Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Move

Moving is one of the most challenging and stressful events one can go through. Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, it’s essential to plan well and avoid common mistakes that may make your move even more stressful. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make during a move and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Planning Early Enough

Moving requires a lot of planning, and it’s crucial to start early. Many people make the mistake of waiting until the last minute, which leads to hasty decisions, disorganization, and overflowing stress levels. Start planning as soon as you know you’re going to move. This way, you’ll have ample time to organize your belongings, research the best moving companies, prepare documents, and make necessary arrangements.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Professional Movers

While moving your belongings yourself may seem like a way to save money, it often leads to unnecessary stress and damage to items. Enlisting the help of a professional moving company may be the best decision you make regarding your move. A reputable moving company offers experienced movers who can handle belongings with care, ensure that they are properly packed and transported safely and efficiently.

3. Failing to Budget Correctly

Moving is expensive, and it’s crucial to have a budget to avoid overspending. Make sure to include all moving-related expenses in your budget, including moving company fees, packing materials, insurance costs, and any other associated expenses. Get quotes from several moving companies to choose the one that fits your budget and needs.

4. Not Decluttering Before Moving

Moving is a great opportunity to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. Start going through items as soon as you know you’re going to move and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. The less you have to move, the easier and cheaper your move will be.

5. Not Planning for Packing Materials

Packing is one of the most time-consuming and crucial parts of a move. Make sure you have enough packing materials such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. You can buy them from a moving company, online retailers, or from hardware stores. Start packing early and room by room to avoid rushing at the last minute.

6. Packing Heavier Items In Large Boxes

While it may seem like a good idea to pack heavy items such as books in large boxes, it makes the boxes challenging to move and increases the risk of injury. Pack heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to make them easier to move.

7. Forgetting Essential Items

Take the time to pack essential items you need for the first few days in your new home to avoid running around looking for things you need. This includes items such as toiletries, change of clothes, electronics chargers, important documents, and other important items.

8. Neglecting to Label Boxes Correctly

Labeling is one of the most important things you can do to stay organized and avoid confusion when unpacking. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This will make it easier when unpacking as you’ll be able to quickly identify what’s in each box.

9. Not Checking the Moving Company’s Insurance Coverage

Moving companies are required to have insurance coverage for the items they transport, but it’s essential to understand the extent of their coverage. Ensure you ask about the insurance coverage and understand what it covers, the deductible, and what items are excluded. Moreover, consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for valuable or sentimental items.

10. Not Informing Relevant Parties of Your Move

Notify relevant parties, including the post office, utility service providers, banks, doctors, and other relevant parties of your upcoming move. Update your address with them and create a forwarding order for your mail to avoid missing important bills and correspondence.

Final Thoughts

Moving is a stressful process that requires early and careful planning to avoid costly mistakes. With the right approach, moving can be a smooth and successful experience. Remember to plan early, research professional moving companies, declutter, pack correctly, label properly, budget, and inform relevant parties of your move.

Hiring a reputable moving company can take a lot of stress and burden off your shoulders. This way, you can focus on other essential aspects of your move, such as settling your family into your new home, exploring your new neighborhood and enjoying your new journey.

Need some extra hands for the big move? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!