Moving is often ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. The combination of logistical planning, physical labor, and emotional adjustments can create a perfect storm for mistakes. However, with careful preparation and awareness of common pitfalls, you can avoid these issues and make your move smoother and less stressful. Here are some of the most common moving mistakes and expert tips on how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating the Time Needed to Pack
Many people underestimate how long it takes to pack up an entire home, often leaving it to the last minute. This leads to rushed packing, disorganization, and increased stress.
How to Avoid It: Start packing as early as possible. Begin with items you use infrequently, such as seasonal clothing or rarely used kitchen appliances. Create a packing schedule that breaks down the task room by room, and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to start packing at least 4-6 weeks before your move.
2. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Moving everything you own, including items you no longer need or use, can lead to unnecessary expenses and effort. It also makes unpacking in your new home more difficult.
How to Avoid It: Before you start packing, go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you actually need and use. Not only will this make packing easier, but it will also reduce the cost of moving and help you start fresh in your new home.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes
In the rush of packing, it’s easy to forget to label your boxes. This can lead to confusion and frustration when you’re trying to find specific items after the move.
How to Avoid It: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Consider color-coding boxes by room or numbering them and keeping a corresponding list. This will make unpacking much more efficient and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms.
4. Not Hiring a Professional Moving Company Early Enough
Waiting until the last minute to hire a moving company can limit your options, especially during peak moving seasons. You may end up with a less reputable company or paying higher fees.
How to Avoid It: Research and book a professional moving company at least 4-8 weeks in advance of your move. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, and check their reviews and references. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing a reliable mover who meets your needs and budget.
5. Ignoring the Importance of Moving Insurance
Many people assume their belongings will arrive safely and don’t consider purchasing moving insurance. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and without insurance, you could be left with costly damage.
How to Avoid It: Understand the different types of moving insurance available and choose the one that best fits your needs. Basic coverage is often included, but it may not be sufficient for valuable or fragile items. Consider purchasing full-value protection for added peace of mind.
6. Overpacking Boxes
In an effort to minimize the number of boxes, people often overpack them. This can make the boxes too heavy to lift safely and increases the risk of damage to the items inside.
How to Avoid It: Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and dishes, and larger boxes for lighter items like linens and pillows. Aim to keep boxes under 50 pounds, and make sure they can be easily lifted without straining.
7. Failing to Plan for Moving Day Logistics
Not considering the logistics of moving day, such as parking restrictions, building access, or the need for special equipment, can cause significant delays and complications.
How to Avoid It: Plan ahead by contacting your building management or local authorities to arrange for parking permits or loading zones if necessary. If you’re moving into an apartment or a home with narrow staircases, communicate this with your moving company so they can bring the appropriate equipment.
8. Overlooking the Essentials Box
Packing everything away without setting aside essentials can leave you scrambling to find necessary items on your first night in your new home.
How to Avoid It: Pack a separate box or suitcase with essential items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep this box with you during the move, so it’s easily accessible when you arrive.
9. Failing to Notify Important Parties of Your Move
Forgetting to update your address with key institutions, such as the post office, banks, and utility companies, can lead to service disruptions and missed bills.
How to Avoid It: Create a checklist of all the organizations and people who need to be notified of your move. This includes your employer, the DMV, insurance providers, and any subscription services. Notify them at least two weeks before your move to ensure a smooth transition.
10. Not Allowing for Unexpected Costs
Moving often comes with unexpected expenses, such as last-minute packing supplies, extra services, or delays. Not budgeting for these can strain your finances.
How to Avoid It: Build a buffer into your moving budget to cover unexpected costs. Plan for at least 10-15% more than your initial estimate to account for any surprises.
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By being aware of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can make your move more efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free. At Kratos Moving, we’re here to help every step of the way. From packing and logistics to ensuring your belongings are safely transported, our experienced team is committed to making your move a success. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your upcoming move.