Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Local Move in Virginia

A local move may not travel hundreds of miles, but that does not make it simple. The furniture still has to be packed, protected, carried, loaded, transported, unloaded and placed in the new home.

In many ways, the physical work involved in a local move is very similar to a long-distance move. The biggest difference is simply how far the truck drives.

Mistake #1: Assuming “Local” Means Easy

A Richmond-to-Chesterfield move can still involve a full household, stairs, elevators, limited parking, fragile items, oversized furniture, packing, storage, multiple stops and difficult access. The truck may only travel 20 miles, but everything still has to be handled properly. Learn more about our local moving services.

Mistake #2: Underestimating How Much You Own

Almost everyone underestimates how much their household weighs. Garages, closets, attics, basements and outdoor areas add up quickly. Customers also sometimes forget mini-storage units, items stored with family, sheds, garages, off-site furniture or items they plan to retrieve before the move.

Mistake #3: Assuming You Will Finish Packing Yourself

Packing usually takes longer than customers expect and can be nearly as labor-intensive as loading the truck. A common problem is telling the mover that everything will be packed before moving day and then discovering that several rooms are still unfinished when the crew arrives.

If you are unsure how much you can realistically pack yourself, consider partial or professional packing services.

Mistake #4: Not Being Organized Before the Crew Arrives

Moving day is not the time to decide what is being sold, what is being donated, what is staying, what is going into storage or which room something belongs in. If those decisions are still being made while the crew is working, the move slows down.

Closing dates also do not always line up perfectly. If there may be a gap between homes, discuss household storage options before moving day rather than trying to solve the problem once the truck is loaded.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Elevator and Parking Restrictions

Elevators and parking are two of the most common access problems on local moves. Apartment or condominium moves may require elevator reservations, loading dock reservations, designated moving hours, paperwork or advance coordination with management.

Downtown Richmond moves can also involve restricted parking. If street parking is the only loading option, parking permits or advance arrangements may be required.

Mistake #6: Not Telling the Mover About Tractor-Trailer Access

Access is not only an urban issue. Large trucks can also have problems in rural areas, on narrow private roads, steep driveways, roads without turnaround space, gated communities or properties with low branches and overhead obstacles.

Access issues vary significantly across the Richmond market, from downtown street parking to suburban gated communities and rural properties. See our Richmond, VA moving services for more information about the areas we serve.

Mistake #7: Forgetting About Special-Handling Items

Tell your mover about safes, pianos, oversized furniture, antiques, artwork, large mirrors, glass, unusual equipment and especially heavy items. Even on a local move, these items may require extra equipment or handling.

Mistake #8: Scheduling Too Many Things on Moving Day

Closing appointments, cleaners, repair contractors and moving crews do not always combine well. Customers sometimes try to schedule everything on the same day, which creates unnecessary pressure and can leave no one available to answer questions for the moving crew.

Mistake #9: Not Being Available During the Entire Move

The customer or another responsible decision-maker should be available throughout the move. Questions come up about furniture placement, items staying behind, unusual pieces, access, packing, storage and destination rooms. Being available keeps the move moving.

Mistake #10: Not Doing a Final Walkthrough

Before the truck leaves, the customer should personally inspect closets, cabinets, attic spaces, garages, sheds, storage areas and outdoor spaces. The crew will work from the agreed scope, but making sure nothing was left behind is ultimately the customer's responsibility.

Local Moving Still Requires Planning

A local move is not simply a long-distance move with less driving. Most of the labor, organization and handling still has to happen. The better prepared you are before the crew arrives, the more efficiently the move usually goes.

If you are planning a move in Richmond, Central Virginia or Hampton Roads, request a moving quote from Virginia Moving & Storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do local moves sometimes take longer than expected?

The most common reasons are unfinished packing, customers making decisions during the move, underestimated shipment size and difficult access.

What access problems should I tell my mover about?

Elevators, parking restrictions, gated communities, long carries, stairs, narrow roads, difficult driveways and limited tractor-trailer access should all be discussed during the estimate.

Should I tell the mover about items in storage?

Yes. Include mini-storage units and anything located away from the primary residence if those items may be part of the move.

Is packing really that time-consuming?

Yes. Packing can be nearly as labor-intensive as loading, especially in kitchens and rooms with fragile items.

Should I be present for the whole move?

Yes. VMS recommends that the customer or another responsible decision-maker be available throughout loading and unloading.