How to Avoid Common Moving Mistakes
Moving day is stressful enough without having to worry about common mistakes. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overlook minor details that could cause big headaches later. Follow these tips to avoid common moving mistakes.
1. Don’t Forget Your Valuables
It’s tempting to pack up everything you own, but you should always keep valuables safe. Make sure you pack jewelry, cash, credit cards, IDs, birth certificates, passports, insurance documents, and other essential papers. Keep these items in a fireproof box or bag and put them in a secure location.
2. Get a Good Moving Estimate
Before you start packing, ask friends and family for advice on how much stuff they moved. They may be able to tell you how much space you have available and whether you need to bring additional boxes or furniture.
3. Pack Only What You Need
You don’t need to pack every item you own. Instead, focus on what you’ll actually use during your move. For example, if you’re going from one apartment to another, only pack the things you will take with you. This way, you won’t have to unpack again when you arrive at your new home.
4. Buy Boxes Online
If you want to save money, buy boxes online instead of buying them at your local store. Many websites offer free shipping options, so it doesn’t cost anything to order boxes. Also, many companies offer discounts if you purchase more than 10 boxes.
5. Use Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap can help protect fragile items like dishes, artwork, and electronics. Just make sure you remove any labels before wrapping your belongings.
6. Label Everything
Labeling each box helps ensure all contents are accounted for after unpacking. To label boxes, write the person who owns the box and the room where it belongs. For example: “Box for bedroom” or “Laundry basket.”
7. Move Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to get organized. Instead, start early by listing out all the items you need to pack. Then, pick up extra boxes and supplies as needed.
8. Organize Before Packing
Organizing your possessions before you begin packing makes it easier to find specific items later. Take time to organize clothes, books, toys, and other items into categories such as “closet,” “drawer,” and “box.”
9. Bring Extra Clothes
When you go through your closet, throw away old clothing that no longer fits. You can also donate this stuff to charity. When you pack your bags, remember to include an outfit for each day of your trip.
10. Include Extras
Include extras like toiletries, blankets, pillows, and towels just in case something breaks or gets lost while you’re traveling. These items might not seem necessary, but they come in handy when you need them.
11. Plan Ahead
Make a list of all the places you plan to visit during your move. Write down addresses, phone numbers, and directions ahead of time. That way, you’ll know exactly where to go once you arrive.
12. Leave Room for Unforeseen Problems
No matter how well prepared you think you are, there’s still a chance something unexpected could happen. So be ready for problems like broken appliances, missing keys, damaged goods, and more.
13. Have Someone Help You Load
Having someone else load your belongings onto the truck can make loading faster and less tiring. Ask friends, neighbors, or relatives to help you move. The best option is to hire professional movers.
14. Choose Movers Wisely
Choose a reputable company that has experience moving homes. Look for reviews online and ask friends and family for recommendations.
15. Check Insurance Coverage
Find out if your homeowner’s policy covers moving services. Some policies cover moving costs, while others do not. Contact your agent to see which coverage applies to you.
16. Stay Calm During Loading
Loading heavy objects takes patience and strength. Try to stay calm and focused throughout the process. Then, once you’ve loaded all the boxes, sit back and enjoy watching your belongings leave town.
17. Arrange Storage Space Afterward
After you finish packing, arrange storage space for your belongings. Find a place near your new home that is convenient for you and your movers.
18. Remove Personal Items From Public Areas
Keep personal items off public areas during your move. This includes bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms, and basements.
19. Clean Up Around the House
Clean up around the house before leaving. Pick up clutter, sweep floors, and mop surfaces. Doing these tasks before you leave ensures your new home looks clean and tidy when you return.
20. Declutter Outside
Decluttering outside prevents dirt and dust from getting inside your home. Empty trash cans, clear brush, rake leaves, and shovel snow. Do this work before you leave because it will prevent messes when you return.
21. Turn Off Appliances
Turn off electrical devices such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens, microwaves, washers, dryers, and air conditioners. Leaving these appliances running wastes energy and increases heating and cooling bills.
22. Close Windows and Doors
Close windows and doors to reduce noise and cold drafts. Closing windows and doors also keep pests out of your home.
23. Lock All Exterior Doors
Lock exterior doors to prevent theft. Put locks on front, side, and rear doors. Also, lock garage doors and shed doors.
24. Secure Perimeter Gates
Secure perimeter gates to prevent intruders from entering your property. Chain gates shut and padlock them securely.
25. Store Important Documents Safely
Store important documents safely. Place necessary paperwork in a fireproof container, file cabinet, or safe deposit box.
26. Protect Electronics
Protect electronic equipment like computers, tablets, phones, TVs, stereos, gaming systems, and cameras. Disconnect power cords and turn off chargers.
27. Prepare for Emergencies
Prepare yourself for emergencies. Stock your kitchen with food, water, first aid kits, batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, lighters, and smoke detectors.
28. Know Where Utilities Are Located
Know where utilities such as electricity, gas, telephone lines, cable TV, Internet, and sewer pipes are located. Locate utility meters and read meters carefully.
29. Keep Pets Out of the Way
Pets can damage walls, carpets, flooring, and furnishings. Keep pets in their cages or kennels during your move.
30. Create a Detailed List
Create a detailed checklist of all the steps involved in your move. Then, track your progress using the checklist.
31. Consider Using Professional Movers
Professional movers provide quality service at affordable rates. Hire professionals to transport large items such as couches, pianos, and pool tables.
32. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Give yourself plenty of time to complete your move. For example, allow three weeks between packing and unpacking.
33. Receive Payments Regularly
Receiving payments regularly reduces stress and helps you budget correctly. Pay movers weekly or biweekly.
34. Cancel Service Contracts Before Handover Day
Cancel service contracts before handover day. Canceling service contracts gives you peace of mind knowing you aren’t responsible for paying late fees or penalties.
35. Keep Records About Services Provided
Record invoices and receipts for services provided. This information proves you paid for services and protects you against claims.
36. Return Phone Calls Promptly
Return calls promptly. Let people know you’re busy and unable to talk right now.
37. File Claims Quickly
File claims quickly. If you receive damage, report them immediately. Otherwise, you risk losing your claim.
38. Collect Damaged Goods Immediately
Collect damaged goods immediately. Report damaged items to your insurer within 24 hours.
39. Insure Your Home
Insurance protects your home against loss or damage caused by natural disasters, fires, floods, earthquakes, vandalism, and theft. Review your homeowners’ policy and adjust your deductible accordingly.
40. Maintain Property Damage Liability (PDL) Coverage
Maintaining PDL coverage protects you against liability claims related to accidents involving your home. Talk to your insurer about maintaining PDL coverage.
41. Install Smoke Detectors
Install smoke detectors in every sleeping area, including hallways, stairwells, closets, and crawl spaces. Replace battery-operated alarms monthly.
42. Repair Leaks
Repair leaks immediately. Water damage causes mold growth and must be repaired immediately.
43. Inspect Electrical Wires
Check electric wires for signs of wear and tear. Wear gloves and follow safety precautions.
44. Fix Broken Furniture
Fix broken furniture before you leave. Breakable items such as mirrors, lamps, picture frames, vases, and figurines should be secured.
