The Ultimate Guide to Small Moves

Our ultimate guide for small moves was created to save you time and money since you aren’t moving a huge home a far distance.

We explain what a small move is and how you can save. We hope you can implement these tips into your moving plans.

A small move is a relocation involving a small amount of items, usually just a few items or boxes. This type of move is smaller in scale compared to typical moves and is usually for studio or one-bedroom minimalist homes. This usually would be a dorm move for a new college student or a small city move.

Small moves can often be completed relatively quickly, sometimes in just a few hours which is why you can bargain for good deals if you are flexible on times as movers like to make extra money during their routes.

1. Negotiate good rates with your movers ahead of time, or just avoid those conversations and book directly on iMoving where you know you are getting the best deal. We know what small moves are and have all the best rates.
2. Ensure your belongings are covered with proper insurance during the move. Some homeowners or renters insurance policies may provide coverage during transit.
3. Plan for a weekday or mid-month move if possible, as these times are generally less busy and will give you the wiggle room you need to lock in better rates.
4. Don’t take advantage of the VIP services that our moving companies offer such as packing and unpacking services to save.
5. Instead of buying new packing materials, see if you can gather boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper for free from local stores, friends, or online Facebook forums
6. Consider renting a moving truck or PODS and moving your items yourself with the help of friends and family. This takes away the labor costs associated with hiring movers but will require lots of planning and sweat.

Small moves can be just as hard as larger ones, but with the right knowledge, they can be done efficiently. Here are our team’s top tips for moving small style.

• Build a personalized moving budget so you understand where you have wiggle room and where you really don’t. Financial awareness is key. Avoid running into debt accidentally as your move costs could be thousands of dollars more than you think they could. Sit down on it and understand the numbers that way you’ll book the right services at the right time.
• Use the right types of packing supplies. Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Use old suitcases, bins, and baskets to pack items efficiently.
• Start packing non-essential items early but strategically. Pack room by room, labeling boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Start with the least used rooms and items.
• Pack vertically to maximize space and use empty spaces within furniture, like drawers and appliances, to store smaller items.
• Create a personalized moving inventory list of all items in your home and their condition so that you can ask for proper binding quotes.
• Start by researching the actual local costs of movers in your area with your requirements. Don't forget to take into consideration any days of work you’ll miss, extra costs for child and pet care before, during, and after the move, moving supply costs, and any other incidentals. 
• Think ahead of time about sign-up dates for important local things such as your kid’s school, after-school activities, community center, and gym sign-ups so that you don’t miss out on a season
• Take into account the base moving rate, specialty items fees, and moving insurance. There could also be extra fees for stairwells climbed, lack of an elevator or door access, or lack of access road.

Tiny moves are the best as you have the ability to save and get things done quickly. Downsize in order to save big and get to your destination as a minimalist. Don’t forget to book in advance to save funds on the move.