Moving is a complex and stressful process. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, proper planning is essential for a successful move.
Start by creating a timeline and checklist for your move. Don’t wait until the last minute to hire movers, buy packing supplies or make arrangements with utilities, mail services and other important parties.
1. Not Taking the Time to Plan
It takes a lot of planning to successfully move, even if it’s just across town. It’s essential to start early enough to ensure that you’re done in time for moving day, packing belongings to coordinating logistics with movers. Start with a timeline for packing, and stick to it. It’s also a good idea to make any necessary appointments, like cancelling your dry cleaning, picking up items from the library, or returning those borrowed DVDs.
If you don’t plan ahead, you could run out of boxes or supplies. Invest in more boxes than you think you’ll need, and keep them on hand throughout your packing process. This way, you won’t have to stop packing to run out and get more supplies.
Another common mistake is to pack things you don’t actually need. Not only does this add to the overall cost of your move, but it can also make unpacking more difficult later on. Before you begin packing, take the time to go through your belongings and determine what you want to donate, sell, or throw away. This will save you time, money, and hassle in the future.
When it comes to furniture, it’s important to measure your new space before you bring in the big trucks. Otherwise, you might end up with a couch that won’t fit through the doorways or stairwells of your new home. Use a tape measure or check out your floorplan online to ensure that you’re not making this costly mistake.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on moving supplies like packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts. These will help protect your belongings from damage during transit, and they’ll also make it easier to reassemble your electronics once you’re in the new house.
2. Overlooking the Details of Moving Day
As the big move approaches, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of tasks on your to-do list. It’s also common for people to overlook small checklist items that can have a major impact on the moving process.
For example, it’s a good idea to set aside a bag with essentials for the first night in your new home. Include things like toilet paper, a roll of kitchen teepee, and other household goods you may need before your belongings arrive on the moving truck. This will prevent you from making a run to the store on a hectic moving day.
You should also make sure to clear pathways and remove any obstacles that could impede the moving process. This will help the movers quickly and efficiently load your belongings onto the truck. It’s also a good idea to create a checklist for each room in your home so that no item is forgotten during the walkthrough. Don’t forget to check the attic and basement as well, as these are often overlooked spaces in homes.
Finally, if you’re planning to drive long distances during your move, it’s a good idea to have your car inspected before the big day. A quick tuneup can help improve gas mileage and prevent any breakdowns during the journey.
It’s also important to communicate with your neighbors about the move. You can do this by dropping a friendly note, hosting a neighborhood gathering, or simply knocking on doors to let them know you’re moving. This will save them time and stress, and it will help ensure that your neighbors are aware of the traffic delays and parking constraints that may occur on moving day.
3. Not Taking the Time to Pack
A move requires time and careful planning. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes during the process that can add to the stress and expense of moving. If you avoid these common mistakes, your move will go more smoothly.
One of the most common moving mistakes is starting to pack too early. This can lead to a lot of wasted space and confusion. Ideally, you should start packing about 90 days in advance of your move. This will give you plenty of time to research movers, purchase packing supplies, declutter your home and create a moving timeline and checklist.
Another common mistake is not taking the time to pack items properly. For example, you should always wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or moving paper and pack them in sturdy boxes. Don’t forget to label your boxes clearly and include an inventory of contents so you can easily locate items when unpacking.
Finally, you should also take the time to pack tools and other equipment that you may need during your move. For example, if you have a garden shed, it’s a good idea to pack outdoor tools (such as rakes and shovels) separately from other household goods. You should also pack a tool kit that includes a hammer, tape measure, screwdrivers (Philips and flathead), box cutter and pliers.
A final mistake is forgetting to pack a suitcase or box of essentials for your first few days in your new home. It’s important to set aside a bag or box that contains your toothbrush and toothpaste, toiletries, paper plates and cutlery, change of clothes and any medications you may need. This way, you’ll have easy access to these items when you need them and can avoid searching through a sea of boxes for them.
4. Not Taking the Time to Measure Your Furniture
One of the most important things you can do before moving day is take measurements. This will help ensure that your furniture fits into your new home. You will want to measure the depth, width, and height of each piece. It is also a good idea to have someone else take the measurements for you, so that you can be sure they are accurate. This will help prevent any surprises on moving day.
It is also important to measure the hallways, elevators, and staircases at your new home. This will help ensure that your furniture will fit through them. You should also consider any obstacles that may be present, such as angled walls, low ceilings, and handrails. Finally, you should make a list of the measurements that you have taken and keep them in an easily accessible place.
Another mistake that people often make when moving is not taking the time to decide whether their furniture is worth moving. This can be a hard decision, but it is important to consider the condition of your furniture and the cost of moving it. If your furniture is in poor condition, it may be best to get rid of it.
Moving is a stressful time, and mistakes can be costly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save yourself money and avoid stress. To help make your move as stress-free as possible, be sure to hire a professional moving company and create a detailed plan for the move. In addition, be sure to notify utility companies, banks, and other essential parties of your address change in advance. By following these tips, you can avoid the most common moving mistakes and have a successful moving experience.
5. Not Taking the Time to Label Your Boxes
Relocating can be stressful enough, and mistakes in the process only add to the stress. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, planning ahead and staying organized can make the entire process more efficient, less costly, and easier.
Among the most common moving mistakes is not labeling boxes adequately. Taking the time to clearly label your boxes can save you time and money during the unpacking process and help ensure that your belongings are placed in the right place in your new home. When you’re packing, be sure to label each box with its room destination, as well as its contents. This will help you locate items quickly when they’re needed, and it will also help your movers know where to put each box when loading and unloading them.
It’s also important to mark boxes that contain fragile or breakable items. This will alert your movers to handle them with extra care and prevent any damage during transport. You may also want to consider marking these boxes with a bright color or adding the word “fragile” to the box’s label.
When it comes to your furniture, be sure to measure the dimensions of both your current space and your new home’s rooms and doorways before you begin loading your items. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to return or discard an expensive piece because it doesn’t fit.
If you’re ready to get started on your next move, be sure to check out these tips from the experts at Saf Keep Storage! Avoid these common moving mistakes to make your next relocation a smooth and hassle-free experience. We look forward to helping you with all your residential and commercial storage needs!
