Just because you’re embarking on a short-distance move doesn’t mean you won’t experience hiccups along the way. Relocation is a taxing, stressful and physically straining adventure at any distance! Even local moves require logistical planning, patience and flexibility. To combat the stress, you need the best possible team at your side.
One of the smartest ways to prepare for any move is to hire the right professional movers. Bekins Van Lines is an ideal partner because we pride ourselves on our customer-first approach, white-glove service and decades of expertise. Even so, when it comes to moving locally, here are the ten things that will make relocation simpler.
1. Personalized Planning from Local Moving Experts
As you start preparing for your relocation, what can you expect in those first few steps? From the initial call, Bekins designates a moving coordinator who will help create your customized moving plan. We’ll consider multiple factors, including your schedule, needs and budget. Don’t worry, we always build around your preferences, not the other way around.
By partnering with professional local moving experts from the beginning, you’ll secure a team that’s committed to stress-free moving. You won’t have to stress about who will help on moving day, where to buy packing supplies or how to navigate the best route. Your local movers will handle all of the logistics and questions that pop up along the way.
2. Transparent Local Moving Quotes
If you’ve moved houses before, you know how expensive relocation can get. With hidden expenses and unforeseen costs, moving can take a toll on your savings without proper planning. Bekins provides upfront, no-surprise local moving quotes.
Whether you need an hourly rate for a quick afternoon job or the flat-rate pricing for a full-service relocation, Bekins’ cost of movers for a local move will be tailored to your needs.
3. Easy Scheduling Around Your Timeline
Local moves can also be unpredictable. Maybe move-in day gets pushed back once or twice, or you need some temporary storage in between. Bekins offers flexible scheduling, including weekends and off-peak move days.
Have some time before the big day? Schedule your services early to get the best local moving rates and crew availability.
4. Pro Packing Services or DIY Support
Efficient packing is an art form. The right local movers offer both full-service packing and help with sourcing moving supplies in a DIY move. Packing a house takes more time than you probably think. Our packing guides offer great moving tips and tricks to sort, pack and inventory your valuables.
Bekins’ decades of experience have also taught us a thing or two about how to start packing most efficiently. For example, use smaller moving boxes for heavy items, such as books, and mirror boxes for framed art and mirrors. Our agents can also provide tips to make moving easier during your consultation call.
5. Trained, Professional Movers
Getting a friend’s help on moving day is great, but maybe you don’t want to intrude on anyone’s schedule. Certified, background-checked local movers are key to getting the job done incident-free. Bekins’ movers receive extensive safety training and follow our full protocol to handle each move efficiently and compassionately.
As with any professional service, keep in mind that gratuity is respectful and accepted. If you’re wondering how much to tip movers for a local move, 10% to 15% of the service cost is a standard rule of thumb. Job difficulty, duration, distance and specialty moving are other factors that may influence tipping.
6. Specialty Item Handling
How much does it cost to move a piano locally or get a collection of fine art across town? Ask your local movers about adding specialty item handling to your moving services. All of your belongings should be managed with care during a move, but specialty items require even more attention. Bekins makes it a point to move large and fragile items safely and efficiently, including, but not limited to:
- Pianos and musical instruments
- Fine art
- Sculptures
- Safes
- Grandfather clocks
- Fitness equipment
7. Efficient Load and Unload with the Right Equipment
Without the proper equipment, local moves can go awry very quickly. Professional local moving experts like Bekins will offer dollies, ramps, furniture pads and blankets and reliable moving trucks to speed up the process.
Not only does proper equipment create less wear and tear on your home and belongings, but it also reduces the chance of injury. The last thing you need is to throw out your back from trying to lift a too-heavy box on your own!
8. Local Storage Options if You Need Flexibility
Inconveniences happen. Perhaps your new home isn’t ready by move-in day, or you didn’t downsize and declutter beforehand as much as you’d hoped. Short- and long-term storage solutions are a great resource for those in-between situations.
Many local moving companies offer storage units to keep your belongings close by. Bekins has short-term, long-term and storage in transit (SIT) storage options to make moving easy. It’s a huge help for busy schedules and delayed deliveries.
9. Advice and Moving Tips from Real Pros
Even the most prepared planners might experience friction during a move. Hiring professional movers like Bekins, however, is the best way to gain expert insight into what to expect and advice for your move. We have over 130 years of experience as trusted movers—that’s a lot of relocations under our belt!
We love to offer moving advice, including best practices for labeling, staging and last-minute packing. With our expertise, we also provide valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate the transition with ease and save money along the way.
10. A Partner You Can Trust—Every Step of the Way
Bekins is more than just a local moving company. We’re a long-standing national brand with the care and expertise to guide short- and long-distance moves. Our compassionate movers and ethical practices grant peace of mind and quality workmanship from start to finish.
A DIY move is possible. It may even be more convenient for a hyperlocal move or a smaller, one-day job. Hiring a professional moving team, however, comes with non-tangible benefits, such as expert insight, professional supplies and coordination you can count on. Plus, you won’t risk injuring yourself along the way—our movers do all the heavy lifting.
Local Doesn’t Mean Low Effort
A stress-free move is just as crucial for five miles as it is for 500. Whether you’re moving down the street or across town, Bekins is your partner for making a local move a whole lot easier. Trust that our team of local movers will handle the details along the way from packing the first box to the final room setup. To get started, contact one of our local agents in our nationwide network or get a free local moving quote.