Moving Day is one of the more stressful events a family can go through. The planning, packing, and saying good-bye over the course of weeks or months can take a toll emotionally and physically. Along the way, families can get overwhelmed and make some rookie mistakes. When planning a move, avoid these common moving mistakes:
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Problem
While packing may seem like a top priority prior to a move, once things get going, packing often slips down the line. Families don’t want to live out of boxes while waiting to move and they have other responsibilities that minimize the importance of packing. Many people rationalize that packing will take less time than actually necessary, just a weekend or a day.
Solution
In reality, packing safely and efficiently may take up to a week. Don’t make one of the most common moving mistakes of waiting until the last minute to pack. Take a look at our Moving Checklist!
Forgetting to Downsize
Problem
Forgetting to purge items beforehand leads to a messy move and a cluttered home.
Solution
Moving is the perfect opportunity to downsize and reassess which items are needed and which aren’t. Homeowners have a prime opportunity during a move to sell or donate those rarely used items and toss worn pieces. Plan a yard sale to recoup some moving expenses or drop them off for charity.
Packing Heavy
Problem
In the rush to pack last minute, homeowners can make the mistake of over-packing. Packing that family encyclopedia in a single box or packaging up the free weights can lead to safety concerns on moving day and a very unpleasant surprise for professional movers.
Solution
Prior to taping up any box, do a lift test to ensure that it’s not too heavy for moving day.
Not Packing an Overnight Bag
Problem
In a last minute rush to pack, many homeowners forget to pack a bag for the first night in their new home. By the time the boxes are packed, moved, and unloaded from the moving van, homeowners are too exhausted to start the major unpacking process.
Solution
A day or two may be dedicated to exploring new surroundings and rearranging furniture. Homeowners will need a box or bag that’s easily accessible and can get them through a couple of days. Set aside a bag with a change of clothes, medications, and toiletries prior to your move.
Not Labelling Boxes
Problem
Homeowners may think they’re saving time by not labelling boxes, and may even think that they’ll remember where everything is. However, it’s actually likely to cost you more time, in the long run. In the rush to pack boxes and sift through items, everything under the sun will be thrown into the same box, making it impossible to keep a mental list of everything.
Solution
Homeowners should pack and label according to room and item. Assigning a priority to each box can help homeowners find the dinnerware or toiletries without going through less pressing items to unpack. Click here for detailed advice on labelling boxes!
In conclusion
Avoiding these common moving mistakes doesn’t take much work but it does take some planning and time. Think ahead prior to a move. Donate unused items and purge worn items, make a packing plan to prevent throwing everything into boxes the night before a move. Set aside anything vital, to make it through a couple of days at your new home before unpacking. By following this process, you’ll make your move a lot less stressful and more manageable.
We at Tippet-Richardson are here to help. Get in touch today, for expert advice and guidance!
