you can tackle small moves and simplify the moving process without breaking a sweat. You’ve got this!
1. Schedule Your Move
Creating a timeline is your secret weapon. Opting to move during the off-season, like in the winter, can be a game-changer for your budget. Plus, who doesn’t love a good snow move? Okay, maybe not, but it’s cheaper! Weekdays are also your best bet – it’s typically cheaper to rent a moving truck or hire movers during the weekdays than it is on the weekends. But if you have to move during peak moving season, the best thing you can do is start early and make a solid plan.
2. Consider Your Options
When it comes to small moves, you’ve got options. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure… But with fewer dragons and more packing tape.
Here’s a list of choices for you:
- Move items yourself, in your own car. Or borrow a friend’s truck for your move! Grab that friend, and a few extras, pack up, load up, and hit the road!
- Moving items yourself or with friends and family? The more the merrier! More hands make light work.
- Rent a box truck or hitch a trailer – These options are perfect for fitting in those extra boxes (and the leftover bubble wrap because you’re definitely going to pop that later… ).
- Portable storage containers TO THE RESCUE! Companies like U-Pack and PODS have your back – they drop off the container, you pack it, they pick it up, AND deliver it to your new location.
- Need a hands-off move? No problem! Hire a full-service moving company so you can sit back, relax, and let the pros handle it – this is the most expensive option, but it takes a load of stress off your shoulders. Hiring movers is ideal for longer moves but also for small moves too! The movers stop by, pack up, drive everything to your new home, and unpack for you too!
- Get quotes from multiple moving companies – If you’re not sure how to score the best deals on a moving truck rental, start by shopping around!
- Pack yourself and hire labor-only movers. Just need some muscle? These guys are your go-to.
3. Measure the New Rooms
Size matters! Before you haul all your stuff, make sure your new spot can actually fit your things. Nothing says “whoops” like a couch that won’t fit through the door. Take the time to measure each room in your new place, along with doorways, hallways, and staircases. This way, you’ll know for sure if your furniture will fit or if you need to rethink your layout.
Consider not just the width and height, but also the overall space. Sketch a simple floor plan and try arranging your furniture on paper first. This helps you visualize how everything will fit and identify potential problem areas. You might find that your favorite armchair works better in the bedroom or that the dining table needs a different spot. Proper measurements can save you a lot of hassle and help you settle into your new home more comfortably.
4. Assess Your Belongings
Before the move, take some time to determine what needs to be sold, donated, or tossed. Decluttering can make the moving process more manageable and help you start fresh in your new space. Begin by sorting your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use. That old lamp you haven’t turned on in three years? Time to let it go.
Moving is the best opportunity to declutter – decluttering not only lightens your load but also gives you the chance to do some good by donating good-condition items to those in need. Host a garage sale or list items online to make a little extra cash to offset the costs of your move. This way, you’ll reduce the number of items to move and make the unpacking process much smoother.
5. Ask For Help
Try not to be a hero – moving can be a lot, so call in the reinforcements. Whether it’s friends, family, or that neighbor who owes you a favor, extra hands are golden. Plus, it’s a great excuse to throw a pizza party or host a movie night with snacks later! (Just make sure you provide the pizza and entertainment or the snacks and the cozy seats!)
6. Label Your Boxes By Room
Channel your inner Marie Kondo and label those boxes. Trust us, future you will thank you when you’re not tearing through boxes looking for that stinkin’ toaster at 6 AM.
Clear, easy-to-read labels on each box can make unpacking a breeze. Use a thick marker and write the room name on multiple sides of the box. If you want to get extra fancy, you can even color-code the labels by room for a super efficient unpacking process. Being thorough now will save you a ton of time and frustration later.
7. Move Clothes On Their Hangers
No need to reinvent the wheel – just move your clothes on their hangers. You can either pick them up, toss them over your shoulder, and lay them flat on the seats of your car (with or without a garbage bag to protect them), or grab some wardrobe packing boxes. They’ve got built-in hanging rods that make it easy to drag and drop the clothes into the boxes.
8. Don’t Forget an Essentials Bag
Pack a bag with all the must-haves: toiletries, a few changes of clothes, and any important documents. It’ll become your lifeline throughout the chaos of moving.
