Moving is a complicated and often stressful process. You must juggle numerous tasks at the same time, and it’s easy to overlook important issues when planning and carrying out a move.
In this article, Auburn Moving & Storage, the top moving service in Sacramento, discusses some costly moving mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Failing To Plan
Without a comprehensive and detailed moving plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by last-minute chaos. In the rush to get things done, unplanned tasks are often overlooked or lead to unnecessary stress.
Solution: Begin planning as soon as possible after you know that a move is going to happen. Create a checklist that covers all essential tasks, from closing and opening utility accounts to a packing timeline and everything else you can think of that will need to get done. Establish and stick to timelines that make sense.
While it might seem like overkill to establish daily to-do lists as part of your moving timeline, rest assured that your work will pay dividends as things get hectic.
Mistake 2: Underestimating Costs
Many times, people overlook the various expenses that arise during the moving process. This is another one of the moving mistakes to avoid to prevent unexpected costs bringing unwanted stress and financial strain.
Solution: Realistic budgeting for your entire move is crucial. Take the necessary steps to fund your budget in advance. Take a broad approach to estimating expenses and build in as much room as possible to avoid shortages at inopportune moments.
Mistake 3: Failing To Declutter Before the Move
It’s frustrating to finish all the work and expense of moving only to realize that you’ve brought things to your new home that you don’t need. People often make the mistake of paying to move items to a new home only to find that they are in the way and need to get rid of them as they have other moving-in tasks to complete.
Solution: Declutter your old home before you start packing anything. Sell, donate, or recycle anything you no longer need and cannot see a use for in your new home. Most people are amazed at how much less burdened they feel during a move when they have gotten rid of things they don’t need.
Mistake 4: Poor Packing
Disorganized and improper packing leads to damaged property and a much more stressful and complicated unpacking process.
Solution: Use proper packing materials. Get the supplies like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape you’ll need in advance. Carefully wrap and pack fragile items. Clearly labeling every box with its contents and the room where it should go inside your new home will ensure it goes to the right place. Make a master inventory list to help better organize unpacking.
Mistake 5: Waiting To Pack
Packing inevitably takes longer than people expect. Rushing to pack things overnight and even as movers arrive is no way to begin moving day.
Solution: Be very realistic when establishing a timeline for packing. The job is often more manageable when it’s broken down room by room. Making small but steady progress is a great way to make packing less rushed.
Mistake 6: Failing To Plan for Unpacking
People often overlook developing a plan for where things will go in their new home. This can result in great confusion and unnecessary work during unpacking, as things go to the wrong rooms. People also sometimes find that large items may not fit where they should or will not fit through doorways or up stairways.
Solution: Ensure you have an accurate floor plan with measurements for your new home. Then, carefully consider where furniture and appliances will go in advance and make sure they will fit where you want them.
Mistake 7: Overlooking Timing Considerations
Picking the wrong time to move can significantly impact how smoothly a move runs. Failure to consider when a move takes place can lead to higher costs and frustration with unavailable services and is one of the easiest moving mistakes to avoid.
Solution: Think about choosing the best time to move, during off-peak times whenever possible. Summer is usually the busiest moving season, and weekend moves can be difficult if there are any last-minute issues with utilities or other contractors.
Pick the best possible time as far ahead as possible and book your preferred dates and times with Auburn Moving & Storage early.
Mistake 8: Forgetting To Pack an Essentials Bag
People sometimes forget to plan for the essential items they will need during and just after their move. This causes unnecessary frustration with unpacking, as people go through boxes hurriedly looking for documents or essential items.
Solution: Set up an essentials bag, or bags, with the things you know you will need during and after the move. Consider what you would take on a week-long vacation and include those items and essential documents or other valuables you will need access to. This reduces stress and allows you to “travel light” while moving.
Mistake 9: Failing To Prepare for Life in a New City
People who move often feel displaced when they land in a new city without being grounded by connections or friends.
Solution: If a move is work-related, there could be a good opportunity to begin early networking with co-workers in a new city. Making new connections after a move isn’t always easy, and joining a club, gym, or church is a common way for people to establish new roots even before they complete a move.
Call on Auburn Moving & Storage for Professional Moving Services
If you have been considering hiring a moving company, consider the professionals at Auburn Moving & Storage your top choice to assist with the entire process from start to finish. Our fully licensed and insured services include short-term and long-term storage options as you complete your permanent move. We’ll be with you to help look out for the moving mistakes to avoid.
Call Auburn Moving & Storage today at (916) 786-8683 or use our online request form for a free estimate for your move and to schedule service.
