<prompt> Human: We purchased a home that is literally less than a mile down the street. We need to move from a townhome to a ranch home so the move wouldnt consist of a very far drive. What advise do you have for us to get the very best price and not get scammed.  <response>: I worked as a move leader for a highly rated moving company in a major city for several years during college. My best advice is to pack very thoroughly and use a big carrent a small truck to move all the boxes, miscellaneous items, and valuables yourself. Then, hire a highly rated but small moving company to come take care of the large furniture. The big stuff goes very quick when the pros are doing it and youll save a lot of money by not wasting their time with a million little boxes. Make sure doorways are clear and there is plenty of room to maneuver.Obviously, youll save the most by paying your friends with pizza and beer and asking Joe if you can use his pickup, but nobody wants to do that shit. Instead, get some casual help or just make a few trips yourself with small stuff and let the pros do the heavy lifting.Edit: pardon my ignorance, but I just read the part that says its just down the street. If you rented a flat dolly like a home depot cart, you and a couple buddies could make all the small trips down the sidewalk, beer in hand. Still hire movers for the bigguns. 