So, you were looking for a new home that better suited your needs. You found exactly what you were looking for just a short drive from your old home. However, now comes the task of getting your family and possessions over there.
Moving will always be a very involved process, but thanks to your house-hunting skills, your short-distance move has the potential to be substantially cheaper, easier, and faster than you had anticipated.
Here is some advice from Isaac’s Moving and Storage, a trusted provider of moving services and storage solutions, on making sure you reap the full benefits of your local move:
Point A – Your Old Home
One of the biggest benefits of short-distance and local moves is that you can complete your move in a single day, sparing you a variety of hassles and additional costs.
During long-distance moves, the last few days are usually quite stressful, as perishables must be discarded and everything is tightly packed. You also avoid hotel stays and prolonged waiting for your items to arrive.
While your belongings will still need to be packed for a local move, you can be more selective with what, when, and how securely things need to be packed.
Tips for Packing Perishables and Fragile Items
Perishable items such as food can be transported without spoiling. Bag them in freezer bags and pack them into cooler bags and ice chests on the morning of your move. If you’re worried about not having enough cooler space, consider borrowing from neighbors or friends. Since the move is local, returning borrowed items is easy—and a small housewarming party can be a great way to thank them.
You can also separate smaller or fragile items you’d prefer to move yourself. Multiple short trips with your own vehicle give you flexibility and peace of mind. Items such as:
- Fragile decorations or heirlooms
- Personal electronics
- Art or specialty items
These can be handled with care while leaving bulkier items to the professionals.
Don’t take unnecessary risks just to save a few dollars—larger, fragile, or heavy items are best handled by experienced movers. A professional moving company offers safe transportation, proper equipment, and experienced personnel to simplify the process.
Point B – Your New Home
Before your movers arrive, consider making a quick visit to your new home to prepare the space. This includes:
- Light cleaning of floors and surfaces
- Ensuring that utilities are turned on
- Mapping out where larger items like beds, couches, and appliances will go
Having a plan in place not only speeds up the unloading process but also helps minimize heavy lifting later. If possible, leave a friend or family member at the new house to direct the movers—this can ensure everything is placed where it needs to go.
First Night Essentials
Once everything is offloaded, begin by unpacking your essentials. Think bedding, toiletries, a few cooking utensils, and any perishables that need to be refrigerated. Reconnect your refrigerator and freezer promptly to avoid food spoilage. After that, you can enjoy a relaxed first night before tackling the rest of your unpacking the next day.
Why Short Moves Still Need Preparation
Short-distance moves are deceptive. At first glance, they seem simple—same city, less driving, done by lunch. But once you start digging through drawers, wrestling with boxes, coordinating helpers, or chasing your cat under the bed for the third time… yeah, it’s not always as quick and breezy as it looks.
Even when you’re just moving to a new home in the same neighborhood, preparation makes all the difference. The costs, the logistics, the energy you’ll expend—it’s all still in play.
Some people try to wing it because “it’s only a 20-minute drive.” That kind of thinking? It usually leads to three-day moves, sore backs, and dinners eaten on cardboard boxes. Professional movers still follow the same process no matter the mileage: packing, loading, transporting, unloading. Shorter drive, sure—but the rest doesn’t shrink.
Time-based pricing is another thing people often overlook. For local jobs, most companies charge by the hour. If your belongings are scattered, half-packed, or you’re still bubble-wrapping dishes when the truck pulls up, you’re paying movers to wait. Not ideal. Organized boxes and clearly labeled rooms? Way more efficient—and yes, faster.
Let’s talk packing. You don’t get a pass just because the distance is short. Unsecured glassware still breaks in potholes. Lampshades still crumple in corners. Tossing items into laundry baskets feels clever until you hit a sudden stop and everything goes airborne. We’ve seen it. Probably more than we’d like.
Some folks try to move everything themselves in their car, one trunk load at a time. That’s fine—for picture frames, a few throw pillows, maybe your coffee maker. But when you start cramming bookshelves and mattresses into a hatchback, you’re asking for trouble (and probably a broken taillight). Reliable local movers are equipped for this kind of work. They’re used to navigating tight spaces, lifting heavy pieces without damage, and getting it all done without dragging the job across multiple weekends.
So yes, it’s a short move. But no, it’s not always simple. Think of it less like a sprint and more like a 5K—you don’t need marathon prep, but you’ll regret skipping breakfast.
Planning Your Move? We’re Here to Help
If you choose to take the hassle out of your short-distance move with the use of professional movers, the team at Isaac’s Moving and Storage is more than happy to help. With a 77% customer return and referral rate, you can be confident that our short-distance moving division will get the job done right. If you would like more information, moving tips or a quote, check out the locations we serve and feel free to contact us today.