9. Use a Cooler to Move Food
Keep your perishables fresh by packing them in a cooler. This will keep your food safe and prevent spoilage during the move. Make sure to pack the cooler last, so the perishables spend the least amount of time out of the fridge or freezer.
Not only does this method ensure your favorite snacks and groceries stay fresh, it also makes them easier to unpack and settle into your new kitchen – so you can avoid worrying about a last-minute grocery run. Plus, having a cooler on hand means you’ll have cold drinks ready to go, which can be so refreshing after a long day of heavy lifting.
10. Have the Nearest Pizza Shop’s Number Handy
Let’s be real – you’re not cooking after moving. Have the nearest pizza shop on speed dial or make sure you prep some easy meals in advance and pack them in your cooler.
11. Transfer Utilities to Your New Address
Don’t get left in the dark (literally). Make sure all your utilities are transferred to your new place ahead of time. And don’t forget the WiFi – so you can tune into your favorite shows while you unpack!
12. Forward Mail to Your New Address
Make sure your mail doesn’t get left behind with the dust bunnies – forward your mail to your new address. It’s super easy and a total lifesaver.
13. Move In Phases If Needed
If the thought of moving everything at once makes you sweat, consider doing it in phases. Breaking down the move into smaller, more manageable tasks can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with packing and moving the essentials first, like your clothes, toiletries, and kitchen items. This way, you’ll have what you need to function comfortably in your new home right from the start.
Next, tackle the bigger items and less essential belongings gradually. Spreading out the work means you can take breaks and adjust your pace as needed. This phased approach keeps your stress levels in check and allows you to handle the move with a clear mind. Plus, it gives you a chance to properly organize and settle into each area of your new home step by step, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Common Examples of Small Moves
Small moves come in all shapes and sizes, whether you’re moving just a few blocks away or transporting a single, cherished item across town. These types of moves might seem straightforward, but they can still present unique challenges that require careful planning and organization.
Here are a few classic small move scenarios:
- Moving a single item: Artwork, musical instruments, large pieces of furniture.
- Back-to-School moves for college students Students usually only need to move personal belongings since dorms are furnished.
- Fragile or specialty items: Pianos, pool tables, appliances, and valuable artwork.
- Local moves: Moving within the same neighborhood or nearby.
- Studios or 1 bedroom apartment moves: Less stuff = less stress.
- Temporary storage during renovations: Just moving items from one room while it’s being renovated.
With the right approach, you can tackle your small move with ease and efficiency, turning what might seem like a daunting task into an organized, stress-free process.
Factors that Impact the Cost of a Small Move
The cost of small moves can vary based on a few factors. Being aware of what might impact your costs ensures that you can make more informed decisions and avoid any surprise expenses along the way.
Factors that may impact overall costs include:
- Total size & weight of items being moved.
- Moving date: Peak moving season and moving on certain days of the week may also cost more.
- Distance: Mileage and fuel costs add up!
- Additional costs or add-ons: Such as furniture assembly/disassembly
- Special handling: It’s common for fragile or expensive items, like pianos, armoires, sculptures, etc., to have an additional cost during the move.
- Number of movers required for the move –more movers mean increased costs, so consider enlisting help from friends and family.
Bonus Factor: Keep in mind: There are certain packing materials you need to protect your valuables.
Prep For Your Next Small Move With SpareFoot
Ready to dive into your next small move? SpareFoot offers fantastic deals on self-storage options to simplify your moving process. Whether you’re tackling a short-distance move or planning small moves cross-country, we’re here to help every step of the way. Check out our storage solutions, learn what elements of your move are tax deductible (or not), learn more about handling moving stress, and how to save time with a moving checklist.
SpareFoot loves to help you find the perfect storage spot! All you have to do is pop in your zip code, filter for the options that best fit your needs, and scroll through the largest marketplace of storage facilities to find your perfect match.
Melynda Kloc
With a lifelong passion for writing, poetry, and storytelling, I transformed my love for reading and writing into a fulfilling career. I specialize in writing copy that educates, builds trust, and encourages a genuine connection between the customer and the brand.
