4 Ways Apps Can Make Local Moves Easier
Local moving is often just as involved as a cross-country trip. That said, you don't have stress about it. If the planning, prepping and organizing of moving has you down, there's an app for that. There are plenty of android and iPhone apps that can help to make your local move more manageable from start to finish. Before choosing an app, decide on what you need help with. Match up the stages of moving with the functions that these easy-to-use applications offer.
1. Finding movers. The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) recommends verifying any moving company's identity with the Better Business Bureau. While there are moving apps such as My Move and Moving Guru that can help you to find a local mover like Meelheims Transfer & Storage, you can also download the Better Business Bureau's free app. This allows you to check the movers' rating right from your phone.
2. Getting estimates. You don't have time to call around, but the AMSA suggests getting at least three estimates. Apps such as Move Estimator and My Move can estimate what the cost may be to move (based on the weight or amount of items that you have) or get you actual estimates from local companies.
3. Organizing. You have a mountain of boxes ready for the local move. Keeping everything organized during the moving process is a must if you want it to go smoothly. Apps such as Moving Day and Moving Van allow you to enter information about the boxes and make sure that they're delivered to your new home. Likewise, Moving Planner provides you with a configurable check-list as well as the ability to enter your box contents into your phone.
4. Labeling. Instead of hand-writing every label, there are apps that can create printable labels. For example, State Farm's MoveTools is a tablet-based app that allows you to make your own packing labels. Other similar products such as the Avery App and Print Labels can also help in this process.
Using a moving app can greatly reduce the amount of time that local moving takes. From finding movers in your area and getting estimates to packing, listing and labeling your stuff, mobile phone and tablet applications offer easy ways to simplify your move. If you're looking for a one-stop shop, go with an app that combines features. Doing so allows you to keep all of your information in one convenient place that fits in the palm of your hand.
