Just because you're moving across town instead of across the country doesn't mean you can wing it. Local moves require just as much organization as long-distance relocations—sometimes even more, since the temptation to "just throw things in the car" can lead to chaos. At SOS Moving, we've perfected the local moving process through thousands of Los Angeles area relocations. This comprehensive 30-day action plan will ensure your local move is organized, efficient, and surprisingly stress-free.
30 Days Before: Laying the Foundation
The month before your move sets the tone for everything that follows. This is when you make the big decisions and start the decluttering process.
Book Your Moving Company: Even for local moves, the best movers book up quickly, especially on weekends and at month-end. Contact SOS Moving or your chosen company now to secure your preferred date.
Start the Great Declutter: Moving across town is the perfect opportunity to finally let go of things you don't need. Go room by room and sort items into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. Be ruthless—why pay to move things you don't want?
Create a Moving Binder: Whether physical or digital, having all moving-related information in one place is crucial. Include quotes, contracts, inventory lists, and important contact numbers.
Measure Your New Space: Nothing's worse than discovering your couch won't fit through the door of your new place. Measure doorways, stairwells, and room dimensions. Measure your large furniture too.
Start Collecting Supplies: Begin gathering boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. For local moves, you might be able to get away with using items you already have—suitcases, laundry baskets, and storage bins all work great.
21 Days Before: Getting Serious
Three weeks out, it's time to start making visible progress.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start with items you won't need in the next three weeks. Seasonal decorations, books, extra linens, and rarely-used kitchen gadgets can all be packed now.
Take Photos for Insurance: Document valuable items like electronics, jewelry, and artwork. These photos serve as both an inventory and proof of condition.
Update Your Address: Start the change of address process with USPS. Also update your address with your employer, bank, credit cards, and subscription services. Don't forget about voter registration.
Schedule Time Off: Book the day of your move off work, and if possible, the day after too. You'll need time to unpack and settle in.
14 Days Before: The Momentum Builds
Two weeks before moving day, you should be in full preparation mode.
Confirm Details with Your Movers: Call to verify your moving date, time, and any special requirements. Confirm the address of both locations and discuss parking arrangements.
Pack Room by Room: Start packing everything except daily essentials. Label each box with its contents and destination room. Use a numbering system and keep a master list—Box #1: Books - Living Room, Box #2: Winter Clothes - Master Bedroom.
Use Up Perishables: Start eating through your frozen foods and pantry items. Plan meals around what you have rather than buying new groceries.
Arrange for Kids and Pets: Line up care for moving day. Kids and pets are safer and less stressed when they're not underfoot during the move.
7 Days Before: The Final Week
This is when everything comes together.
Pack a "First Day" Box: Include toilet paper, hand soap, towels, phone chargers, basic tools, trash bags, and snacks. This box travels with you, not on the truck.
Clean Out Appliances: Defrost the freezer, clean the oven, and run an empty cycle in the dishwasher with vinegar.
Back Up Computer Files: Before packing electronics, back up important files to the cloud or an external drive.
Prepare Cash for Tips: Plan on tipping your movers $20-40 per mover for a local move, depending on the complexity and their service level.
3 Days Before: Final Preparations
The home stretch requires attention to detail.
Pack Almost Everything: By now, you should be living out of a suitcase. Only absolute essentials should remain unpacked.
Confirm Parking: Ensure parking spaces are available at both locations for the moving truck. In Los Angeles, this might mean getting temporary "No Parking" signs from the city.
Charge Everything: All devices should be fully charged. Pack chargers in your essentials box.
Do a Deep Clean: Clean your old place as you empty each room. It's easier to clean empty spaces, and you'll want your security deposit back.
The Day Before: Final Countdown
The last 24 hours before your move are crucial.
Final Packing: Everything except what you need for tonight and tomorrow morning should be packed and ready.
Prepare Your Old Home: Do a final walkthrough. Check all cabinets, closets, and storage areas. Take photos of the empty, clean space for your records.
Get a Good Night's Sleep: Seriously. Moving day is physically and mentally demanding. Order dinner, go to bed early, and set multiple alarms.
Moving Day: Execution Time
The big day requires energy and organization.
Before the Movers Arrive:
- Protect floors with cardboard or plastic sheeting
- Pack remaining toiletries and breakfast items
- Do a final walkthrough with your checklist
- Keep important documents and valuables with you
When the Movers Arrive:
- Do a walkthrough with the team leader
- Point out fragile items and boxes
- Be available for questions but stay out of the way
- Keep your phone handy
Before Leaving Your Old Place:
- Check every room, closet, and cabinet one last time
- Turn off all lights and lock all windows
- Leave keys, garage door openers, and any other agreed-upon items
- Take final meter readings if needed
Why Local Moves Still Need Professional Movers
You might think a local move is perfect for DIY, but consider this: professional movers like SOS Moving have the equipment, experience, and insurance to handle your belongings safely. We can complete in hours what might take you all weekend. Plus, no begging friends for help or risking your back lifting that heavy dresser.
Local Moving Day Tips from the Pros
After thousands of local moves, we've learned what makes the difference:
Timing Matters: Start early in the day when everyone's fresh and parking is easier to find.
Keep Kids and Pets Safe: They should arrive at the new home after the movers leave.
Stay Hydrated: Keep water bottles for yourself and offer them to your moving crew.
Don't Pack the Coffee Maker: You'll want it first thing in your new place!
Conclusion
A successful local move doesn't happen by accident—it's the result of careful planning and systematic preparation. By following this 30-day action plan, you'll avoid the common pitfalls that turn simple across-town moves into stressful ordeals. Remember, even though you're not going far, you're still transitioning to a new chapter. Give the process the respect and organization it deserves, and you'll be enjoying your new home in no time.
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