Whether you’re excited about or dreading your move, the process of moving itself can be filled with pitfalls. In our experience, these five mistakes are the most common. The good news is you can avoid them by being aware of them. Knowing what not to do or what to avoid when moving can make your move that much smoother.
Check out these common moving mistakes, some of which might be familiar… but remember, you can always learn from your mistakes and that’s where we come in!
Underestimating how much time moving really takes
This first moving mistake tends to hit home for a lot of people. We’ve all underestimated how much time a project will take and moving is no exception. One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating how much time the moving process requires. Packing up an entire household, organizing, and planning the logistics can take weeks, if not months. Many people start too late and end up rushing, which leads to stress about the move, last-minute mishaps, and forgotten tasks.
Take our advice: Start planning your move as early as possible. Create a detailed timeline, breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. Begin packing non-essential items several weeks in advance, and set daily or weekly goals to keep yourself on track. Remember, it’s better to finish early than to scramble at the last minute.
Not decluttering ahead of time
Another common mistake is moving everything, including items you no longer need or want. This adds unnecessary weight and volume to your move, increasing costs and making the unpacking process overwhelming.
Pro-tip: Before you start packing, take the time to declutter. Go through each room and sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
Don’t miss our blog post: Take or Leave? 4 Tips for Packing Your Junk Drawer
Look at it this way, moving is a perfect opportunity to simplify your life and start fresh in your new home. Not only will this reduce moving costs, but it will also make settling into your new space much easier.
Overpacking boxes
We get it. When you’re in the throes of packing, especially if you feel crunched for time, it’s so easy to load up a box beyond its capabilities. But, overpacking boxes can lead to damaged items, not to mention strained backs. Moreover, boxes that are too heavy are more likely to break, which can result in unpacking damaged items in your new home.
Try to commit to this general rule: pack heavy items, such as books, in small boxes, and light items, like linens and pillows, in larger ones. This will make the boxes easier to carry and reduce the risk of damage. Also, make sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking easier. Future you will thank you, we promise!
Check out how to pack a bathroom for moving
Forgetting to update your new address and utilities
It’s easy to get so caught up in the physical aspects of moving that you forget about the administrative side. Failing to change your address or update your utilities can result in missed bills, service disruptions, and even lost mail.
Once again, make a checklist of all the places where you need to update your address, including your bank, credit cards, subscriptions, and the postal service. Schedule time to update your utilities so that services are activated in your new home on the day you move in. Doing this in advance ensures a smooth transition without unnecessary interruptions. The last thing you want to do is unpack your boxes in the dark.
Attempting to DIY your move by not hiring professional movers
Some people try to save money by moving everything themselves, only to realize that the DIY moving cost, along with the physical and logistical challenges, are more than they anticipated. On the other hand, hiring the wrong moving company can lead to damaged belongings, hidden fees, and a lot of headaches.
Conquer your next move with CLR Movers
Ready to make your move the right way?
“I really appreciated the great job you guys did for my move last week. I was so impressed with the team’s work ethics. No fooling around! As a matter of fact I never saw any of them take a rest. A well oiled machine. Great personalities and I really enjoyed having them do the move. I would absolutely recommend CLR Movers to anyone looking for an excellent experience. Thanks again Sean and team.” — Kristine
Contact us today to schedule your move or request an estimate!
