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 follow our advice and avoid these moving mistakes to avoid a disaster.
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 moving mistakes 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 unpack, 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 is 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 and disorganize the box contents to find what you are looking for.
Avoid this moving mistake 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.
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 and is another moving mistake to avoid. When you pack in a rush, items can get damaged. Also, when you are in a rush it is easy to shove items into a box that might not go together in your new space. 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 – you are doing yourself a disservice. Labeling boxes makes it easy to know what you have and where things will go in your new home. Plus, if there is an essential item 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 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.
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 can 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. Here at Pretty Neat, we love helping our clients with move management services and helping them avoid moving mistakes to make their move easier. Want even more moving tips? Read this blog.
Contact us today to see how we can help take the stress of your move off you.