How to Make a Local Move

If you're moving, but it's only a local move, there are more options available to you than you may think. Local moves are less expensive and far faster than moving long distance. If you're making a local move, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your move.

Check out a moving service. These can be prohibitively expensive or long distance moves, but for local moves it might just be the ticket to save your aching back. Before you hire a company, though, be sure you check out their terms. Moving companies charge an hourly rate for local moves and that hourly rate increases with the number of movers that the company sends. Plan to move during the week; overtime usually is applied on Saturdays. You'll also be billed for travel time, to your residence and from your new residence. Usually, rather than a time based fee, companies will use a mileage based fee. If you cover all your bases, check out all the rates and restrictions that apply and still decide that you can afford it, your back will thank you.

Rent a moving truck on your own. You can get relatively cheap rates on a local move for trucks from popular moving companies. Make sure you find out how long you have the truck for; if you keep it over your allotted time period, you'll incur extra charges. Make sure you know what the company defines as 'local'. You may be charged more if the rental company decides you've put too many miles on the rental vehicle. In addition, many truck rental companies will offer to sell you moving boxes. Some will provide them free, but if they want you to buy theirs, tell them no. This is an unneeded additional expense; you can often find boxes free from local businesses.

Checking out self storage options is also a good idea. This can greatly reduce the amount of stuff you have to move all the way from your home to your new home. The fewer boxes the movers, or you, have to lug, the faster you'll be done and the less you'll have to pay the moving company, the shorter you'll have the moving truck for and the more money you'll save in the long run.

One last option for making a local move is to find a friend of family member who owns a truck and beg them to let you use it. They may even offer to help you move for the cost of gas and some lunch. This is a great way to save some cash when making a local move, so if you have family or friends with a truck, ask.