Ten Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you have an upcoming move on the horizon, your head is likely swimming with all the details. It’s okay if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to preparing for a move.
To help you avoid common mistakes, we’ve compiled a list of frequent errors we see people make. If you avoid these ten things, we can almost guarantee that your move will go smoothly!
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Declutter Before Packing
Make packing easier on yourself by decluttering before you ever pack a box. This can help you get a more accurate idea of how many boxes you actually need for your move. It will also help your move make less of a footprint on the environment. Donating or selling items you don’t want to take to your new space reduces the chance that your unwanted things end up in the landfill!
Mistake #2: Procrastinating on Packing
For many people, packing up their whole home is the most daunting part of moving. However, it can be quite manageable with a few tips and tricks. After decluttering, start packing room-by-room, in order of least-used to most-used. This can help you get a head start on packing, plus it ensures you don’t pack anything you need on a regular basis too early.
Mistake #3: Not Doing Adequate Research Before Booking a Moving Company
If you’re considering hiring a moving company, it’s essential to choose one that is reputable! Follow these tips to make sure you hire a team that’s qualified to relocate you safely:
Read their reviews: How many stars do they have on Google? Are bad reviews common or outliers?
Check their credentials: Are they insured? Are they certified by the American Moving & Storage Association? Is there a Department of Transportation carrier number on their website? For more details, check out our blog on How to Find a Reputable Mover.
Request a quote: If you’re torn between a few moving companies, it never hurts to request an estimate. It can give you an idea of how a moving company operates and what it might be like to work with them.
Mistake #4: Packing Boxes Too Heavy
While optimizing space is a good idea, don’t do it at the expense of your back! Aim to pack boxes so a single person can carry them without help. While cardboard boxes are a great, lightweight packing container, it can be difficult for two people to carry a single large box together. Save the teamwork for heavier items like large furniture and pcak your boxes lighter so that they’re more manageable for a single person! Check out some of our top packing tips here.
Mistake #5: Not Labeling Boxes Properly
Labeling your boxes is a huge time-saver when moving day comes around. You have enough to worry about…Don’t box yourself into having to stand at the door directing movers on what goes where. Make sure every box is labeled by room on the top and sides. Better yet–use color-coding to streamline moving day!
Mistake #6: Forgetting to Cancel Your Gym Membership
There’s nothing like relocating to a new city hours away and finding out your previous gym requires you to cancel your membership in person. Create an event on your calendar to remind yourself to cancel that membership before moving day so you don’t have to drive back just to stop paying that monthly fee!
Mistake #7: Not Updating Your Address
It’s simple to request a change of address form from USPS to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new home. Keep in mind that this change can take up to two weeks to process, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and select a future start date.
Mistake #8: Forgetting to Set Up Utilities
The last thing you want on moving day is to arrive at your new house without air conditioning or power. Plan ahead and set up your new utilities account a few weeks in advance so your home is ready when you arrive!
Mistake #9: Overlooking Child and Pet Care
In the hustle and bustle of packing, it’s easy to overlook child and pet care on moving day! Keep your kids and furbabies safe and out from underfoot by arranging child care ahead of time. If securing outside childcare isn’t a good option, you can always set aside a room for the kids and pets to hang out in while the movers handle the heavier furniture. Check out our blog for more tips on moving with pets!
Mistake #10: Being Unprepared for the First Night in Your New Home
The first night in your new home can feel both exciting and emotional. It can help to be prepared with an idea of what that evening will look like. Don’t forget to pack an “essentials box” with toiletries, important documents, phone chargers, and maybe a few cleaning supplies. Try to set up your bed(s) before dinner so that everyone has a familiar and cozy place to retreat to at bedtime. For dinner, it can be fun to embrace your new space and enjoy some takeout on the floor together or go out and try one of your new neighborhood’s local restaurants. You might even meet some of your neighbors while you’re out!
We hope this list helps you complete your to-do list and ease some of your moving worries. If you’re looking for professional movers to or from Charlottesville, Virginia–our team is ready to help! Give us a call at 434-977-2705 or request a quote online.
