The Moving Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Although moving can be stressful and overwhelming, you can make it go more smoothly and effectively by carefully planning and avoiding common mistakes. As you make your next move, being aware of these risks and adopting the appropriate safeguards will help you save time, money, and sanity. The top moving don’ts that you should avoid are just some common moving mistakes covered in this blog post.
Don’t Procrastinate
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when moving is procrastinating. Starting the moving process early allows for better organization and reduces the last-minute rush. Begin by creating a timeline, setting goals, and allocating tasks. Make a checklist of all the essential moving-related activities, such as securing free moving boxes, packing items in bubble wrap, hiring a reputable moving company, and updating your address. Avoiding procrastination gives you ample time to handle each task efficiently, ensuring a smoother transition.
Don’t Ignore the Purge
Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter and remove items you no longer need or use. Ignoring the purge is one of the most common moving mistakes and can lead to unnecessary packing and increased moving costs. Before packing, go through your belongings and separate items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard.
Dispose of or donate items that are damaged, expired, or no longer serve a purpose. Minimising your load will save money on packing materials, cardboard boxes, moving truck size, and overall transportation costs with the professional moving company you choose.
Don’t Overlook Research
When hiring reputable moving companies or renting a truck, thorough research is crucial. A common moving mistake is settling for the first company you come across to handle all your stuff. Take the time to research and compare multiple moving companies or truck rental services. Read reviews, request quotes, and inquire about insurance coverage and any additional charges. Doing so will help you find a reliable, affordable option that meets your needs. Remember, choosing the right movers or rental service can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your move to the new house.
Don’t Forget to Label
Labelling all the boxes might seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant difference during unpacking on the first few nights. Refrain from labelling your boxes to avoid confusion and frustration when finding specific items. Use a labelling system for moving boxes that works for you, whether it’s colour-coded labels, detailed descriptions, or numbering. Include the contents and the room where each box belongs. Proper labelling of packing boxes will make unpacking a breeze and help movers place boxes in their designated rooms, saving time and effort.
Don’t Skimp on Packing Supplies
Proper packing supplies are essential for safeguarding your belongings and ensuring they arrive at your new home intact. Cutting corners on packing supplies is a common mistake resulting in damaged belongings. Use quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape. Fragile items require extra protection, so invest in proper packing materials to prevent breakage. Utilize specialized boxes for delicate items like dishes, artwork, and electronics. Remember to reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape to avoid them giving way during transportation.
Don’t Forget to Notify Important Parties
Informing important parties about your move is often overlooked but critical. Remember to update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, utility companies, and other essential services. Also, remember to notify friends, family, and subscriptions about your new address. By keeping everyone in the loop, you’ll avoid missing out on important mail and ensure a smooth transition in terms of services at your new location.
Don’t Pack Without a Strategy
Randomly packing items without a strategy can lead to chaos and difficulty when unpacking. Instead, create a plan for packing. Start with non-essential items and gradually pack things you need only after the move. Pack room by room, keeping similar items together. Use smaller boxes for heavier items to avoid overpacking and potential injuries. Keep essential things like toiletries and a change of clothes easily accessible for the first few days in your new home. A strategic packing approach will make unpacking more organized and less overwhelming.
Don’t Neglect Insurance Coverage
Moving involves risks like accidents, theft, or damage to your belongings. Neglecting insurance coverage can result in significant financial losses. Before the move, check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to determine if it covers your belongings during the move. If not, consider purchasing additional moving insurance to protect your items. Movers typically offer different coverage options, so review their policies and choose the one that suits your needs. Understanding and securing adequate insurance coverage will give you peace of mind throughout moving.
Don’t Disregard Utility Disconnections and Connections
Forgetting to disconnect or connect utilities can cause unnecessary stress and complications during your move. Contact your current utility providers to schedule disconnection services for electricity, water, gas, internet, and other necessary services. Likewise, make arrangements with your new utility providers to ensure that essential services are set up before arrival. Set reminders and double-check the dates to avoid any lapses in service. This way, you will have essential utilities when you move into your new home.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Pets
Moving can be a confusing and unsettling experience for your pets. Pay attention to their needs during this time. Ensure your pets have updated identification tags and microchips with your new contact information. If necessary, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations and to obtain any required travel documentation. Also, create a safe and quiet space for your pets during the move and unpacking. Providing everyday items, such as their bedding and toys, will help ease their anxiety and ensure their well-being throughout the moving process.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a First-Night Box
A first-night box is a must-have during a move. It contains essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. Pack items such as toiletries, bedding, a change of clothes, medications, basic kitchen utensils, and important documents in this box. Label it clearly and keep it easily accessible in your vehicle or with you. This way, you won’t have to rummage through multiple boxes to find crucial items when you’re tired and need rest. A well-prepared first-night box will make your first night in your new home more comfortable and stress-free.
Don’t Be Shy to Ask for Help
Moving is a significant undertaking, and it can be overwhelming. Be bold and ask for help from friends, family, or professional movers. Enlist their assistance in packing, loading, unloading, or providing emotional support during this transition. Working with others can help distribute the workload, making the process faster and more efficient. Additionally, professional movers have the expertise and equipment to handle your belongings safely. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a smart move to ensure a successful and less stressful move.
Don’t Forget to Take Photos of Your Belongings
Before packing and moving, take photos of your belongings, especially valuable or fragile items. These photos can serve as documentation for insurance purposes in the event of damage or loss during the move. Additionally, they can help you remember the placement and arrangement of furniture and decorations in your previous home, making it easier to recreate the desired setup in your new space. Keeping a visual record of your belongings will provide peace of mind and assist you in filing any necessary claims with the moving company or insurance provider.
Don’t Pack Important Documents and Valuables in a Moving Truck
Sensitive documents, valuable items, and sentimental belongings should not be packed in a moving truck. Instead, keep them with you in a secure and easily accessible location, such as a personal bag or a locked box. Keeping them close lets you know that your valuable items and essential documents are safe. Important documents like passports, birth certificates, financial records, and jewellery should be safeguarded throughout the move. This precaution ensures that these items remain in your possession and reduces the risk of loss or theft during transportation.
Don’t Forget to Clean and Prepare Your New Home
While focusing solely on packing and moving out is easy, remember to clean and prepare your new home before moving in—schedule time to thoroughly clean the space, including floors, countertops, bathrooms, and appliances. Check for any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks that need to be addressed before you settle in. This proactive approach will make your move-in process more comfortable and enjoyable. Arriving at a clean and well-prepared home allows you to start fresh and ensures that you can immediately begin unpacking and organising your belongings in a welcoming environment.
Conclusion
Moving can be stressful and time-consuming, but by following these tips, you’ll have an easier transition to your new home. Don’t forget that professional mover, such as Optimove, are here to help make this process smoother and more efficient. With their expertise and experience in the moving industry, they offer comprehensive services that will ensure a stress-free move. With the help of Optimove, you can rest assured that your belongings will be safely transported to your new home and that your transition will go as smoothly as possible.
