The Ultimate Guide to Moving Your Household

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A couple arranging their new apartment, moving in furniture and household items.
Credit: pexels.com, A couple arranging their new apartment, moving in furniture and household items.

Moving your household can be a daunting task, but with a solid plan and some insider knowledge, you'll be well on your way to a smooth transition. It's recommended to start planning at least 8 weeks in advance to ensure a stress-free move.

The first step is to declutter and downsize your belongings, which can save you up to 30% on moving costs. Focus on getting rid of items you no longer need or use, and consider hosting a garage sale or selling items online.

A moving binder is a must-have to keep all your documents and receipts organized. It's essential to keep track of receipts for packing materials, travel expenses, and any other moving-related costs.

As you pack, remember to label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will save you time and energy when unpacking.

Choosing a Mover

Start by researching local moving companies to find one that's licensed and insured.

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Check online reviews and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have recently moved.

Look for a mover with a good rating from the Better Business Bureau and a physical address, not just a PO box.

Make sure to get multiple quotes from different movers and compare their services, prices, and insurance options.

A reputable mover will also provide a detailed estimate and a binding agreement that outlines the terms of the move.

Be wary of movers who demand payment upfront or have a low quote that seems too good to be true.

Why Choose Allied?

Allied has been delivering exceptional household relocation services for nearly 100 years, which speaks to their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Their trained household movers and tailored services ensure that every move is unique and meets the individual needs of each family.

Whether you're moving down the street or across the globe, Allied's dedicated care and expertise will get you where you're going.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Pick a Mover: Understanding In-House Estimates | Moving Tips from Allied

As interstate movers with a strong local presence in most cities across the country, Allied is not just any moving company, but a trusted neighbor ready to assist in making your transition smooth and stress-free.

Their residential moving services are specialized to fit the needs of families, and their team is equipped to handle moves of all sizes, from townhouses to cross-country transitions.

Their full-service packing ensures that every item, from antiques to electronics, is packed with utmost care and attention to detail.

Their comprehensive moving services cover every aspect of the moving process, from initial consultation to unpacking in your new home, and their range of unpacking options means you can choose how involved you want to be in the settling-in process.

Allied's load movers are trained to handle delicate and high-value items with extra care, ensuring they reach your new home in pristine condition.

At the heart of Allied's service is customer satisfaction, and they're proud of their long-standing reputation, awards, and recognitions, but what truly drives them is the smile on their customers' faces when they're settled into their new homes.

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Choose Correct Box Sizes

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Packing books in small boxes is a good idea because it makes the job easier for professional movers. Large boxes packed with heavy items have a better chance of breaking.

Heavy items like books should be packed in small boxes to prevent damage. Light items like linens and pillows can be packed in bigger boxes.

Here's an interesting read: Small Moving Van

What Do Movers Charge?

Movers can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the number of people it takes to complete your move. This hourly rate can vary depending on the company.

The average cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom household within the same city is around $2,300. Moving the same items more than 1,000 miles can cost around $4,300.

The cost of moving can also depend on the distance you're moving, with longer distances costing more. You'll usually pay a premium for moving in the middle of the summer, the most popular time for people to move.

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Additional costs to factor in include packing materials, labor, and time to assemble your furniture when it arrives at your new home. You'll also need to consider special packaging, like dish boxes and mattress bags.

Shipping a vehicle as part of your move can add to the cost, with prices ranging from $150 to $600 to ship a car 200-300 miles. Shipping a vehicle coast-to-coast can double or triple that amount.

Storage costs can also add up, especially if your new home isn't ready when your possessions arrive. This can come at a daily cost, so be sure to factor that in when budgeting your move.

Packing and Preparation

Hire household movers who will keep your belongings safe and secure with the highest quality materials and special packing techniques.

You can also reuse packing materials, like straws or toilet paper rolls, to keep jewelry from getting tangled.

Measure your furniture and doorways ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises. Take measurements, because if that sofa isn't going to fit through the doorway, it's better to know before the sofa gets there.

Take a look at this: Moving Out Packing List

How to Prepare for a Move

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Start by getting rid of some stuff - make it a little bit easier on yourself by cutting back on clutter as much as possible. Before you pack a single box, do a merciless purge of unused or unnecessary items.

Measure, measure, measure - take measurements ahead of time to ensure that your furniture will fit through doorways. If that sofa isn't going to fit, it's better to know before the sofa gets there.

Use the right size boxes for packing - pack heavy items like books in small boxes, and light items like linens in bigger ones. Large boxes packed with heavy items are a common complaint of professional movers.

Fill in gaps with clothing, towels, or packing paper to make your packing quicker and your unpacking a lot easier. Movers often won't move boxes that feel loosely packed or unbalanced.

Book early for moving services, renting supplies, or hiring professionals - waiting to do so could mean paying a higher price or not being able to get a truck or movers at all. If it's peak moving season, it's especially important to plan ahead.

Credit: youtube.com, Preparing for a Move: Packing station

Packing the kitchen involves a lot of different types of items - learn how to pack dishes, glasses, and cups carefully to prevent breakage. Use packing paper, cardboard dividers, and bunched-up paper as padding to protect fragile items.

Make a moving folder to collect important documents and records - consider a hard copy in case computer or phone batteries die during the move. This will help you keep track of agreements, payments, and more.

Get your wardrobe in order by packing clothes in cardboard boxes, suitcases, or even leaving them in the dresser. For hanging clothes, use a special wardrobe box to keep them organized and protected.

Invest in Equipment

Investing in the right equipment can make a huge difference in the success of your move.

