The Biggest Moving Mistakes

The biggest moving mistakes

Moving can be an exciting time in your life. But, also can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. Most people feel the stress from the moment the decision is made, the first box is packed and the movers are hired. In fact, moving is one of the top stressors in life. If you ever made a mistake moving you should know how hard can be. So, how can you make moving a little less stressful? To avoid emotionally and financially draining missteps, it helps to be aware of the biggest moving mistakes, and learn how to prevent them. To help your move go smoothly, we offer these 10 common moving mistakes to avoid:

1. Hiring a shady mover

Horror stories of moving scams have been shared between friends, family and random Internet commenters, so make sure of poor-quality moving services by doing your research. If you want to avoid biggest moving mistakes when hiring a moving company – you should check references and ask all the questions you need to ask, also carefully read the contract.

• Check References

Call as many moving companies as you can. Then do thorough reference checks.

Moves are tricky. Things can get broken or go missing, which is not always the fault of the mover. However, you can limit the stress if you do background checks before asking each to come over for an estimate.

• Carefully reading the paperwork or contract.

Before you hire, make sure you ask all the questions you need to ask to ensure that you’re getting what you need out of the moving company. Find out about their estimates, if the insurance will cover your things, and if there are any extra costs for services rendered.

And when checking paperwork, another mistake a lot of people make is not rechecking the inventory sheet to ensure that all the items packed on the truck, arrive at their destination. This is particularly important if your household items are sharing space on a trailer; it’s easy for items to be left behind. If something is missing, do not sign the inventory sheet until the item is found.

2. Big moving mistake – Thinking you have more time than you do

If you’ve never moved before, or if it’s been a while, we often forget just how long it takes to get things organized. It’s all about organizing and timing your move in order to avoid last-minute panic.

Tip: Determine your move-out date, by a home sale or end of rent period or end of school term. Once you have your move-out date, count back to at least eight weeks, ten is preferred. Use the guide for moving to help prioritize tasks and figure out exactly what you need to do so that on moving day, you’re not panicking because the movers haven’t shown up yet!

3. Not Getting rid of unnecessary items

Usually, it’s because we’re doing a last minute move or because we just don’t have time. This is the one of the most common moving mistakes. The stuff you really don’t need ever gets unpacked and it just sits in our garage until the next time we move.

Getting rid of unnecessary items like extra clothes, shoes or sports equipment is not only mentally liberating, but it can also save you money and time. Most things can be donated and it’s much better than your unwanted items end up in the hands of someone who could use them, than in a box in your garage. So, sort through your things first and save yourself both time and money.

Before you pack, spend a few days going through your home, identifying items that you haven’t used in the last year or two. Take photos of sentimental items that you no longer need, and donate or sell anything that you no longer want.

4. Cheap Supplies

We’re all for recycling when appropriate, but getting beat-up boxes with food stains from the supermarket is a bad idea. They’re weak and sometimes quite dirty. Buy new, clean boxes specifically sized for what you need to move. Also buy lots of packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, packing supplies for dishes and delicate items, sealable plastic bags to store hardware for furniture.

5. Neglecting the Weather

If moving day turns out to be bright and sunny, that’s great. But chances are you’ve been planning your move for weeks or months and can’t delay because of rain. Have some plastic sheets and tarps on hand to cover your stuff and protect it from precipitation as you carry it inside.

6. Mistakes during packing

We forget easy ways to packing for moving and we are making mistakes which give us a problem during moving.

• It’s a simple tip, but one that’s easy to forget. Keep your heaviest boxes and items on the ground, where they won’t come crashing down on you if you move another box the wrong way.
• Also, packing heavy items in large boxes is big mistake! Heaviest items should always go in the smallest possible boxes. Your back, shoulders and legs will thank you later.
• Don’t forget, you should have “how to pack for a move checklist”.

It’s incredible how most of us miscalculate the time we need to pack. Because, when you’re packing for a move you often forget to build in time to carefully wrap fragile items, find packing supplies. So, start packing on the time and don’t forget your checklist for packing. Make a list of the essential things and areas of the house that need to be packed last before you start to pack the first box. If you plan well, then you won’t need to unpack boxes to find the stuff you need and had already packed.

• Label your boxes thoroughly. Include handling instructions, information on the box’s contents, and the room name in your new home. It will be very helpful during unpacking.
  

  Easy ways to packing for moving

  7. Disrespecting your movers

Make sure to introduce yourself to everyone on your moving crew and have refreshments at the ready. Making a good impression could protect your belongings over the long haul.

8. Lifting and Carrying Everything

Big mistake. Put your machismo aside; use hand trucks, dollies, and carpet glides whenever possible to save your back.

9. Forgetting to take measurements

Make sure to measure the clearance space in your new residence prior to moving day. You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to find that your furniture won’t fit through the front door.

10. Losing your bill of lading

The bill of lading is the contract between you and your movers. It is essential to reference it if any problems arise along the way, so treat it with care.

Tips how avoid mistakes during moving are not just long distance moving advice. Even a move across town can be very complicated, and takes extensive advance planning. There are a huge number of potential problems and moving mistakes : from the wear on your body, damage to your household goods, to unexpected fuel costs.  You should know – a DIY move may not be as “cheap” or as fun as you thought. So, read again our number 1. of the list “The Biggest Moving Mistakes” and find reliable moving company. Just follow our tips and you will have moving without stress.