Get Your Local Move Done in a Weekend
Moving across town may sound easier than moving across the country, but a local move can still take time and energy. Between packing, loading, driving, unloading and cleaning up, the weekend can disappear quickly.
But with a little preparation and the right-sized rental truck, you can make a short-distance move feel a lot more manageable.
Tips for a successful move
Whether you’re moving into a new home of your own or helping a friend move, here are a few ways to get your local move done in one weekend.
Start With a Simple Moving Plan
Before the weekend begins, take a few minutes to map out what needs to happen and when. You don’t need a complicated schedule, but a basic plan can help you avoid last-minute issues. Some things to think about:
- What to pack before moving day
- When to pick up your rental truck
- Who’s helping you load and unload
- What items need to be moved first
- When to return the truck
For local moves, timing matters. If you’re picking up and returning your truck at the same location, plan your route before moving day to ensure the timing is right.
Pack Before the Truck Arrives
One of the easiest ways to save time during a weekend move is to pack as much as possible before you pick up the truck.
Try to have boxes packed, labeled and ready to load. Keep daily essentials separate, so you’re not digging through boxes for chargers, toiletries, pet supplies or a change of clothes.
Check out our packing hacks for additional organizational tips.
Choose the Right Truck for the Job
A local move doesn’t always require the biggest truck available. The right truck size depends on how much you’re moving, how far you’re going and how many trips you want to make.
A smaller truck may be a good fit for apartment moves. A larger truck may help you complete the move in fewer trips, especially if you’re relocating a full household. Either way, we can help you choose the right truck for your move.
Load With Unloading in Mind
When you’re trying to start and finish a move in one weekend, how you load the moving truck can make a big difference.
Start with heavier items like appliances and dressers, placed in the truck in an “I” formation. Then load boxes, smaller furniture and lighter items around them. If there’s something you’ll need shortly after arriving at your new home, load it near the back of the truck for easy access.
It also helps to secure items as you go and avoid leaving empty spaces where boxes can shift during the drive. Protect your furniture with moving blankets and use a hand truck or dolly to lift the heaviest belongings.
Build in Extra Time
Local moves can feel rushed, but planning a little extra time into your schedule can help the day go smoothly.
Give yourself extra time for things you may not have thought about, like waiting for elevators, finding a parking spot, picking up apartment keys, dropping off donations, making additional trips to grab anything left behind or finishing up final closing appointments for your new home. Even if you’re only moving a few miles away, those small tasks can add up.
Keep Moving Day Essentials Close
Pack and keep a small moving-day kit of important items close at hand.
Consider including:
- Phone chargers
- Paper towels and trash bags
- Basic tools
- Water and snacks
- Medication
- Pet supplies
- Important documents
- Cleaning supplies
This little step can save a lot of frustration when you’re tired at the end of a long moving day.
Before You Return the Truck
After unloading, do one final check of the truck and your new space to look for loose items. Check closets and cabinets, and make sure any rented equipment or moving supplies are accounted for.
Then return the truck on time and head to your new home. Local moves may be shorter, but they still count as a big project. And with a reliable rental truck and the right plan, you can get your local move done in a weekend.
Common Questions
What is considered a local move?
A local move covers a short-distance relocation that can typically be completed within the same day. For local moves, a rented moving truck is picked up from and returned to the same truck rental location.
How long does a local move usually take?
The average move time for local relocations ranges from a few hours to a full day. These timeframes include loading, driving up to 30 minutes and unloading at your new location.
What is the cheapest day for movers?
Many people choose to move on weekends, which lowers the demand for moving services during the mid-week window of Monday through Thursday. Because of this, you are more likely to save money on moving services during mid-week moves.