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11 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 03 July 2018 10:53
11 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

Whether you’re going next door or across the country, moving is a hectic process. On top of the bittersweet feelings that come with saying goodbye to your former home, you have to complete what may feel like hundreds of moving-related tasks. In this overwhelming process, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cause a lot of stress down the road.

 

If you steer clear of the eleven mistakes on this list, moving day will be a breeze! Plus, you’ll finally be able to leave that frantic “I must be forgetting something” feeling behind and focus on settling into your new home.

 

Just avoid the slip-ups below, and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free move.  

 

1. Not having a moving checklist

 

Moving requires the completion of dozens and dozens of tasks, and if you have no idea where to begin, you’ll probably do everything last minute. That’s the recipe for a moving disaster. So, before anything else, find yourself a moving checklist. This will help guide you through every phase of the moving process, one to-do at a time. Checklist in hand, you’ll be stress-free and excited to move into your new home.  

 

2. Not hiring the right moving company

 

If you make this mistake, you could end up losing belongings, paying an inflated rate, or much worse. Since this is one of your most important moving decisions, take time to find a reputable and reliable moving company.  As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to request quotes from at least three moving companies to make sure you’re getting the best rate and appropriate service for your move. Check for proper licensing and insurance, and don’t forget to book early. As soon as you know you are moving, start your hunt for your moving company. Better early, than late, especially if it’s during the months of May through August — prime moving season.  

 

3. Waiting too long to schedule utilities and Wi-Fi

 

You pushed off the dreaded phone calls to your utility companies and Wi-Fi provider, and now you won’t have Wi-Fi or cable, or maybe even electricity, on move-in day. To steer clear of this moving mistake and overall unpleasant situation, call the providers for both your new and old home at least three weeks in advance. Schedule shut-off of your current utilities for one day after move-out and schedule activation of utilities for one day before move-in if you have access to the home in advance. Do the same for your Wi-Fi, and your move-in day will be far more enjoyable.

 

4. Not downsizing or purging

 

Have you ever regretted having tons of boxes to unload, only to realize after you move that at least five of those boxes were full of items you don’t even want? That’s why you should purge and downsize before your move. Packing is the perfect opportunity to purge your belongings. Take time to sort through everything you own before you pack it up. Take unwanted items to a donation center, and if you need to, purchase replacements after your move. Moving with less belongings will also make your move less expensive, since you’re moving with less boxes.

 

5. Not making an inventory list

 

Packing is the perfect opportunity to take inventory of everything you own. Create a spreadsheet, download an app, or make a pen-and-paper list. This list will come in handy for making insurance claims, ensuring your movers didn’t lose any of your belongings in transit, and double-checking that you don’t leave anything behind.

 

6. Forgetting about insurance

 

Whether you’re leasing an apartment or purchasing a house, chances are that you need insurance before you move. Check what exactly is required with your real estate agent or building management. Then, plan ahead, because getting the best policy for your needs can take some time. You don’t want to worry about this at the last minute!

 

7. Waiting to pack until the last minute

 

It might sound harmless, but this mistake can make an already stressful week unbearable. Remember, during moving week, you’ll likely be deep cleaning both your old and new homes, making arrangements for movers, children, and pets, and planning how to get your couch through your doorway. It’s a bad idea to wait until the week of your move to figure out how to fit your entire closet into a couple of suitcases. Start packing early, and you might even find you enjoy the process.

 

8. Not creating an organizational system for your boxes

 

If you’ve moved before, you probably know how easy it is to forget which box has your favorite t-shirt, and which has your frying pan. Unfortunately, not knowing what items are in what boxes means that if something goes missing, it might take you weeks to find it. To avoid this moving mistake, create an organizational system for your boxes. Whether it’s as simple as colored tape assigned to each room, or as complicated as QR codes linked to an app, some sort of system is always better than no system.

 

9. Putting the wrong items on the moving truck

 

Before you start packing, make sure you know which items shouldn’t go on your moving truck. Plan to personally move items like cleaning supplies, fire extinguishers, perishable food, and plants. You should also plan to move sentimental and valuable items yourself. Though some moving companies may take these, you can only be certain that valuable items won’t be damaged or lost if you move them yourself.

 

10. Not packing an open-first box

 

Picture this: it’s your first night in your new home, and all you want is a hot shower, a pillow, and a long night’s sleep. Unfortunately, you quickly realize you’ll have to open every single box in order to find your shower curtain and pillowcase. To avoid this moving mistake, pack and clearly label first-night necessities in an open-first box. Store it in an easy-to-find spot during moving day and you’ll be ready for a relaxing first night in your new home.

 

11. Not ordering a pizza, tipping your movers, and celebrating after move-in!


Finally, you’re all moved in. Don’t make the mistake of calling it a day too quickly, though. Have cash on hand to tip your movers, and most importantly, to order pizza for yourself and everyone that helped out. And remember, whether you make these moving mistakes or not, a new home is always cause for celebration!

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Jenna Weinerman

Jenna is the Head of Marketing at Updater, the nation’s leading relocation technology company that simplifies the way Americans move. With more than 10 years of combined experience in marketing, business development, corporate communications, events, public relations and social media, Jenna provides broad tactical and strategic value across multiple teams.

 

Through Jenna’s extensive background and activism in the relocation industry, she has quickly become a leading innovator in today’s real estate tech market. Jenna is on the Board of Directors for the relocation industry’s nonprofit, Move For Hunger, and is the Communications Officer in the American Moving & Storage Association’s (AMSA) Young Professionals group, 40 Below. Outside of the relocation industry, Jenna is a Mentee in the renowned professional development group, WOMEN In America and frequently speaks and lectures at universities to prospective high-growth startup marketers.


www.updater.com
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