There’s a fair amount of advice on the internet about how to prepare for a move, and we’ve covered that topic a couple of times here on our Highland Moving Vancouver blog.
Today, we’re going to take a slightly different approach.
We’re highlighting the top moving mistakes made time and time again by people across the country.
Read on to learn more about the top moving mistakes people make, and how you can take steps to avoid them.
Skipping the Clean-Out
One of the great things about moving is that it gives you the opportunity to take inventory of all of your things, and donate or toss stuff that you haven’t used in ages that’s taking up valuable space in your home.
According to BHG.com, many folks don’t plan ahead and give themselves enough time to do a proper clean-out, and they end up toting extra, unnecessary stuff to their new home.
If you were in a camping phase at one time and have tons of gear, but haven’t hit the woods in two or three years, it might be time to donate your camping materials.
- Ask if a friend or family member who likes camping to take it off your hands, so if inspiration strikes in another three years, you know where to find your gear.
When it comes to clothing, if you haven’t worn it once in the past 2 years, donate or toss. You’ll free up space in your closet for new items that you’ll actually wear, and once it’s time to pack, you’ll have fewer items to fold.
Procrastinating the Packing
Speaking of packing, Mental Floss says that procrastinating is a common mistake people make when they move. You don’t want to be up all night the day before your move, haphazardly cramming things into boxes.
Make a plan, and start early: pack less-used items and less-trafficked rooms first, and leave out the essentials like the coffee pot (and a couple of mugs) until it’s go time.
Moving can be chaotic, but if you stick to a packing schedule, on the days leading up to the move you’ll feel calm and collected.
Underestimating Time
The process of moving isn’t a simple one, and everything from actually packing boxes to actually loading the van will take a bit longer than you initially might think.
If you’re on a time crunch, and want to have everything planned down to the minute, The Spruce says you should plan on everything taking a bit longer.
That way, you’re prepared if something unexpected comes up, like you run out of boxes and have to drive to the store to get more.
No Labels or Lists
Getting all of your boxes packed is great, but folks often forget to label them with all of the items that are inside.
If you pack a hodgepodge box in the kitchen, don’t just label it “kitchen miscellaneous” like most people do. Instead, write out what items are in there like spatula, corkscrew, and hot plate. That way, once you’re in your new house and start unpacking boxes, you’ll be able to easily locate every item you own.
Forgetting Moving Insurance
Many people forego moving insurance, assuming that their homeowners or renters policy will protect them.
Talk to your movers for more info, but it’s always a good idea to add additional moving insurance.
Many home insurance policies don’t cover you if your items leave the premises, so if something breaks mid-move, you won’t be covered.
Moving During Rush Hour
Many people plan to move on the first of the month, first thing in the morning.
What they don’t take into account is rush hour: both on the road, and in the moving business.
Try to move mid-day so that you avoid rush hour traffic on the roads.
Talk to your movers about dates before you settle on the first of the month.
Many moving companies are very busy from the very end of the previous month to the beginning of the next.
If you can be flexible with your date, you just might be able to save a bit of money by moving on the 8th or 9th instead of the 1st.
No Survival Bag
Moving is stressful, but many people assume that once they get to their new home, they’ll spend a few hours unpacking.
The reality is, once you arrive at your new place, you’re probably going to want to just order a pizza and call it a day! BHG.com says to make sure you have a survival bag packed, with sheets, something to sleep in, toiletries, a towel and a change of clothes for the next day.
That way, when the movers leave, you can relax and unwind a bit before you have to dive into unpacking mode.
DIY Moving
And finally, perhaps the most common mistake that people make when they move is thinking they can do it all themselves!
Hiring movers like Highland Moving & Storage Vancouver to help you with your move can take your moving day from a physically and emotionally stressful one, to a calm, relaxing afternoon.
Let the professionals worry about lifting the furniture and the heavy boxes; you just tell us where you want the couch. Call us today for a quote at 604-581-2300!
