How to Manage Common Moving Day Mistakes?

November 14 2018

Successful moving requires careful planning, budgeting and strategizing. Here are ways to manage these top 5 common moving mistakes:

Start early and be consistent with making and changing your little plans
It is a known case that relocating can be a huge job. Also, procrastination may be your worst enemy. As the moving day approaches, even the little steps might seem daunting. Simple packing might appear to be taxing. None of the moving steps will go smoothly if you do not plan well. At least, it is more likely to be so. So, try to consider planning your move months in advance.

You should plan travel arrangements, check out multiple moving companies, start packing and notify your utility companies as soon as you can etc. You can keep a note of the small tasks that need to be done in sequence. You might consider downloading an app for moving-related information. Ensure that all of your records are in it, from copies of your moving estimate to contact information for the utility companies. You can use this checklist to help you create a plan of action.

Research well at the time of choosing a moving company
Keep in mind that researching moving companies can be pretty much critical. When you go for the wrong moving company, it might result in a move that is more expensive than quoted in actuality. You might even be overcharged for packing materials. However, the worst scenario is one when your item is damaged or property is lost. Keep in mind that when your belongings are in their truck, you are not in an ideal state to negotiate freely.

Try to find good and genuine deals online. However, keep personal referral from family or friends in mind. Check with your real estate agent, your local chamber of commerce or the Better Business Bureau to help find moving companies with a good reputation.

You might check out reliable websites offering real customer feedback to see what previous clients say about their experiences with the company. Check if the mover has a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and enter it in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system to help make sure they’re adequately insured. You might also reach out to the Better Business Bureau or give FMCSA a call to find out if there are any complaints related to the moving company.

Avoid Last-Minute Scheduling

Keep in mind that timing is a major factor when it comes to moving. Favorable weather implies the summer months are often the most hectic time of year for moving companies. However, spring and autumn can get very busy. Usually, the moving companies may not be available if you’re moving at a time near a holiday.

Make sure to research your options for moving companies a month or two prior to your moving date. After all, you do not want to be stuck with an unknown moving company, high rates or, even worse, no moving company at all.

In case you are planning to rent or drive a moving truck, make sure you schedule the rental well ahead of the day you actually need it. You should find out the exact dimensions of the truck’s cargo space. You might just even stop by the rental company to get an idea of the space you’ll need and whether your desired truck may be enough. Keep in mind that the choice of the moving day of the week might affect your move. Higher demand implies that moving companies may charge top dollar for weekend truck rentals and moves. Consider the time of day you’re moving, too. You might run into traffic that could mean more minutes that your belongings will be in transit and potentially a higher rental bill.

Avoid moving unnecessary items
Remember that randomly stuffing everything you own into boxes might seem like the simplest way of packing. However, it might lead to unnecessary stress and expense. When you decide to not go through and declutter your belongings, you may end up with more boxes and extra weight. In other words, you can use your move to help get rid of clothes you don’t wear anymore, books you’ve already read, and other outdated items.

Keep a check on the insurance provided for your precious items
Your homeowners insurance policy or talk to your insurance agent to make sure you know in what situations your belongings are covered at the time of your move. In usual, most homeowners policies will likely cover items that are stolen during your move. When you ensure, you know your coverage. When things are at their most stressful on moving day, you can know that if something happens, you might be protected.

You can consider calling your moving company to find out the details of their liability coverage policies. This coverage might either be based on the total weight of your items, the assessed value of your items or the full cost of replacement of your items.

There are many other mistakes that you should be able to manage as well. Remember that failure to acquire adequate moving boxes is a common mistake. You might need a staggering number of moving containers, most often cardboard boxes. Also, you might need those containers to be in various sizes.

If possible, you should use small-sized boxes for packing heavier items, and medium to large ones for packing lighter goods at the time moving house.

Make sure to pack a survival kit. A survival kit is an essentials box. It is a container or two full of absolute necessities that you will surely need while you don’t have normal access to your possessions.

Make sure not to fail to observe the list of non-allowables. Moving companies are not allowed to transport any goods that can compromise the safety of the people involved in the move.Some prohibited items include hazardous materials, flammable, corrosive, explosive etc.

4 comments

  1. Great read! Moving can be messy and complicated. Lack of adequate preparation can cause problems and unnecessary grief. Thanks for these amazing list. I loved the idea of keeping a note of the small tasks that need to be done in sequence.

  2. Amazing Article! I feel that with all the hype in moving, packing up the belongings and changing locations, there is a lot of big and small details that need to be taken care of. It is equally important to pay close attention to the things that may tend to slip through the cracks.

  3. I always start every move with a plan of attack. I make a list of the essential things and areas of the house that need to be packed last before I start to pack the first box. I feel that if you plan well, then you won’t need to unpack boxes to find the stuff you need and had already packed.

  4. Thanks for sharing this post! Sometimes it is the seemingly simple things that can affect your move negatively. I always make sure my plan ahead and follow the simple tips for a stress-free move!

Comments are closed.