Do You Really Need a Professional for a Local Move?

Does Distance Matter?

A local move may not come with the same logistical issues as a long-distance one. But that doesn't mean a 10-mile move is any less stressful than one that takes you across the country. Whether you move 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 miles, your move will require:

• Transportation. Unless you plan to carry every box, bin, bag, or piece of furniture by hand, you need a vehicle to transport these items from your old home to the new one.
• Heavy lifting. Your couch won't get lighter or easier to carry just because you plan to move five miles away. Whether you have a large family or plenty of friends to help, or you need to hire a professional, you'll need assistance with the heavy lifting.
• Time and energy. While a local move may not require days of travel, the process will still take time and energy. This means you'll need to take time off work or arrange for child care during your local move.

Between the transportation needs, lifting issues, and the time a move takes, this isn't a solo process to tackle without professional help. If you're still not sure whether your short-distance move really requires the assistance of an expert, talk to the moving contractor. The moving company's staff can help you to better understand what they can do for you, your family, and your move.

Is a Moving Service Cost Prohibitive?

Do you want to save money on your local move? A do-it-yourself job isn't the only answer. While a local move may seem easier than the long-distance version, you'll still have costs associated with the transportation and other related issues.

A professional company can help you save money on your local move and:

• Provide the transportation. Again, you need some way to transport everything from point A to point B. You could make a dozen trips back and forth in your car or rent your own truck. But these options may cost more overall in the price of gas and lost time.
• Provide the equipment. Do you have an appliance dolly or a truck lift for heavy furniture? If you don't have the right equipment, you'll need to rent or buy these items. For a one-time local move, these costs could outweigh the price you'll pay to hire a professional for the job.
• Provide the lifting power. Not only can heavy lifting raise the risk of strain or injury, but it can take precious time away from your day. A DIY move could cost you money in lost work time or other similar productivity losses.

Get estimates from two or three different moving companies in your area. To save money, ask about (and decline) unnecessary extra services. Some, but not all, moving companies may include packing or organizational charges.

Is the Extra Help Necessary?

A long-distance move may take you to an area where you have no friends or family to help. This means you'll need to rely on a professional to help with the transportation and unpacking processes. But do you need this assistance for your local move?

Even though you may have plenty of friends and family who live in your local area, you likely still need extra help. If you're not sure whether you need help from a professional, consider:

• The number of items you need to move. Without a multi-state trip, you may not feel the need to declutter and trim down the number of items you plan to move. This means you may have more to move locally. The larger quantity requires the extra assistance of a pro.
• The amount of help you will have. Even though you're moving locally, friends and family who live in the area may not have the ability (or desire) to help you move. Before you assume your friends will carry furniture or drive a truck, ask. If they can't help, you need to hire a mover.
• The types of items you need to move. A heavy couch, piano, or other awkwardly-shaped item requires extra help to move. You may need the help of a professional to transport items your friends and family can't lift or carry on their own.

Along with the heavy lifting and carrying, a professional mover provides transportation. While a local friend or family member may have a van, SUV, or pickup, you may need a larger, full-sized truck for your move. The moving company will provide the vehicle that your friends or family can't.

Do you need help with your move? Contact United Moving & Storage for more information.