Moving your family and household can be a stressful and overwhelming event. From finding a trustworthy mover to packing properly, avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your move goes smoothly. Below are common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
Don’t Hire Just Any Mover! Do Some Research!
Choosing a moving company is a major decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Not all moving companies are created equally. Ask friends, coworkers, and local real estate agents. Don’t make the mistake of hiring the lowest priced mover, this could really cost you in the future! Look on line for moving companies that have physical offices, locations/addresses in the general area of your home or business. Are they licensed and insured? Do they have references? Find out how long the company has been in business. You want one that’s been around a while, and ideally 10 or more years. Get written estimates through walk-throughs, review the estimates, compare the estimates. Do not get estimates through websites that offer to “find you a mover.” Find the mover yourself and avoid the numerous scams associated with some of these sites.
Avoid Calling Movers at the Last Minute
Plan ahead! If you have taken the time to research and select the best mover for your family, you want to make sure they are available on your moving dates. Movers can and do get booked up. Timing is everything!
Forgetting to Forward Mail and Change Utilities
Planning in advance is important when it comes to notifying your utility company and post office of a move. Ensure you contact your utility companies to turn off your electric, cable, internet and gas service effective the day you move out. At the same time, contact the providers servicing the area you are moving to, to turn them on at your new address. Mail is easily forwarded, either at the post office or on their website. A simple form is filled out, select whether your move is permanent or temporary and specify the date you want your mail to begin forwarding to your new address. It’s that easy.
Moving can be complicated and nerve-racking, don’t make small mistakes that will lead to a relocation nightmare on the other end.
Not Packing Properly
If packing on your own, avoiding rookie mistakes is critical. Proper packing will prevent your belongings from becoming damaged. Ensure you:
- Clear your home of useless items. No one wants to pack and move items that are not needed or never used.
- Start packing early! You want to be fully prepared when movers arrive. You don’t want any delays.
- Make necessary arrangements for anything movers cannot move, such as paint, propane tanks, guns, liquor, cleaning supplies, gasoline, pesticides and aerosol cans.
- Wrap and pack your belongings carefully. Protect your belongings! If you do not use enough padding, your belongings can shift inside the box causing potential damage.
- Label, Label, Label – A moving truck full of unlabeled boxes will be a nightmare when you arrive at your new home, so take the time to label the boxes. Each box should identify its destination.
- Create an inventory sheet – This may make you cringe, but when the move is complete you can go through your list and ensure that every box is accounted for. This will be useful if a box is missing or damaged and a dispute arises.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes – Your back, legs, arms and shoulders will thank you later.
Forgetting to Pack an Overnight Bag
Unless you plan on unpacking on moving day, make sure to have the items you need during your relocation packed with the rest of your belongings. Set aside and pack the items you will need immediately upon arrival to your new residence. Make sure to let the movers know which items you intend to move yourself. Examples of items to include are:
- Clothing
- Prescriptions
- Toiletries
- If moving with children – favorite toys, blankets, food etc.…
- Toilet Paper
- Important Documents
- Valuables – Jewelry
- If moving with pets – food, toys etc.…
- Towels
- Sheets
- Snacks
- Whatever else you think you will need for the first day or night in your new home.
Not Planing for Children and Pets
Moving can be very disorienting for children and pets as they rely on predictability and stability in their routines. Neither appreciate change. If you have children, the best thing to do while movers are in your home is have a relative, babysitter, daycare or friend look after them. This will provide some needed consistency for them to feel secure and allow you to focus on the task at hand. If you have pets, it is important to limit your pet’s exposure to packing and moving to reduce their stress level. You can help your pet by keeping them in a familiar room that will be packed last. On moving day, ensure that your pet is contained in one room or away from the house. Movers will need to leave the front door open as they load the truck, which makes it easy for loose pets to escape. Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible during the moving process.
Moving is a stressful process, there is no reason to add to it! Avoiding these common moving mistakes will result in plenty of saved time, hassle, stress and money. Don’t entrust your home and personal property to just any mover! Contact Frank and Sons Moving and Storage for a free in-home estimate today!