Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming event. Yes, a move can be a lot to manage, but giving yourself enough time to prep and coordinate is key! Regardless of if it’s your first move, or you are a seasoned relocator – you can avoid a moving disaster by steering clear of these common mistakes.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Packing Everything
If you have been in your home for a long time, chances are there are a lot of things inside. One of the worst things you can do while moving is pack everything. We always recommend decluttering first.
Not only will decluttering help you to cut down on the number of items you have to pack up and transport to your new location, but it will also help you cut down on the moving costs. Not to mention, it will also cut down the time you will spend unpacking your new home. Do yourself a favor and start decluttering 2 or 3 months before your move.
Packing Too Early
Moving can be exciting and it’s easy to want to get the process started, but packing items too soon can be a headache. What if you need that item you already packed away? Now you will have to go sort through boxes, rip tape, and disorganize the box contents to find what you are looking for.
Avoid this by only packing up non-essential items early on. If you are eager to pack, start with items you rarely use like out-of-season clothes, sports gear, holiday decor, or kitchenware that are rarely used.
Packing Too Late
It’s easy to procrastinate on packing since it is such a daunting task, but leaving packing to the last minute can cause bigger problems down the road. When you are in a hurry to pack, items are more likely to get damaged. Also, when you are in a rush it is easy to shove items into a box that might not go together or even be stored in the same room. While it might not seem like a big deal at the moment when it comes time to unpack you could have a real mess on your hands.
You Didn’t Label Your Boxes
Marking boxes as “fragile” is one thing, but if you aren’t labeling your boxes by what’s inside or at the very least, labeling what room the contents belong in – you are doing yourself a disservice. Labeling boxes make it easy to know where things will go once they get transported to your new home. Plus, if there is an item that got packed away that you end up needing, you can easily locate it, without having to unpack everything else in the process.
You Didn’t Create an Essentials Bag
There are some things you are going to need at your fingertips that you don’t want to pack away. That’s where an essentials bag comes in. Use a suitcase and pack a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, first aid kit, chargers, and pet foods to name a few essentials. Pack items that you will most likely need your first day or two at your new home so you have those accessible once you move.
You Underestimated Your DIY Move
It’s not impossible to move on your own – it’s just a LOT of work. Maybe you don’t have friends or family around that can help, or you are on a tight deadline. If you are feeling over your head while moving, it’s important you ask for help! Moving companies are trained and insured to move your items efficiently and safely. You can also hire a Professional Organizer to help you declutter prior to your move, help you manage the day of the move, and even unpack you when you arrive at your new location.
Contact us today to see how we can help take the stress of your move off you.
Grab Our Moving Made Easy Guide
Want even more moving tips? Download our guide for a plan to tackle the day with ease and efficiency, plus a checklist of things you don’t want to forget.
