Packing up and going to a new home can be a thrilling experience, but it’s also a process with potential problems. From miscalculating the amount of time required to pack to not remembering to change your address, even minor errors can create considerable stress.
To assist you in having a trouble-free move, we’ve created a list of typical moving errors and how to steer clear of these mistakes.
1. Procrastinating on Packing
One of the most prevalent moving errors is putting off packing until the last moment. Packing will always take longer than anticipated, and procrastination may result in sloppy, careless packing, increasing the risk of breakage or omitting essentials.
Solution:
Start packing early. Begin with less frequently used items, like out-of-season clothes or infrequently used kitchen items. Develop a packing calendar, dividing the activity into smaller tasks to prevent last-minute disorganization.
2. Failing to Declutter Before Packing
Bringing unnecessary items not only adds to the workload but also to the expense of your move. Packing and moving items you no longer use or need is a waste of time and money.
Solution:
Make time to clean out before you pack. Sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will make your load lighter and easier to unpack when you get to your new place.
3. Not Researching Moving Companies
Employing the first moving company you come across without doing proper research can lead to substandard service or even fraud.
Solution:
Research various moving companies, read reviews, and check their credentials. Ensure the company is licensed and insured. To make an informed decision, take time to compare moving companies in Nevada based on their pricing, services, and reputation. Request quotes from a few companies to weigh your options effectively.
4. Overpacking Boxes
Stacking boxes full to the brim with heavy items may make them difficult to move and more prone to causing objects to break. Overloaded boxes can also strain movers’ backs or cause the boxes to open up during transit.
Solution:
Distribute the weight evenly across your boxes. Pack heavy items like books into smaller boxes and light items like bedding or clothing into larger boxes. Avoid having boxes over 50 pounds so that they are easier to handle and less likely to be damaged.
5. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly
Not properly identifying boxes makes unpacking an exercise in guesswork and disorganization, causing a snag in retrieving important things on arrival. It may also impede unloading as movers won’t have any idea where to place each box.
Solution:
Label each box clearly with contents and room (e.g., “Kitchen – Dishes”). Utilize color-coded labels or stickers per room so unpacking will be quicker, and inform movers exactly where to place boxes.
6. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways
Not taking measurements of furniture and doorways can result in frustrating and time-consuming difficulties on moving day. Most people think that their furniture will just fit through doorways, hallways, or staircases, only to realize that big pieces get stuck or are too big to move.
Solution:
Take measurements of both your furniture and the doorways in your old and new home. Compare those measurements to make sure everything will fit. For items that may be too big, anticipate by taking them apart if at all possible.
7. Forgetting to Pack an Essentials Box
Forgetting to pack an essentials box can lead to frustration on moving day and during the first few days in your new home. An essentials box should contain items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, medications, important documents, and a change of clothes.
Solution:
Pack a box or suitcase with essentials and label it clearly. Pack snacks, water, cleaning supplies, and anything else you may need in the first 24 hours in your new home. Have this box with you when you move so you can access it easily.
8. Not Updating Your Address and Utilities
Failing to notify your utility companies, post office, and other key contacts about your move can cause issues such as bills going unpaid, services cut off, or failing to receive some important letters at your new address.
Solution:
Prepare a list of all individuals you are required to inform about your move, such as the utility companies, bank, employer, and subscription or membership services. Make arrangements for mail forwarding with the post office sufficiently ahead of time so that you don’t receive any important letters.
9. Ignoring Insurance Coverage
Skipping on moving insurance can lead to significant losses if something valuable gets damaged or lost during the move. Even with the most careful movers, accidents can happen, and without insurance, you’ll be left covering the cost.
Solution:
Verify with your moving company to see what type of insurance coverage they provide. For expensive items such as electronics, artworks, or antiques, you may want to pay for extra moving insurance. If your moving company does not provide that option, call your insurance company to determine whether you can buy it from them.
10. Not Hiring Professional Movers
Thinking that you might be able to do the move yourself without seeking professional assistance is likely to lead to serious stress, injuries, and damage to your possessions.
Even worse, hiring inexperienced or extremely cheap movers can come with its own kind of risks that could cost you more in the long run. Learn more about the risks of hiring cheap movers before making a decision.
Solution:
Hire professional movers instead. They have all the training, equipment, and personnel to relocate your possessions effectively and safely. Triple 7 Movers is a company that provides full-service moving to allow you to have a smooth transfer to your new residence.
Your Takeaway
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By steering clear of these frequent faux pas and thinking ahead, you can provide a less stressful, more streamlined move. Remember to begin packing well in advance, declutter, research moving firms, and attend to the finer details, such as labeling containers and changing your address.
If you are in need of a professional agency to facilitate your move as seamlessly as possible, Triple 7 Movers is your company. With competent movers and customer satisfaction as our priority, we will be able to take care of all stages of your move so that you can focus on acclimating to your new home.
