Moving house can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you’re not prepared for it. You have to juggle multiple tasks such as packing. Arranging for a moving company, notifying utility providers, and finding a new place to live, among others. However, one thing that can make the whole process even more challenging is making avoidable mistakes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes people make while moving and how you can avoid them.
- Not planning ahead
The key to a successful move is proper planning. Moving requires a lot of time and effort, and without proper planning, it can quickly become a nightmare. One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting until the last minute to start packing or arranging for a moving company. This can result in rushed decisions, oversights, and ultimately, unnecessary stress.
Solution: Start planning for your move at least 8 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to organize your belongings, research moving companies, and notify utility providers. Create a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete, and set deadlines for each one.
- Failing to declutter
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home and get rid of things you no longer need or use. However, many people make the mistake of taking everything with them, even items that are old, worn out, or broken.
Solution: Take the time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Consider the space and layout of your new home and whether you need certain items. The less you have to move, the easier and cheaper the process will be.
- Underestimating the cost
Moving can be expensive, and many people underestimate the cost. From packing supplies to hiring movers, there are several expenses that can add up quickly.
Solution: Create a budget for your move and factor in all the costs involved, including packing supplies, moving company fees, and utility deposits. Consider getting multiple quotes from moving companies to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Not labeling boxes
It’s easy to forget what you packed in each box, especially if you have a lot of them. However, failing to label boxes can lead to confusion and frustration when it’s time to unpack.
Solution: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make it easier to unpack and organize your new home.
- Packing items incorrectly
One of the biggest mistakes people make while packing is not packing items correctly. This can result in damage to fragile items or injury to yourself or others.
Solution: Use appropriate packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes, to protect fragile items. Label boxes containing fragile items as “fragile” and handle them with care. When packing heavy items, distribute the weight evenly and use lifting straps to avoid injury.
- Not notifying utility providers
Failing to notify utility providers of your move can result in unnecessary fees and service interruptions. This includes electricity, gas, water, and internet providers.
Solution: Contact your utility providers at least two weeks before your move to let them know when you’ll be moving out and provide your new address. This will ensure that your services are transferred smoothly and that you don’t get charged for services you’re no longer using.
- Forgetting to change your address
Forgetting to change your address can result in missed bills, important mail, and even identity theft.
Solution: Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and any other organizations that send you mail. You can do this online or in person at your local post office.
8. Not hiring a reputable moving company One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving house is not hiring a reputable moving company. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, this can lead to problems such as damaged or lost items, hidden fees, and poor customer service. Always do your research and choose a moving company with a good reputation and plenty of positive reviews.
9. Not labeling boxes properly Proper labeling is essential when moving house, yet it’s a mistake that many people make. Without clear labeling, you may struggle to find what you need when you arrive at your new home, causing unnecessary stress and frustration. Make sure you label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in.
10. Not packing items properly Packing is an essential aspect of moving house, and it’s crucial to pack your belongings correctly to avoid damage. Use quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes, and make sure you pack items securely to prevent them from moving around during transit.
11. Forgetting to update your address Another mistake people make when moving house is forgetting to update their address. Failing to update your address can result in missed bills, lost mail, and even identity theft. Make a list of all the places you need to notify of your new address, such as your bank, employer, and utility companies, and make sure you update your address before you move.
12. Leaving packing to the last minute Packing can be a time-consuming process, and leaving it to the last minute can lead to stress and a rushed job. Start packing well in advance of your move, focusing on one room at a time to make the process more manageable. Don’t forget to label boxes as you go to make unpacking easier.
13. Failing to measure furniture and doorways Furniture can be a nightmare to move, especially if it doesn’t fit through doorways or up staircases. Before moving, measure your furniture and doorways to ensure everything will fit through, and consider disassembling larger items such as beds and desks to make them easier to move.
14. Overloading boxes Finally, overloading boxes is a common mistake people make when moving house. Overloading boxes can cause them to break or become too heavy to move safely, leading to potential injury or damage to your belongings.
Conclusion
Moving can be a daunting task, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the process smoother and less stressful.
