Relocating to another place can be an exciting experience, but not so much when your moving experience is not as pleasant as it should be. When moving to a new home, you need to plan appropriately and take the correct measures at the right time.
It’s easy to make mistakes when moving for the first time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To experience a smooth relocation, these are the most common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Spending Enough Time Packing
Packing is a necessary relocation process that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Doing this in a rush is a common moving mistake that can lead to a string of mishaps. If you pack at the last minute, you’re at the risk of having to leave some items or receiving estimates that are too low compared to the actual service price.
Moving companies typically visit your place to count the boxes and check the other items for shipment to arrive at an estimated cost, weeks before the big day. Your packages should be finalized to avoid drastic price changes and other unexpected expenses later.
A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least one day for every section of your home. For example, consider taking three days to finish packing everything in a two-bedroom apartment. More if you factor in the pieces of furniture and other bulky and precious items. Remember that well-packed items will contribute to a smoother relocation process, as loading a moving truck will be more organized during the actual relocation schedule.
2. Forgetting To Label The Boxes Properly
In hindsight, this error may be related to the previous one, but not always. Even if you had enough time to pack but chose to forego labeling the boxes diligently, you’ll likely spend too much time unpacking and arranging once you arrive at the new place. Before the actual packing, it helps if you list all the items that should go inside a specific box.
Creating a list will help you organize the moving process because you know the contents of each container and therefore know which packages go to which room. Note that boxes come in different sizes, so you might need extra-large packages for the kitchen or the living area.
To stay organized, place a corresponding number for each section of your home that matches the boxes. For instance, box one should only contain the stuff for the living room, and containers two and three should be for your bedroom and the kitchen. Thus, the quantity should adjust according to the number of containers you need per section. You can also try color coding if it works in your favor.
3. Not Packing An Essentials Bag
When moving, you’ll likely spend a few more days at a hotel or decide to unpack at a later time. You need to separately pack an essentials kit that contains the items you need for at least two days.
The bag could include your medications, gadgets and accessories, a first-aid set, toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes. You may also place vital documents or pieces of jewelry in the essentials bag. Doing this prevents you from searching through the boxes to locate your necessities.
4. Hiring The Wrong Moving Company
Besides packing, you must also choose the right moving company that offers the services you need. Different movers offer different services, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses depending on your specific needs. While getting a local company may be an obvious choice, ask if they perform interstate services first if you’re moving out of state. You might need to select more prominent companies based on this consideration.
When shortlisting movers, don’t focus on the prices, as this might be a costly mistake. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and colleagues. Read online reviews about the company on unbiased websites. Schedule a meeting with the company and ensure that they have the appropriate licenses, insurance coverage, and experience. Moreover, ask for references and contact at least one previous client to find out about their experience with the moving company. Getting high-quality and appropriate services should be your priority.
Also, discuss the terms and services included in your moving company’s initial quotation to find out if they offer other specialized services such as storage room rentals or add-on insurance for valuable items such as a family heirloom or an antique painting. To test their expertise and help you prepare for the big day, also ask questions about the moving process.
5. Not Doing Your Homework
Besides researching the movers, find out more about the average cost for relocation. Note that the cost estimates sent by transport companies aren’t fixed, and you might have to pay more than the initial assessment. Regardless, it’s still wise to arrive at a ballpark figure to know how much you’ll spend on relocating your stuff.
Moreover, ask about insurance costs. While moving, companies are legally required to provide insurance for the items they’re transporting. You might find that the general protection isn’t enough to give you peace of mind. Don’t forget to ask about other insurance options available if you have valuable assets to be transported.
6. Forgetting To Take Measurements In Your New Home
This one’s also relatively easy to miss. Apart from adequately labeling the moving boxes, it’s also crucial to get the measurements of your new home, especially the main doors, pathways, and other potential access areas for your stuff—if you want a more organized unpacking activity. Do this, particularly if you’re downsizing to a smaller home. Nothing’s more annoying than finding out that your sofa is wider than the front door.
Taking along some items you don’t need, including those that won’t fit into your new home, affects your moving costs and wastes time and space. So, apart from ensuring that your access areas are free from obstructions and clutter, measure these entry points to know if you need to get rid of some of your things to buy new ones. Doing so can help you decide which bulky items you can keep and which ones you can sell. If you need some help getting rid of your items efficiently, check out these top decluttering tips.
7. Not Informing Your Utility Companies And Banks On Time
Ideally, essential utilities should already be working on your arrival date. Getting to your new place without functioning water and electricity is a no-no, especially if you have children. To avoid this, don’t wait until the last week to request service relocation or a new connection.
Failing to do this will cost you dearly, as you might need to pay additional fees for the late termination of your previous utilities. In addition, you might also be charged more for rush connections for your new place.
Hence, it’s best to contact utility companies about one month before the big day, so you’ll have ample time to get things done. Do the same for your banks, insurance companies, and government offices so that your postal mails are sent to your new address in time.
Conclusion
Give yourself and your family enough time to declutter, pack, and choose the right contractors before relocating. Don’t forget to inform your landlord and your banks and utility companies about the relocation ahead of time. Ultimately, doing the things discussed in this article will give you a flawless and less stressful moving experience.
