Across Town: How To Best Plan For A Short-Distance Move
A residential moving company is more likely to suit your needs when you're only moving across town since they're more likely to have a process and pricing structure intended to efficiently handle a short-distance move like yours. What should you be looking for in a short-distance moving company?
Pricing Structures
Long-distance moving typically has a different pricing structure from residential moving. You generally pay a set change for the moving truck and its crew, with factors such as distance traveled, gas, accommodation, and any incidentals all worked into the set charge. This is not the best model for a short-distance move, so you should look for a residential company that charges an hourly rate.
Truck Size
The number of hours you'll need the moving company can be estimated depending on the number of rooms in your house, and the subsequent number of trips that will be needed between the two properties. You can pay more for a larger truck that may only need to make a single trip, but it can work out to be less expensive to pay for a smaller truck that will make several trips back and forth—if the distance is only a short one.
Extra Fees
Make sure there are no hidden fees for complex aspects of your move, if any are applicable. For example, there can be extra fees for larger, bulkier items, such as a safe, a piano, or anything particularly cumbersome. There may also be extra fees based on the logistics of the move, such as if access is problematic at either property, and the moving crew has to haul heavy items up and down multiple flights of stairs. Such extra fees may be relevant, so it's important to clearly outline your requirements when you book a moving company so there aren't any unpleasant surprises for you or your movers.
Adequate Coverage
Given that there's such a short travel time between your old home and your new home, you could be tempted to forego the need for insurance during transit. This is simply too risky. Additional insurance can be purchased specifically for the move, but this shouldn't be necessary. Ask about the level of insurance that your movers provide which should be included in their fee. If this should be lacking in any way, such as if it wouldn't fund the full replacement value of some of your high-value possessions, you can consider taking out additional insurance. Your homeowner's insurance may also offer coverage during your move, so talk to your insurance provider if you need clarification.
A short-distance move can be starkly different from a long-distance move, and the planning you have to do reflects this difference. Reach out to a local service, such as Premier Moving, to learn more.