In this article, we will cover various aspects of planning a short-distance move, whether it's worth trying the DIY approach and moving without a van, the advantages of using a professional removal firm.
How to Plan a Short-Distance Move
Achieving a stress-free move involves careful planning. But planning a short-distance move actually requires the same initial steps as planning a long-distance move.
Start Early
Begin planning your move as soon as possible. Even if the distance is short, the planning out around what tasks need to be done and when can really help you manage tasks in a bitesize fashion, without that feeling of last-minute stress.
Declutter
Well in advance, sort through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. Think about donating, recycling, or selling some items to lighten your load (and you may even reduce your removal cost).
Create a Checklist
Having things written down means you won't forget them in the hustle and bustle of a big move. Make a detailed checklist of all the tasks that need to be completed, including packing, changing addresses, and organising utilities.
Gather Packing Supplies
Start to collect packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels and markers. (Labelling boxes clearly saves a lot of time on the other end). If you really want a hands-off approach ]removal firms can offer a packing service so you don't have to think about this part.
Plan the Move Day
Choose a moving day that suits your schedule and try, where possible, to avoid peak times like weekends or holidays as this could cause delays. Make sure you book time off work in advance.
Is it Worth Trying to Move House Without a Van?
Moving house without a van is possible, but it depends on several factors:
How many belongings you have:
If you don't have many belongings, doing several trips using your car or with a friend's vehicle could work. However, the more belongings you have, the more likely it is you will need to use a van, as one trip here is way more efficient than endless car trips.
How far you are travelling:
If you aren't travelling far, moving without a van might be feasible, but remember to bear in mind how many trips you will have to make and overall how long this will take going back and forth. Even for some short-distance moves, a van can save time and energy.
How much effort and time you want to put in:
Moving is physically and mentally exhausting and a DIY approach will require considerable physical effort and time, especially when you have multiple trips to do.
Why It's Better to Use a Professional Removal Firm For Moving A Short Distance
Although on first thought you may think a DIY approach will save you money, it's not always the most efficient way to move. Consider the following benefits of using a professional removal firm to assist your move before deciding whether to try a move using a DIY approach:
Efficiency
Professional movers are highly experienced and can pack and move your belongings quickly and safely. Saving you lots of your valuable time.
Safety
Removal companies know how to handle heavy and fragile items, reducing the risk of damage to your valuable items and the risk of you getting an injury from lifting heavy items.
Insurance
Many professional removal firms offer insurance for your belongings, giving you peace of mind that should anything break, you are covered.
Stress Reduction
Planning a house move is stressful enough and most people don't realise how stressful the moving experience can be. Hiring professionals allows you to focus on other aspects of your move such s getting things organised on the other end, which will reduce the hassle for you.
Equipment
Professional movers not only have the skills to make your move seamless, but they also have the necessary equipment, such as dollies and straps, to move large items safely. This is not only safer but can be a lot quicker.
Top Tips for Moving House a Short Distance
One thing that you have less of when you move a short distance is time. So having a schedule and sticking to it will really help to keep stress levels low. Be sure to:
Plan your timings
Remember you won't have far to travel so be sure you can pick up the new keys at a time that aligns with when you have booked your removals for.
Enlist Help
Ask friends or family to help with the move. The journey to your new home will be shorter, so it will be useful to have help on both ends to make sure the transition is seamless.
Benefits of Moving a Short Distance
Familiarity
You're likely to be familiar with the area if moving a shorter distance, which means that the journey to your new home can be navigated with ease.
Less Disruption
Short-distance moves generally cause less disruption to your daily routine, work, and school schedules. It may be that you can take less time off or plan the move within school hours.
Lower Costs
Moving a short distance can mean cheaper transportation and fuel costs. It can also be less expensive when hiring a professional moving company as it reduces the cost of fuel and time.
Tips for Moving a Short Distance Within A Busy City
Planning ahead is the key to a stress-free move. Taking these steps can make sure your move within a busy city is as seamless and stress-free as possible:
Plan for Traffic
London traffic is very busy in general, but it can also be unpredictable. Planning your home move during off-peak hours can help to stay on track and avoid delays.
Parking Permits
One thing you should check in advance is if you need parking permits for your moving van to be able to park at your existing home and your new property.
Hire Local Movers
Local moving companies are familiar with the city's layout and can navigate traffic and parking more efficiently, meaning you don't have to figure it out alone!
Storage Solutions
Short-term storage options give you the option to move in stages, which can make things easier, especially if you are moving without a van.
Remember, planning and preparation are key to reducing stress and making the process of moving any distance as seamless as possible. Please Contact us now to allow us to find out more about we can take the stress out of your move.
Happy moving!
