When it comes time to moving, it can be aggravating, time-consuming, and back-breaking when everything goes right. But when you make mistakes, it can really drive you crazy.
One way to handle this is by hiring experienced, professional movers. They have the experience to know exactly what can go wrong and how to avoid these situations.
But, there are some things that you can look out for, from the lead-up and packing to the actual move itself. We want to keep you informed so you can have the best relocation experience.
Here are common mistakes people make when they get ready to move to a new home:
1- Not updating addresses — When it comes to moving, one of the details a lot of people overlook is just how many folks need to know about your new address. You should definitely do a change of address form with your local post office to get your mail forwarded to you.
At the same time, though, you need to update all of your billing information with any online retailers or creditors so that you have no issues receiving new bills (which could lead to late fees if you don’t pay them on time).
Additionally, let everyone else in your life from friends and family to your magazine subscriptions know about your new address. Finally, it’s essential that you let government benefit offices including your insurance office know about your new address.
2- Not updating utilities — Once you’re done with your change of address information, you need to look at informing your utility companies about your move. You will need to shut off things like water, power, cable, and internet in your old home and make sure that it’s all set up in your new one. No one wants to move into a new home and find out that it will take a week to get the lights on because they forgot to communicate with the power company.
3- Packing too much in one box — When it comes to the actual packing, one issue that is all too common is overpacking your boxes. It seems like we have this idea that we need to cram as much as possible into every single box.
This is going to be problematic on two levels. First, if you pack a lot of heavy items (books, pots and pans, etc.) into one box, you aren’t going to be able to move the box without breaking your back. And then, if you do manage to pick it up, you run into the second problem—namely the box and packing tape is liable to rip sending everything spilling out. Just keep it simple and pack only a few things in each box.
4- Not keeping their essentials separate — If you’re a moving expert, then you already know about this. But novices make the mistake all the time.
It may take you several days to unpack your boxes (or weeks in some cases). So anything that is an essential item should be packed in an overnight bag and transported separately from the rest of your items.
This would include a couple of days’ worth of clothes (minimum), your medicines, toiletry items, and technology like phone chargers. If you have kids, pack a bag for each child as well and include a favorite toy or game to keep them occupied until you can get everything else unpacked.
5-Not hiring a certified moving company — Finally, a big mistake that people make is trying to do everything themselves. Professional movers are just that—professionals. They know the ins-and-outs of moving and they know how to avoid the pitfalls of getting you packed up and moved.
Finally, if you choose to go it alone, you’re looking at a longer move time and the potential of hurting yourself trying to pick up those heavy items.
Moving Can Be a Great Experience…with Help
Moving doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. In fact, it should be the start of a new adventure as you get ready to start over in a new place. But if you don’t follow this advice, you run the risk of falling into the trap of these common mistakes which can make your move a tough one.
Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.