If you're moving to a new home in the same city, it may seem like moving yourself is a good idea. However, you may want to reconsider and hire a moving company. You need to take the same amount of care with your belongings when you make a local move as you do with a long-distance move. Here are tips for working with local movers.

1. Understand The Estimate

Some movers might give you a general estimate over the phone, but for the most accurate quote, the mover needs to see all of your belongings. When the mover comes to your home, show them everything you plan to take including boxes in the attic and stuff in your garage or barn. That way you'll get the most accurate estimate.

The mover will give you a binding or nonbinding estimate. A binding estimate means you'll pay the price quoted even if your actual costs run higher or lower. A nonbinding estimate is just an estimate of the costs and you could have to pay more once the job is complete.

2. Let The Mover Do Most Of The Work

If your employer is paying for your moving costs, or if you have a big moving budget, then consider getting a full-service move. With this, the movers pack things in your home, move them to your new home, and unpack them. They'll even remove all the boxes so you won't have to deal with any clutter.

This is the easy way to move and makes for the most pleasant experience; however, a full-service move costs more than when you pack and unpack your own things.

3. Have Everything Ready To Go On Moving Day

Local movers can get your move done fairly quickly since the drive is shorter than if you're moving to another state. However, the job goes faster and with fewer complications if you have everything organized and ready to go before the movers arrive.

The movers will do some things, such as cover furniture with moving pads or wrap them in plastic, but you should have all belongings boxed up, labeled, and organized. Plus, all the appliances you intend to move should be empty, clean, and dry.

When you get your estimate for the move, ask what your responsibilities are if you aren't sure. You may not need to take furniture apart if that's included in the cost of your move. When your movers get your furniture to your new home, have them place the pieces in the rooms where they go and in the spot you choose.

However, they probably won't have time to keep moving furniture around until you find a spot you like. By knowing where everything goes before the movers arrive, the movers can work faster and you can get moved into your new home sooner so you can start unpacking or just have a well-deserved rest. 

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