Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

We’re spilling the beans on the top 5 moving mistakes that can leave you wondering why you didn’t just hire a team of moving experts. This complete guide will help you dodge these moving day disasters like a pro. Trust us, you won’t want to miss these insider secrets!

Let’s be real. No move is perfect. There’s always going to be a hiccup or two along the way. But the goal is to make your big day as smooth as a dance floor. To do that, you’ll need to steer clear of the top 5 common moving mistakes that can leave you pulling your hair out and wondering why you didn’t just hire a team of movers to do the heavy lifting.

Grab a notepad and a pen, maybe a stress ball, and get ready to take some notes. We’re about to dive headfirst into the do’s and don’ts of moving, with a sprinkle of humor to keep you smiling throughout.

Alright, listen up folks. When it comes to packing for your cross-country move or just down the street, boxes are your new best friends. Whether you’re getting them for free from a grocery store or snagging them from someone on social media, you’ll need A LOT of them.

Now, if you’re feeling a little fancy and want to opt for some plastic bins, just remember, you might have to go a little tape-crazy to keep those lids from popping off on moving day.

Let’s talk about liquids for a second. Your moving company isn’t going to want to bring a bunch of booze and cooking oils in their trucks. So, if you’ve got a full bar that needs transporting, you’ll need to find another way to transport them. Nobody wants a moving truck that smells like a frat party gone wrong.

Finally, if you’re letting the pros handle the packing, do yourself a favor and take anything you don’t want to be packed out of the house. Those little “Don’t Pack” notes will be looked over in the heat of the moment. Save yourself that headache.

Here’s a handy-dandy list for you:

1. Create a moving checklist and timeline
2. Declutter
3. Invest in quality moving boxes
4. Set a timer and pack for an hour a day
5. Pack a moving essentials tote
6. Pack heavier items first.
7. Label
8. Don’t leave any space in the boxes & truck

Alright, we know you’re just dying to start packing already for your big move. But hold your horses! Believe it or not, packing too early might just set you back even further.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for being prepared. Bu there’s a fine line between getting a head start and jumping the gun. If you absolutely must scratch the packing itch, stick to your non-essentials.

We’re talking winter clothes (if it’s summer), that fondue set you haven’t used since you’re wedding, or that antique china collection collecting dust. 

If the boxes start taking over your living space, it’s time to call in some reinforcements, meaning a self-storage unit. It’s like a temporary home for your packed items to give you some much needed breathing room. It’s also a practice run for your new place!

By all means though, get excited for your move. But remember, slow and steady wins the race. 

Pack smart, not early.

Picture this. You’re elbow-deep in packing tape and cardboard, wondering how on Earth you accumulated so much stuff. But wait, before you start packing everything up, we want to share a little secret that’ll make your moving experience a whole lot smoother.

Two words: label everything! And we don’t just mean scribbling “kitchen” on a box and calling it a day. Oh no, we mean getting descriptive. Write the specific items of what’s inside each box, whether it’s fragile, and what room it belongs to.

But I know what you’re thinking, “Why bother with all that labeling nonsense? I’ll just figure it out when I get there.” 

Trust us, your future self with thank you. When you’re surrounded by a sea of identical brown boxes, those detailed labels will be a lifesaver.

Establishing a new address isn’t just about having a fancy new place to call home; it’s practically a rite of passage when moving. 

Do you want to register your car or vote in the elections? You better believe you’ll need to prove you actually live where you do.

There are some great resources out there to help you navigate changing your address like the USPS website and USA.gov/moving. While changing your address might seem like a headache at first, it’s a necessary step when moving and most people forget about it!

Hold up! Before you sign on the dotted line, you might want to shop around a bit first.

Think about it: you wouldn’t buy the first car you test drive without checking out a few others, right? The same goes for moving companies, especially if you’re relocating long distance. 

If you’re scratching your head, and wondering where to start, try asking your local real estate agents. They probably have some experience with moving companies – the good, the bad, the ugly.

Plus, it’s easy to get a free quote from a mover. Just use the online cost calculator that many moving companies provide, or you can simply call and ask.

Congrats, you’ve officially earned your black belt in moving!

Now you’ll be able to move stress-free, knowing what mistakes normal people make and how to avoid them. Yes, there may still be some mishaps along the way, but that’s expected, so don’t worry. 

Take a deep breath. You’ve got this!