How to Avoid Common Moving Mistakes
10 Common Moving Mistakes
Everyone knows moving your home is stressful. With all the planning and organization that goes into a move, one wrong decision can lead to significant problems throughout the process. To keep everything running smoothly and to eliminate any issues, we have created a list of common moving mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Failing to Research Your Moving Company
There are a lot of moving companies that you can hire. But not all of them are reputable or licensed and insured to move your belongings. To find the right professional movers for your move, get referrals, read online reviews, call up a few different companies and schedule at least three estimates. Skipping the research can cost you peace of mind by risking your belongings with an unreputable moving company.
How to avoid this moving issue: Take the time to do your research. Your goal should be to create a list of reputable moving companies for you to contact. From there, you can choose the company that fits your moving needs and your budget. Avoiding this common moving mistake is critical to a successful moving experience.
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Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Moving
Some homeowners try to save money by renting a moving truck and asking friends to help. Only to find out how daunting the task of moving can be. Packing your belongings and loading the truck can take longer than you think. Additionally, without the proper moving equipment to move heavy objects can lead to damaging your belongings or injuring yourself.
How to avoid this moving problem: Hire professional movers to assist you with the moving process. Not only can they help you with packing and loading the truck, but they also have the equipment to get the job done quickly and safely.
Not Creating a Moving Checklist
Moving your home can be a daunting task. It would be best if you were organized to make the process seamless. Another common moving mistake is not being organized before your move by not creating a moving checklist.
How to avoid this moving issue: To avoid this common moving mistake, before you start the moving process, sit down and list everything that needs to be done before, during, and after your move. Getting everything on paper can help you remember it before the packing begins. This list might include:
- Purchasing Moving Supplies
- Disassembling furniture
- Updating your banking and insurance information
- Booking a storage unit
- Updating your address for credit cards and automatic payments
- Defrosting your refrigerator
- Arranging a babysitter
- plus much more.
Once you have your moving checklist, go down and knock out each task one at a time.
Waiting Until the Last Minute to Pack
Another common moving issue is organizing your belongings can take longer than you might expect, so you don’t give yourself enough time to pack. Waiting until the last minute to start packing can cause stress levels to rise as moving day approaches. It can typically take at least two weeks to pack a 4-bedroom house.
How to avoid this moving problem: You should pack at least an hour each day. Your goal should be not to have to pack anything during moving day. Doing this will allow you to focus on loading the truck or helping the movers. Giving your sufficient time will significantly ease your stress.
Spending Money on New Boxes
Cardboard boxes are an essential part of any household move. To pack your belongings, you may use 40-50 boxes. If you purchase all new boxes, you could easily spend over $200. Paying for cardboard boxes is not one of the worst moving mistakes, but you may needlessly spend money on something you can get for free.
How to avoid this moving issue: You can get free cardboard boxes from various sources. Ask friends, work colleagues, and neighbors if they have boxes they no longer need. Additionally, you can check social media marketplace sites to see if anyone is away giving away free boxes. Also, check local businesses (supermarkets, bookstores, liquor stores, etc.) and speak with their managers about getting cardboard boxes for free.
Not Labeling Your Moving Boxes
Another common moving mistake is not labeling your moving boxes. Without labels, there is no way to know what is in a box and where it should go when unloading the truck. Leaving you or the movers to wonder does this box go in the bathroom or the kitchen when unloading the truck. Which adds additional time to the unloading and unpacking process.
How to avoid this moving problem: Spend the extra time to label your moving boxes. You can simplify it by just using a different color of packing tape for each room. It can save you time the first few days by eliminating carrying items back and forth between rooms. Furthermore, if you are using movers, a labeling system will help them know where each box goes when unloading the truck.
Not Packing an Overnight Bag
It is easy to overlook packing a separate bag for your first few nights in a new home. If you pack away your essentials, you’ll have to empty boxes to change clothing and brush your teeth.
How to fix this moving issue: Pack an essentials bag sometime during the last week before moving. It should include anything you may need for the first couple of nights in your new home. Fill the bag with necessities: wallet, keys, basic toiletries, phone chargers, pet items, medications, and an extra change of clothing. Kids should also have their own essentials bag. That way, you don’t have to worry about unpacking until you can rest and unwind after a long moving day.
You Don’t Declutter
Moving is a great time to declutter your belongings. So failing to sell or donate unwanted items is a common moving mistake. The less you have to move, the less time you spend packing and unpacking things you no longer want or need. Furthermore, not only is packing unwanted items a waste of your time, but it will add to the cost of your move.
How to avoid this moving problem: While packing, sort items you no longer want or need into a sell, donate, or toss pile. If you have time, organize a yard sale to make a little money before moving.
Forgetting to Setup or Cancel Your Utilities
Transferring your utilities can be time-consuming. Especially when you have getting ready to move and your time is already in a time crunch. You don’t want to move into your new home and not have water, power, or internet. In addition, you don’t want to be paying for these services in your old home.
How to avoid this moving issue: Call the utility provider at least a week ahead of time. Instruct them to turn off your service the day after leaving your old home. Not to mention, contact the utilities for your new home and have them turned on for the day before you arrive.
Failing to Research Moving Valuation
Every moving company is required to cover your belongings in the unlikely event something gets lost or damaged. However, the federally mandated minimum (60 cents per pound) may not cover the replacement of your valuables.
How to avoid this moving problem: Ask your moving company what type of coverage they offer. You might want to purchase a better plan for your belongings, just in case something unforeseen happens.
Now that you know how to avoid these common moving mistakes you are set up for a successful move. Contact Lile Relocation Services at 888-507-6304 or fill out our online quote form to schedule your FREE moving survey.
