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Preparing for a move can be a time full of both excitement and anxiety, and as you manage the various aspects of your upcoming relocation, it’s easy to make mistakes along the way—unless you understand the best ways to approach your move. Of course, having the proper know-how requires research, experience, or both, which is why many people end up making missteps in preparation for their relocation.
However, whether you’re moving locally or long distance, there are some tips you can employ to make sure you handle the process accordingly. Interested in learning more? Keep reading to discover the moving mistakes you should avoid, and get ready for a successful move!
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Moving
Moving can feel like a daunting task, but if you know the mistakes to avoid, you can set yourself up for success. Discover our eight mistakes to avoid below!
- Procrastinating
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is procrastinating. Delaying packing and other essential preparations can lead to a last-minute rush, causing unnecessary stress and the potential for forgotten items. To avoid this, start your moving preparations as early as possible. Begin by creating a detailed timeline, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, and setting deadlines for each. By allowing this to guide you through each step of your relocation, you can reduce the risk for any last-minute stressors, empowering you to enjoy a move that feels much more manageable.
- Lack of Planning
Failing to plan adequately can lead to numerous issues throughout your move. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overlook critical tasks such as booking movers, notifying utility companies, and organizing your belongings, resulting in delays. To prevent this, invest time in planning your move meticulously. Although this can sound like an overwhelming step, laying the groundwork for your relocation before you do anything else will yield much better results. Create a comprehensive checklist that includes all necessary tasks and set reminders to keep yourself on track, decreasing the likelihood of any issues popping up.
- Not Measuring
Another common oversight when getting ready for a move is not measuring furniture and doorways. This can result in frustration and damage when items don’t fit through doorways or into designated spaces in your new home. To avoid this, measure your furniture and the entryways in both your current and new homes beforehand. This ensures everything will fit and helps you plan the layout of your new space effectively. To further prevent any issues, be sure to disassemble your furniture as much as possible, as this can make navigating doorways much easier and reduce the risk of damage to your belongings.
- Overloading Boxes
Packing boxes too heavily is a frequent mistake that can lead to injuries and damaged belongings. Although you may want to cram more items into your boxes to reduce the number of boxes you need to use, this generally has negative effects. To prevent this, pack heavier items such as books in smaller boxes and lighter items like linens in larger boxes. This makes the boxes easier to handle and reduces the risk of breakage through a more even distribution of your items’ weight.
- Underestimating Moving Costs
Many people underestimate the costs associated with moving, ultimately leading to financial strain. Moving expenses can add up quickly, from packing supplies to hiring professional movers and much more. To avoid this mistake, create a detailed budget that includes all potential expenses. Research these costs thoroughly, as this preparation can make a significant difference in the financial aspects of your relocation. As much as is financially feasible for you, set aside extra funds for unexpected costs, allowing for an emergency fund to serve as a buffer in case of any issues.
- Lack of Research on Movers
Choosing a moving company without thorough research can lead to issues such as unreliable service, hidden fees, or even scams. To ensure a smooth move, always research moving companies diligently. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and verify that the company is licensed and insured. Comparing multiple companies can help you find a reliable and reasonably priced option. By taking the extra time to thoroughly vet movers, you can achieve best results for your relocation.
- Not Labeling Boxes
Neglecting to label boxes can turn unpacking into a chaotic and unnecessarily time-consuming process. To make settling into your new home easier, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This helps you and the movers place boxes in the correct rooms, streamlining the unpacking process. Some people also choose to color-code their boxes with colored labels, allowing you to more easily sort boxes into their respective rooms. Taking these steps will set you up for a more streamlined relocation.
- Forgoing Decluttering
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home, but many people skip this step, bringing unnecessary items to their new place. This can lead to a cluttered and disorganized new home. Before you start packing, take time to sort through your belongings. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. This reduces the volume of items to move and helps you start fresh in your new space. Plus, you can save significant time on packing by eliminating items you do not want or need, creating a much smoother packing process.
Handle Your Upcoming Move with Ease!
Although preparing for a relocation can feel stressful, you can effectively reduce the risk of any issues with the right knowledge. By understanding what mistakes to steer clear of, you can handle your move like an expert, allowing for a streamlined relocation with decreased stress and increased efficiency.
Are you searching for a reliable moving company to make the process even easier? Trust AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage, the Florida Gulf Coast’s reliable movers for over 40 years. Throughout our history, our moving experts have facilitated over 25,000 successful moves in Sarasota, FL, and beyond, empowering our customers to enjoy the perks of a stress-free AAA relocation.
We offer top-rated moving, packing, and storage services, all for competitive prices. Interested in learning more? Request a free quote online or call us today, and discover how AAA Flat Rate can transform your relocation!
