Moving is stressful. That’s a no-brainer. Some people relish the idea of picking up and settling down in a new spot, exploring your new neighborhood, and starting over fresh.
Others dread moving and avoid picking up their roots if at all possible. Wherever you land on the spectrum, you can have a less stressful move by avoiding these five most common moving mistakes.
Moving at peak times
Certain times of the year (think late summer and early spring for college towns) are busier than others for movers. You need to give yourself enough time to make your move, which means reserving the moving van and the professional movers well in advance. Once you know when you’re moving, make the reservation to avoid hearing that your chosen moving company is all booked up.
Forgetting about your unwanted goods
Moving is a great opportunity to streamline your possessions. However, many people forget to plan for what to do with all those unwanted things. One option is to donate or give away everything. A second option is to rent a large bin from a company that will dispose of everything for you.
Whichever garbage company you use for your waste pickup, inquire about their bin rental services to avoid multiple trips to the dump where you must pay to unload, anyway.
Not checking inventory
You should have an exhaustive list of items you entrusted to the movers, and you should check it twice when the items go on the truck. You should check and double-check it again when they come off the truck, and any discrepancies or broken items need to be brought up immediately.
Being unprepared with necessities
You always forget how much you’ll need salt, toilet paper, napkins, and cat litter until you find yourself running out. Most new homes don’t include a shower curtain liner, and you know you’ll want a shower after a long day of moving. Make a list of things you’ll need in advance, and pack them all together to have on your first night in your new home.
Ignoring the dog and the plants
Your pets and plants need special care, and if that rhododendron plant your mom gave you for your wedding goes in the back of the truck, it may not make it out alive. Similarly, you need to make accommodations for Fluffy and Fido, and if you have an aquarium or terrarium, you need to make sure those pets will survive the move too, especially if they’re delicate.
Forgetting about insurance
You got the best movers possible, but their employees are human. They make mistakes. And if they drop your priceless-to-you heirloom ceramic frog umbrella stand, their insurance may not cover it. You may end up paying for your broken items yourself if the mover’s insurance policy falls short. Read their policy, and if it’s not sufficient coverage, move on.
Moving doesn’t have to be as stressful if you plan ahead. Knowing what the common mistakes are when moving is the best way to ensure that you don’t make them yourself. By keeping these five common mistakes in mind, you can prevent them and make the move as smooth as possible.
About the Author:
A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from King Recycling and Waste Disposal Inc in Toronto.
Image source: Meathead Movers | Flicker
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