Moving is a common, but stressful event. It can be hard to stay focused when your attention is being pulled in so many different directions. What will you pack and what will you toss? When should you start packing? What can you do to make sure your belongings arrive safely at your new address?
Element Moving and Storage has compiled this list of moving mistakes to avoid if you want your move to go off without a hitch.
Do-It-Yourself Moving Mistakes
Putting Off Packing
Nobody really enjoys packing for a local or long-distance move, but putting it off to the last minute comes with its own set of headaches. Depending on how large your inventory is, you should start planning your packing a month or two in advance and then pack as you go along.
Start with the items you use least. Ask yourself if you really need to take them with you, or if you should sell or donate them to someone who would use them more.
Not Making an Inventory
Speaking of belongings, are you keeping track of everything you have so that you’ll know what to replace if a box goes missing or gets damaged? It’s a good idea to make an itemized list of your household items before the chaos of a move.
Trying to DIY Everything
Professional movers stay in business for a reason: today’s families rarely have time to organize and carry out a household move by themselves. There are only so many hours in a day to devote to work, household chores, family time, and other commitments.
Sometimes families need help getting packed up, lifting and transporting items they can’t fit into their vehicles, and getting set up in their new space. Don’t stress yourself out or risk injury by trying to go it alone.
Losing Track of Essentials
The last thing you want to do is get everything boxed up and ready to go, only to find that you’ve misplaced your toiletries and other essentials in one box or another. Always pack your least-used items first. Consider keeping your must-haves on hand in a purse or overnight bag so that you can access them wherever you are.
Not Labeling Clearly
Boxes have a way of ending up in rooms they don’t necessarily belong in or getting edged in a corner under other boxes; this can be avoided simply by using moving box labels. Make sure you always know what’s inside by writing a quick label on every side of the moving box. That way, even if the box is put down facing a wall, you can tell which room it belongs in.
Overpaying for Materials
Don’t go out and spend a small fortune on brand new packing supplies and moving boxes. You can get plenty of boxes and newspapers just for the asking on local social media marketplaces, Craig’s List, and some retail stores. Even if they’re not totally free, you can usually find them dirt cheap from others in your area.
If you hire a professional moving company, the cost of the packing materials is included in their pricing.
Forgetting to Forward Your Mail
You’ve told your friends and family that you’ll soon be at a new address, but what about the US Postal Service? You don’t want to miss out on important mail while you’re moving. Don’t forget to go online or stop by your post office to fill out a forwarding request.
Hiring Unknown Movers
When you hire unknown movers, whether they are individuals or part of an unproven company, you’re putting your items at risk. Of course there are plenty of honest people who just want to make some extra money helping you move, but why risk it when you can hire trusted professionals like the ones at Element Moving and Storage?
Element Moving: Your Trusted Austin and Dallas Movers
Are you getting ready for a big move? Don’t try to do everything yourself! Let your friends at Element Moving and Storage get it done for you.
We’re a team of experienced, fully-insured professional movers who are ready to get your items safely from Point A to Point B, no matter how near or far away from your destination. Contact us today to get started!
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