Moving can be stressful and requires a great deal of planning, regardless of whether you're moving locally or across the country. However, it is true that a local move does require a bit less in the way of logistical planning than a long-distance move. Still, there are a few tips you'll want to follow to keep things as stress-free as possible as you prepare for your upcoming move—even if you'll only be relocating across town.

Be Proactive

First of all, don't be fooled by the idea that a local move will be a walk in the park. One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when they're moving locally is putting all their packing and planning off until the last minute. No matter how close you're moving, you're still going to need to do the same level of packing and preparing—so don't set yourself up for failure by waiting until the last minute.

Board Your Pets

If you have pets, schedule to have them boarded or otherwise removed from the home during the move. Cats and dogs become easily stressed out when their environments change around them, and they may become a risk as furniture and boxes are being moved out of your home. Boarding your pets at a trusted, local facility can take the stress out of the move for everyone.

Take Time to Declutter

Just because you're moving locally doesn't mean you shouldn't try to purge some of your stuff before you start packing. After all, the fewer items you have, the less time and effort you need to spend packing. Consider holding a garage sale to get rid of some things you no longer need. You can use the proceeds to pay for some of your moving expenses—and you'll have less to pack/unpack. It's a win-win!

Hire a Professional

While it may be tempting to tackle a DIY move since you're moving locally, it's generally still best to leave this up to the experts. By hiring a professional mover, you'll be able to sit back and relax while your belongings are safely transported from point A to point B.

A little bit of preparation is key in taking the stress out of your next move, even if it's just across town. By being proactive about your move, boarding your pets, decluttering, and hiring a team of professionals, you'll be well on your way to a successful move!