People stressed out about moving often make mistakes that cost them money and cause frustration. Preparation is essential for any significant undertaking in life. And being aware of the things not to do when moving is among the best places to start.
Here are some of the most common mistakes that movers see people make when they move. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth residential move.
1. Failing to Declutter
Decluttering your belongings before your move is critical. Since moving companies base their cost on the amount of stuff you have, decluttering will save you money. Decluttering also has psychological advantages. It allows you to organize quickly and start fresh in your new home, lowering stress.
Decluttering also increases productivity and concentration and lowers blood pressure. It reduces allergies and improves sleep.
Start by creating three piles in each room: one to throw away or recycle, one to give away, and the other to keep. Throw out items you haven’t used in two years or no longer fit. Also, weigh the pros and cons (including cost) of moving items vs. replacing them with new ones.
2. Starting Too Late
Begin planning as soon as you know you’ll move. Interview and book your movers early to get the day you want—ideally, book movers 12 weeks in advance during peak season and eight weeks during non-peak times.
Avoid procrastinating about packing. Packing usually requires several weeks. Having to pack quickly dramatically increases your stress level and the possibility that you’ll fail to pack correctly. If you have to move in a hurry or have a lot of stuff, consider having the mover pack for you.
3. Having Too Few Supplies
You almost always need more boxes than you think. Start saving delivery boxes as soon as you know you’ll move. Ask your mover about obtaining used boxes. While you can always buy extra boxes if you need them, you’ll save money by gathering as many as you can ahead of time.
4. Forgetting to Forward Mail or Connect Utilities
Every moving checklist should include the task of forwarding your mail. You can forward your mail by going in person to the post office or using an online form.
Some people also forget to have utilities connected at their new home or to have them disconnected at the old home. Failing to connect to utilities beforehand may mean spending your first nights in a cold, dark house. Failing to disconnect utilities at your old home means you’ll pay more than you need to.
5. Failing to Measure Furniture
As soon as you have secured your new home, measure each room. Use a pencil and drafting paper or an app to draw a floor plan to scale, including doors and windows. Then, measure your furniture. The last thing you want is to pay to move a big piece of furniture that won’t fit in your new home.
6. Not Making Arrangements for Pets
Pets can quickly become anxious or injured with strangers in the home or heavy furniture being moved in and out. Crate them or leave them with friends or neighbors during the move. Also, pet-proof your new home, removing safety hazards and securing fenced areas. Stick to your feeding and walking routines as closely as possible.
7. Doing Everything Yourself
Moves are complicated and stressful. DIY is tempting; however, DIY moves often result in significant damage to furniture or injuries. Also, the more you try to do yourself, the more stressful the move will be.
Contact us to find out how we can make your move mistake-free.