Stock up on essentials like box cutters, adhesive bandages, permanent markers, packing tape, paper towels, and garbage bags a few days before the big move. These items will come in handy for packing and cleaning up.

Adorable curly haired dog peeking from a truck window, enjoying the view.
Credit: pexels.com, Adorable curly haired dog peeking from a truck window, enjoying the view.

A furniture dolly is a must-have for moving heavy furniture. If you don't already have one, consider renting or buying it.

Furniture pads or covers can protect your belongings from scratches and damage during transit. Don't forget to get tie-down straps or rope to secure your items properly.

Remember, even if you don't use all of these items during the move, they'll still be useful afterward.

Packing Supplies and Equipment

You'll need to deal with all those packing supplies as you unpack, which can junk up your space.

Local libraries may be interested in taking the boxes off your hands.

To keep jewelry from getting tangled, you can string necklaces through straws or toilet paper rolls when packing.

7. Secure Boxes With Tape

Tape is a crucial part of securing your moving boxes. Use a couple of pieces of tape to close the bottom and top seams.

To ensure your boxes stay closed, use one of the movers' techniques: making a couple of wraps all the way around the box's top and bottom edges, where stress is concentrated. This will help prevent the seams from coming undone during transit.

Handle Packing Supplies

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You can recycle some items to help with packing jewelry, like stringing necklaces through straws or toilet paper rolls to keep them from being tangled.

Your local library might be interested in taking empty boxes and packing materials off your hands, or you can post on social media to find someone who needs them.

Hiring packers might not be the most cost-effective option, especially if you do your own packing properly, setting aside enough time to avoid rushed jobs and breakages.

Truck with Loading Ramp

A truck with a loading ramp is a must-have for a smooth move. This is especially true if you're a DIY mover, as it will save you hours of hassle and sore muscles.

Renting a truck without a ramp might be cheaper, but it's not worth the struggle of lifting every box and piece of furniture high enough to get it into the truck.

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DIY Move and Costs

A young couple captures a selfie during their moving day, surrounded by boxes.
Credit: pexels.com, A young couple captures a selfie during their moving day, surrounded by boxes.

Moving to a new home can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. Hiring packers is one option, but it doesn't come cheap.

Doing your own packing can save you money, but it requires time and effort. You'll need to set aside enough time to pack properly, as a rushed job could lead to breakages later.

Average Cost of DIY Move

The average cost of a DIY move can vary depending on the distance and size of the move. For a long distance move, using a cost calculator can help estimate the costs, taking into account factors such as distance, home or office size, and additional services required.

The cost of packing materials can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size of the move. This is a significant expense to consider when planning a DIY move.

Using a cost calculator can provide an estimated cost based on current industry rates, making it easier to plan and budget for the move. This can be particularly useful for those who are unfamiliar with how to estimate moving costs.

A DIY move can save you money, but it's essential to consider the time and effort required to pack, load, and transport your belongings.

Intriguing read: Diy Moving Companies

Ways to Reduce Moving Costs

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Moving home can be a costly and stressful experience, but there are ways to reduce the costs and make the process more manageable. Moving home is an expensive business and one of the top three most stressful times in anyone's life.

Packing your belongings yourself can save you a significant amount of money, potentially up to 50% of the total moving cost. This is because hiring professional packers can be costly, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,000 or more.

Decluttering your home before the move can also help reduce costs, as you'll have less to pack and move. This can save you money on packing materials, transportation, and storage.

A DIY move can be a cost-effective option, but it requires careful planning and execution. Moving home is an expensive business and one of the top three most stressful times in anyone's life.

You can also save money by choosing the right moving truck size, which can range from 10 to 26 feet in length. A smaller truck can be more fuel-efficient and cost-effective, especially for smaller moves.

Moving during the off-season, typically from April to September, can also help you save money. This is because demand for moving services is lower during this time, allowing you to negotiate better prices with moving companies.

Expand your knowledge: Are Moving Companies Expensive

Do It Yourself Packing

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Doing your own packing can be a cost-effective way to save money on your move. Hiring packers can be expensive, as mentioned in the article.

You'll need to set aside enough time to pack properly, or you might end up with breakages later. A rushed job can offset your cost savings.

Packing delicate or personal items yourself is a good idea, especially if you're not the trusting sort.

Estimating Costs

Estimating costs is a crucial part of planning a DIY move. The cost of moving can vary widely, with the average cost of moving a 2-3 bedroom household within the same city around $2,300.

Factors that can affect the cost of your move include the distance you're moving, whether you need packing services, and the size of your home. Local moving companies usually charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $200 per hour.

To get a more accurate estimate, use a moving calculator that takes into account factors such as distance, home size, and additional services. You can also consider using a long distance moving cost calculator to factor in variables like moving date and location.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Estimate Your Moving Costs | DIY vs Hiring Movers & Pricing Breakdown

Here's a rough estimate of moving costs by distance and number of bedrooms:

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost of your move may vary. It's always a good idea to get quotes from multiple moving companies to compare prices and services.

Moving Process

Moving can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller tasks makes it more manageable. Unpack on a deadline, like doing five boxes a day, to stay on track.

Decide what's realistic and prioritize your tasks accordingly. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

Unpacking essentials right away can make a big difference in getting settled quickly. This might include setting up the kitchen and bathroom, or getting the beds ready.

Having a plan in place will help you stay organized and make the moving process less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a household to another state?

The cost to move a household to another state typically ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on various factors such as distance and moving services needed. Get a more accurate estimate by considering your specific moving requirements.

What is residential relocation?

Residential relocation refers to the process of moving from one dwelling to another, whether locally or internationally. It involves relocating to a new place, whether within the same neighborhood or across the globe.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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