How to Make Your Small Move as Light as Possible

Moving is a challenging task, even if it is a small move. You may be under the impression that a small move is a piece of cake, but if you do not plan well, it could be a disaster. 

Firstly, remember that a small move should weigh less than 2,000 lbs. This means that before you pack a single box, you should throw out or give away everything you no longer use. 

Decluttering Is the Best Way to Lighten Your Small Move

Reducing the weight and volume of your move starts with decluttering. Go through every room, storage area, garage, closet, and basement and sort through all the items stored in them. 

If you last used an item three months ago, get rid of it. If you have not looked at or even seen some of the clothes in your closets for a year or more, get rid of those, too. 

Even if you think something has sentimental value, consider whether it really does or whether you just do not want to discard it. In most cases, you can sell or recycle stuff you do not want to take with you. If the value of these items has declined, you can also donate them. 

Decluttering has several benefits. The most important is that it will be easier for you to get your move below the 2,000-lb weight limit. Also, you will have far less to pack, unpack, and organize. 

Choosing the Right Boxes and Packing Material

To make your move even lighter, you must choose boxes of sturdy cardboard for packing. Small boxes are good for dishes and books, and larger boxes can be used for bedding and pillows. Boxes are easier to carry, but be careful not to overpack them. 

If you have a lot of linen, curtains, and clothes, consider vacuum-sealed bags to reduce volume. Use bubble wrap or good-quality packing peanuts to protect your fragile and valuable items without adding weight. 

Reuse Materials to Save on Costs 

You want your move to be physically light and easy on your wallet. A small move will cost less, and if you reuse boxes from a previous move, you will save even more money. You could also ask for boxes at your local grocery store.

Use Smart Packing Strategies

If you pack efficiently, you may not even need a whole lot of boxes. When you start packing, you should maximize space in each box. You can pack items inside other items. This works especially well with kitchen gadgets and utensils. 

If you do not have a lot of clothes, you can roll them up instead of folding them. If you do not care too much about wrinkled clothes, you can use them as a substitute for packing material as well. 

Use all the space in your luggage and bags. Suitcases can hold towels, toiletries, shoes, and other miscellaneous items. 

While you are at it, remember to pack similar items together. If you toss things haphazardly into boxes, it will take you much longer to unpack in your new home. 

Consider Your Furniture and Other Large Items

Chances are that your furniture will be the heaviest to move next to your appliances. You should get rid of pieces that are too big for your new space. If you simply have to move all your furniture, check whether you can disassemble some pieces to make them easier to move. 

Disassembling them will also take up less space in the moving truck. Plus, a small moving company will likely offer reassembling services so you can set up your furniture in your new place without any hassles. 

Also, consider moving without your appliances. Your new place will likely already have the essential appliances you need. Otherwise, you can buy what you need over time. 

Consider Renting a Smaller Moving Vehicle

Since you are trying to lighten the load, renting a large moving truck may not be necessary. Instead of a huge truck, consider renting a van or trailer. This will save you on rental fees and fuel costs. Also, smaller vehicles are easier to park, which will come in handy if you are moving into a townhouse complex. 

Always Hire a Professional Moving Company

There is no use in you going to all the trouble to lighten your move if you are not going to hire a professional moving company. You may be tempted to handle the move on your own, but this will increase the risk of damage to your items. 

Professional movers know how to deal with bulky and valuable items. Your precious possessions are safe in the hands of professionals. Even better, you can hire a moving company that specializes in small moves. This means you will never pay more than you need to. 

Time Your Move Properly

Ideally, you want to avoid moving during peak seasons, which is typically the summer months. It is possible that you will pay more and have to book months in advance. 

If possible, schedule your move for the winter or fall and take advantage of lower rates and faster availability. Moreover, if you move during the middle of the week or month, you can also save more money. 

Consider Storage Solutions

You can stretch your moving budget a bit more by considering short-term storage solutions. This will keep your move light, and you can keep storing your items for a few months if you do not need them immediately. 

Your moving company may have storage options for you, or the area you are moving to may have several storage companies to choose from. You could also consider shared storage services to save even more. 

Do Not Let Your Small Move Overwhelm You 

By using the above strategies, you can lighten your move, pay less for it, and quickly settle into your new place. Remember to hire a professional small moving company for a move that weighs less than 2,000 lbs. Doing this will ensure that your small move goes off without a hitch.