Arrange a local mover, van, or trailer for moving day

Sorting your local moving transport is one of the highest-value things to sort early -- good local movers, vans, and trailers get booked out weeks in advance, especially over summer and around the 1st/20th of the month (common lease start/end dates).

How to do it

1. Get 3 quotes minimum. Prices vary a lot for what looks like the same job -- get written quotes, not phone estimates.
2. Ask what's included. Furniture blankets, disassembly/reassembly, insurance cover -- some movers include these, others charge extra.
3. Confirm the time window. A vague "sometime Saturday" booking can leave you waiting around all day. Ask for a firm arrival window.
4. Book at least 2-3 weeks out for a local move, earlier if you're moving on a weekend or at month-end.

Common mistakes

• Booking based on price alone and getting a no-show or a rushed job
• Not checking if the quote is a flat rate or hourly -- hourly can blow out if access is difficult (stairs, no parking)
• Forgetting to ask about a minimum call-out charge

Related tasks

Pack your fragile items separately and clearly label boxes for the movers -- it saves time and reduces breakages on the day.

Useful links

• Your rights when using a moving company (Consumer Protection) -- what a mover is and isn't liable for if your things are lost, damaged, or delayed.