Moving is a stressful event, but not every move is a big move. For instance, folks relocating to a nearby apartment or a college dorm may not require the assistance of full-service movers. You might be able to get away with using your car or cargo service to transfer stuff if you’re simply relocating a limited amount of belongings. Read our hints and suggestions below for professional guidance on how to manage a small interstate move.
What Kind of Move Qualifies as a Small One?
What defines a small move, then? The majority of moving services categorize shipments weighing under 2,000 lbs. as minor moves. Small transfers often involve the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Movers consider shipments weighing more than 2,000 lbs. as large transfers. The ideal example of a small move is a college dorm room move. A move into a studio or one-bedroom apartment is also often seen as a small move. Particularly if you want to buy furniture and have it delivered after moving in. Typically, all that is required to do this is to rent a small truck or cargo van.
You may consider the move as “small” if you are moving close by, even if you carry household items with you. Bear in mind that if there are more than 2,000 lbs. of possessions being moved, a moving company could not classify this as a small move. However, considering the close location, you might be able to complete the relocation by yourself with just a truck rental.
Many companies have minimums
A minimum is the smallest amount of items that movers will charge you for. Local moving companies typically charge by the hour and have minimums to cover their costs. You must pay the hourly fee for the minimum number of hours. You’ll have to pay the hourly fee even if your relocation requires less time than the minimum. The weight of the package determines the cost of long-distance transport. Many full-service movers have a 2,000 lb. minimum weight requirement for shipments. This implies that you will still pay the minimum even if your home cargo weighs less than 2,000 lbs. Thus, it’s more convenient to choose a moving service that specializes in small moves. This is ideal if you are, for instance, just relocating a few pieces of furniture.
Here are a few popular options for moving small loads:
Hiring labor-only movers
Hiring professional movers to undertake the heavy lifting is the quickest (though most expensive) way to manage small removals. Local moves, transfers involving studios and small apartments, and specific moves may all be completed more quickly with the help of a reputable moving company. Try engaging labor-only movers to help with the loading if hiring a full-service moving firm seems unneeded for your small relocation but you still want to hire assistance. If you need help relocating only one or two heavy things, hire movers specializing in transporting that type of item. This way is better if you’re moving a piano, heavy household appliances, etc.
Renting a trailer, cargo van, or truck
Usually, a cargo van, trailer attachment, or small truck can handle small transfers. You can usually move a small apartment by a small truck rental. For studio and college dorm transfers, which normally don’t entail significant furniture items, trailer rentals, and cargo vans are excellent. Also, moving equipment is usually available when renting a truck, van, or trailer.
Moving on your own, with your car
A carload (or two) is commonly enough to move a college dorm room or a small apartment. We advise using this way initially if a short transfer can be completed by just packing stuff into your car. This kind of moving allows you the most freedom with regard to your relocation schedule and is also the least expensive. When you move with your own car, you have complete control over the process from start to finish and may proceed at your own pace. You’ll also save a lot of cash if you do the relocation yourself.
How to Reduce the Cost of Small Moves?
- Self-pack – Hiring movers to perform the packing is undoubtedly convenient, but it’s also rather expensive. Packing your own items will save you money. Fortunately, small moves shouldn’t need much packing because there won’t be much to pack.
- Self-organized move – It will help you to save money. And, it will go more quickly if you can get your pals to pitch in.
- Eliminate everything you don’t need before packing – The purging of goods is one of the finest strategies to save money and time on a small interstate move. Anything you won’t be using in your new house should be donated, sold, or thrown away.
- Pick less pricey moving dates – Prices for everything from moving services to rental trucks are often higher from May through September. The off-season is the best time to relocate if you want to get a better deal.
- Compare prices – Before hiring a company for the task, check and compare rates from several providers. Even better, some businesses provide price match guarantees, promising to beat prices from other businesses.
- Utilize discounts – Last but not least, don’t forget to utilize discounts. Military personnel, teachers, and students all frequently receive discounts from moving service companies. Check about the company’s discounts when requesting an estimate.
Is Hiring Movers for a Small Interstate Move Worth It?
You would likely make the best choice by using a moving container, renting a truck, hiring labor-only movers, or doing the move yourself for minor transfers like a dorm room, studio apartment, or one-bedroom apartment. No matter how small your interstate move is, you’ll still have to pay the minimum fee to most full-service movers. Hiring full-service movers for a small relocation is not the best choice if you’re trying to save money. On the other hand, hiring a professional moving and storage company specializing in small moves could be the best option for your relocation if you have a budget and choose convenience over all else. And that’s not all. A reliable Conshohocken local movers will save you time and money, and help avoid moving injuries as well.