When you’re finally ready to move out on your own, it’s an exciting time. But it can also be a bit daunting. There are a lot of things to think about and organize, and it’s easy to make some mistakes.
Because this is a trying time, we thought we’d make it a little easier for you. That’s why we want to share some advice to help you mitigate common moving mistakes.
By following these tips, you’ll be making sure that everything goes smoothly and that you don’t miss any crucial steps. So, let’s see how you can organize a successful relocation.
Not Getting Any Help
One of the most common mistakes people make when moving is not asking for help. And it’s perfectly understandable since you want to prove that you’re independent. But there’s nothing wrong with getting some assistance, especially when it comes to something as life-altering as moving.
Hiring professional movers is a great solution. This is very helpful if you’re short on time or need help with particularly challenging tasks, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture. Reputable moving companies like LA Moving Star will happily help you carry out the move without any complications.
Alternatively, if you have friends or family members willing to help you, don’t hesitate to take them up on their offer. They can be a great help, especially with things like packing and lifting heavy furniture.
Not Having a Moving Budget
A crucial part of relocation is creating a moving budget. Skipping this step can cause many financial problems down the line, especially if you’re not prepared for unexpected expenses.
You need to think about every aspect of the move and calculate the costs accordingly. This includes renting a moving truck, hiring professional movers (if you’re going that route), and packing supplies, gas, food, and lodging (if you’re moving to a different city).
Once you have all the costs calculated, add a bit of extra money to your budget to account for any potential unforeseen expenses. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything and won’t have to worry about going over budget.
Not Making a Plan
Nothing will make you more stressed than being in a time crunch when moving. This is why it’s essential to start planning your relocation well in advance.
Create a timeline and a to-do list of everything you need to do before the move. This way, you can stay organized and on top of things, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything important. We suggest beginning your moving preparations about eight weeks in advance.
Picking the Wrong Time to Move
When it comes to moving, timing is everything. And picking the wrong time can make your life a lot harder.
For instance, if you’re moving during the summer, it will be hotter, and you’ll have to deal with more traffic. Plus, summer is the peak of the moving season, so it will be harder to find available movers, and the rates will probably be higher.
On the other hand, winter moves come with their own challenges, such as icy roads and a higher chance of bad weather. That’s why the best time to move is during the spring or fall.
Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Although it may seem like packing is a pretty straightforward process, there are still some mistakes to beware of. By packing mindfully and following certain ”rules”, you’ll be doing yourself a favor and making your job quicker and easier. Here are some packing mistakes you should avoid.
Overpacking
Nothing good comes from overpacking. So, as soon as you know you’re moving, start decluttering your home and get rid of anything you don’t need. This will make packing a lot easier and will save you some money since you won’t have to move as many boxes.
Also, make sure you don’t overload the boxes. This will make them heavier and more difficult to carry. Plus, your items are more likely to break if the box is too full.
Not Labeling the Boxes
Be sure to label all the boxes with their contents and the room they’re going in. This will save you a lot of time and hassle later on when you’re trying to unpack and get settled into your new home. Use a permanent marker and write large, visible labels on all the boxes.
Not Disassembling Furniture
If you have furniture that can be disassembled, do it before moving day. This will make the moving process a lot easier and help prevent damage to your furniture. And everything that makes the moving day easier is welcome.
Not Packing an Essentials Box
Pack an essentials box with all the things you’ll need on your first day in your new home. This should include items like toiletries, a change of clothes, medicine, and snacks. This way, you won’t have to dig through all the boxes to find what you need.
Lifting Heavy Boxes Incorrectly
There’s nothing worse than getting injured while moving house. So, you should be extra careful when lifting and carrying heavy boxes. You don’t want to hurt yourself, right? Here are some things to remember:
- If you’re lifting heavy boxes, be sure to lift with your legs and not your back. This will help prevent injuries. Also, get someone to help you if the box is too heavy to lift on your own.
- When lifting a heavy box, hold it close to your body. This will give you more control and make it easier to lift.
- Try not to twist your body when lifting, as this can cause injuries.
- Finally, be careful when setting the box down. Make sure you don’t drop it or let it fall on your feet.
Transferring Utilities Late
One of the last things you should do before moving is to transfer your utilities. Be sure to do this a few days in advance so that everything is set up and working in your new home on moving day. This way, you won’t have to worry about being without power or water.
Not Notifying the Post Office
You should also notify the post office about your change of address. This way, all your mail will be forwarded to your new home. To do this, you can go to the post office and fill out a change of address form. You can also do it online at the USPS website.
Stick to the Plan and Don’t Procrastinate
When it comes to moving, the key is to be prepared and organized. By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll make the process smoother and less stressful. So, start packing ASAP, and don’t procrastinate! The sooner you start, the easier everything will be in the end.
