You have a couple of options when you make a local move. You can rent a moving truck and do the work yourself with the help of a few friends, or you can hire a local moving company. Hiring a moving company that uses an experienced moving crew is the best option since the crew has moving equipment and knows how to handle your furniture, appliances, and fragile items without damaging them. Here are three tips for using a local moving company. 

1. Learn Your Preparation Responsibilities

The moving company will probably send a representative to your home to give you an accurate quote for the cost of the move. At that time, you'll want to discuss your responsibilities so everything will be ready to go on moving day. For instance, the movers may want furniture dismantled. You may want to do it yourself or have the movers take your furniture apart and add the cost to your bill.

Also, you'll need to prep your appliances a few days before the move so they are empty, clean, dry, and ready to roll out the door. You might also need to clear your yard, porch, or home so the movers have plenty of room to move and work when loading and unloading the truck.

2. Pack So Boxes Stack Easily

Buy sturdy moving boxes so the boxes hold up until your move is complete and you've unpacked in your new home. Start packing days or weeks in advance to make things easier on yourself. When you buy moving boxes of uniform size that have flat tops when filled, you can stack the boxes in your garage or spare room so they stay out of your way.

Another reason to buy moving boxes is you can buy boxes made for specific things like books, glasses, and even clothes on hangers. Tape the boxes so they seal tightly to reduce the risk of a box coming open or bulging. The movers have an easier time carrying boxes of uniform size and they're easier and safer to stack in the moving truck.

Boxes get jostled around in a moving truck, so even though your things won't have to travel too far, you still want to pack them properly to lower the risk of damage. Label the boxes too so the movers keep boxes together that go in a specific room and can unload the boxes with less confusion once they get to your new home.

3. Move When Rates Are Lower

When you plan your move far enough in advance, you can choose the dates you want to hire the moving company. If you wait until the last minute to book your movers, you may not get the exact dates you need, and you might even have to pay more for your move.

Talk to the moving company about getting the best rates. It may be cheaper to hire the movers on a weekday and during a slow time, such as the winter. Peak time for moving is in the summer when school is out, so you may want to book your move for a different time if you have the option of doing so.

For more info, talk to a local moving company.