Moving across town might seem more straightforward than a long-distance move, but even a local move requires planning and preparation. Whether upgrading to a larger space, downsizing, or simply changing neighborhoods, you can save time, money, and stress by knowing what to expect. Here are five things you should know before hiring a local moving company or tackling the move yourself.
1. Create A Realistic Moving Budget
Many people underestimate the cost of a local move. They only focus on obvious expenses, like hiring movers or renting a truck. You definitely want to factor in major expenses, but there is more to it than that.
Start by getting quotes from at least three local moving companies to compare rates and services. Remember that the lowest quote is not always the best value—look for companies with solid reviews, proper licensing, and transparent pricing structures.
Once you have found a mover, your budget should include these other expenses:
- Security deposits and first/last month’s rent for your new place
- Utility transfer or connection fees
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
- Cleaning supplies for both locations
- Storage costs if there is a gap between move-out and move-in dates
- Insurance for valuables during the move
- Tips for movers (typically 15–20% of the total cost for excellent service)
- Post-move purchases (curtains, shelf liners, new furniture)
Many people fail to budget for unexpected expenses, which are pretty likely at some point in the process. Set aside 10–15% of your total budget as a contingency to handle any surprises.
2. Time Your Move
The timing of your local move can impact cost and convenience. Moving companies typically charge premium rates during their busiest periods, so planning around these times can lead to substantial savings.
High-Demand Moving Periods To Avoid
- Summer months (especially June through August)
- First and last weeks of any month
- Weekends
- National holidays and surrounding days
When To Move
If possible, schedule your move for a mid-month, mid-week date during fall, winter, or early spring. Many local moving companies offer discounted rates during these slower periods, and you will likely have more scheduling options.
Other Timing Considerations
Beyond cost, also think about these timing issues:
- Weather conditions in your area (avoid moving during storm seasons or extreme temperatures)
- Work schedule (can you take time off during less busy periods?)
- School calendars if you have children (moving during the school year can be disruptive)
- Traffic patterns in your current and new neighborhoods (avoid rush hours)
Planning at least 8 weeks ahead gives you enough time to compare quotes, secure your preferred date, and prepare without last-minute scrambling.
3. Research Your New Neighborhood
Many movers focus on their new home without considering the broader environment they will be living in. Even when staying within the same city, neighborhoods can have dramatically different cultures, conveniences, and costs.
Spend time in your prospective neighborhood at different times of day and on different days of the week. This helps you gauge noise, traffic, and the general community vibe. Talk to future neighbors if you are feeling sociable; they can provide insights you will not find online.
You should understand these neighborhood factors before committing to the move:
- Workplace proximity and commute options
- School quality if you have children
- Walkability score and public transportation
- Nearby amenities (grocery stores, restaurants, parks, healthcare facilities)
- Crime statistics and general safety
- Local ordinances or HOA rules
- Future development plans that could impact property values or quality of life
You can also talk to your moving company about these topics. Local moving companies can provide insights about different neighborhoods based on their experience. Drivers and movers often have valuable perspectives on area-specific challenges such as narrow streets, parking restrictions, or buildings with difficult access.
4. Declutter Before Packing
Before your move, get rid of everything you can live without. Moving fewer items reduces the cost of your local move and gives you a fresh start.
Despite the shorter travel distance, local moving still involves packing, transporting, and unpacking every item you own. This process provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate what truly deserves a place in your next home.
A systematic approach to decluttering might include:
- Start early—ideally 4–6 weeks before your move.
- Work through one room or category at a time.
- Apply the “one-year rule”: if you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider letting it go.
- Create separate piles for items to keep, donate, sell, and discard.
- Purge duplicate items, outdated electronics, and clothes you rarely wear.
For items in good condition, try:
- Hosting a garage sale or listing valuable items online.
- Donating to local charities or shelters.
- Offering furniture or appliances to friends or family members.
- Recycling electronics and hazardous materials properly.
Many local moving companies charge by weight or volume, so every item you eliminate translates to direct savings. Some companies even partner with donation centers and can transport your unwanted items as part of their service.
5. Update Your Address
You need to do a bit more than fill out a postal service form to update your address. You need to update every account so you do not miss important mail, face service interruptions, or deal with identity concerns.
File a change of address with the USPS at least two weeks before your move date. This service forwards your mail for 12 months, giving you time to update individual accounts. However, do not just rely on mail forwarding.
Create a master list of all places that need your updated information, including:
- Government agencies (DMV, voter registration, tax authorities, Social Security)
- Financial institutions (banks, credit cards, loan servicers, investment accounts)
- Insurance providers (health, auto, home/renters, life)
- Employment records (HR department, payroll, benefits)
- Medical providers (doctors, dentists, specialists, pharmacies)
- Subscription services (streaming platforms, magazines, meal kits, monthly boxes)
- Online shopping accounts (update default addresses)
- Professional memberships and associations
- Children’s schools, activities, and organizations
- Pet registrations and veterinary records
You should also decide who should not know that you moved (at least not right away). For example, wait until after moving day to update your address on social media or public profiles to reduce the risk of theft during the move.
About My Local Move
Last year I moved from Jersey City to Hoboken. Despite knowing these tips (and too many others!), I still felt overwhelmed by the number of details I had to plan.
I decided to practice what I preach and hired Zip To Zip Moving Company to handle my local move. With over 10 years of experience serving New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, their team provided invaluable guidance throughout the process.
Their full-service approach—from providing packing materials to carefully handling my grandmother’s antique dresser—transformed what could have been a stressful weekend into a surprisingly smooth transition to my new home.
Happy moving!
