There is an old saying that there is no such thing as minor surgery if you are the one going under the knife. In a similar vein, there is no such thing as a “small move” when you are the person who is relocating. It’s common when you plan small moves to include relocating from a college dorm room to an apartment, from a small apartment to a slightly-less-small apartment, or from a basement to an apartment. All these relocations have unique challenges. They involve more than placing boxes into vans.
At Green Van Lines, we are firm believers in the principle of measuring twice and cutting once. Generally, we spend much more time planning the move or helping our customers plan, than on the move itself. We also understand that we are doing much more than moving physical items from Point A to Point B.
Small moves are usually exciting times. They usually involve major life changes, like a new job. At the same time, we all know that independence is also a little frightening. Therefore, we go the extra mile to help our customers get settled at their new addresses.
Find a Roommate?
There is considerable debate as to whether it’s best to have a roommate or to live alone. Ultimately, only you can make the decision that’s best for you.
Essentially, a roommate significantly decreases your living expenses. Most roommates split all the bills. Of course, that’s assuming your roommate is reliable and financially sound. That’s the reason this section is separate.
As for the cons, a roommate significantly decreases your privacy, at least in most cases. For example, many people work nights or spend their weekends elsewhere. So, it’s almost like they are not there. Additionally, many people do not like living alone.
Your high school classmate or sorority sister might be an excellent friend but a horrible roommate. Many people initially find roommates online, at work, or through mutual friends. If that’s the route you travel, spend some time with the person before you sign the lease.
Research Moving Companies
It may not be an exaggeration to say that selecting the right moving company might be one of the most important choices you have ever made. Every relocation is different, but most of them have the same items to consider.
If you intend to hire a professional moving service, which is advisable, then consider researching local moving companies now. You want to find one that is affordable, insured, and highly-rated amongst locals. The company you select should also offer all the moving and packing services you require.
Cost
This factor is usually the most important one. However, in most cases, you get what you pay for. Extraordinarily cheap movers usually take shortcuts. That could mean inexperienced crews or a lack of tools.
So, you might not want the cheapest mover. But you do want a company that respects value. Therefore, you should also avoid movers who add unnecessary extras. Efficiency is what counts the most.
Location
Most movers charge, at least in part, by the mile. It’s often tempting to use the same movers you used last time or the ones a friend recommends. But if that company is on the other side of town, the additional cost could wreak havoc on your relocation budget. More on that below.
Reviews
Always read online reviews. However, always take these reviews with a grain of salt. There is no way to verify whether or not the reviewer even used that moving company. Furthermore, anyone can say anything online.
So, instead of focusing on the number of stars, look closer. Do several people have the same or similar compliment, or the same or a similar complaint? Additionally, what, if anything, has the moving company done to address these issues?
Values
In this section, we are not talking about financial value. Instead, we are talking about standing for something other than making money.
Like you, at Green Van Lines, we care about our environment. Also, like you, we take small steps every day to demonstrate that commitment. One thing you’ll notice is that, in most cases, we do not use disposable cardboard moving boxes. Instead, we use green moving crates.
These reusable crates are much more efficient, and much easier to handle, than cardboard boxes. Furthermore, most boxes go straight into the trash. Most of our moving crates are reused for future relocations or as modular storage units.
Visit the Area
Don’t rely exclusively on Google Maps. Drive around the area, or even better, walk around the area, at several different times, and on several different days. These visits help you accurately determine things like how good or bad the traffic is and how loud or quiet the area is. If you do not find out about these things until after the move, you could be stuck in a neighborhood you do not like for many months.
At the same time, don’t completely ignore Google Maps or other internet sources. See what people say about the neighborhood online. Also, check out things like crime figures and other statistics.
Set a Budget
We’ve already mentioned the direct costs of moving. These costs vary significantly, mostly based on the services the company performs.
Loading and unloading a truck is a lot cheaper than packing and unpacking your things. Also consider additional services, like vehicle relocation, that you might need.
There are indirect costs as well. Moving usually means time off from work and some increased incidental expenses. Be sure you account for these things as well. These costs could affect the amount of money you have to pay movers.
Give Notice
These requirements vary significantly. If you are at the end of a lease, you generally just have to move. If you are month-to-month, most landlords require at least two weeks’ notice, and many require much longer than that.
Apropos of nothing, even if you are in the middle of a lease, you might be able to move. Most leases layout some situations, such as military deployment, when you can break a lease. Additionally, pretty much everything is negotiable. For example, many landlords will let tenants out of their leases if they already have a new tenant lined up.
The best plan small moves start with the best moving companies. So, reach out to us now.
If you currently live in an apartment, you need to provide your landlord with a notice of your intent to move. Typically, tenants are required to provide their landlord with a 60-day notice. Be sure to check your lease agreement for specifics, though.
For your next move, no matter how big or small, contact Green Van Lines. We provide expert moving and packing services for homeowners, renters, and businesses in the area. So, give us a call at 888-770-4733!