Moving to San Francisco for the first time? To a new neighborhood? To a new home? You must be pretty nervous right now. Well, if you’re not, then that’s good. But chances are, no matter how confident or worried you are about this upcoming relocation, it’s not going to be perfect.
You’ll be making some mistakes. Some of them can be minor enough to ignore. However, things can get messy sometimes and they might break your move. Whether you’re moving interstate or to a different country, moves are always taxing. To help you ensure Check out these seven things you should avoid to guarantee a stress-free move.
1. Not Vetting Your Moving Company
Not vetting your moving company is a sure way to mess up your move. Don’t hire the first moving company you contact or even get the cheapest one. Get a quotation from at least three companies. Make sure that your moving company carries a moving license, right insurance coverage, offers a wide range of services, and has good customer reviews.
2. Not Getting the Right Insurance
Moving your valuables is stressful enough. Getting them damaged during the move is even more stressful. Moving companies have standard insurance coverage that cover your valuables while in transit or while stored in the storage facilities. However, damage from handling by the movers is not covered by Released Value Protection, the usual coverage that your movers provide.
To protect your inventory, check with your insurance provider of the kind of moving insurance to get for your particular needs.
3. Not Updating Your Address and Utility Service Before the Move
Once you have your new address, update your address at least a week before the move for the proper delivery of bills, mails, and packages. Nothing is more annoying than having your packages and bills lost in transit because you forgot to change your address.
Utilities like water and electricity should also follow. Contact your utilities provider for the proper actions in the old and new house before the move.
4. Overstuffing Your Moving Boxes
Your moving boxes have the right capacity. Remember that even professional movers have limitations when moving your boxes. Overstuffing a large moving box with heavy things to save on the number of boxes to use is a big no-no.
Take into consideration the distance and the difficulty of moving your boxes from point A to point B. For example, moving from a ground level apartment to a building with an elevator is a lot easier than moving from the same location to a third-story apartment without elevators.
Pack heavier things in smaller boxes and lighter items into bigger boxes. Also, be sure to label each box according to room. Don’t forget to tape the bottom of your boxes, then seal the top with more packing tape.
5. Not Getting a Sitter for the Kids and Pets
Kids and pets may cause a nuisance or get injured while loading and unloading your things. Hire someone to mind the kids and pets to take care of them away from the rush of the move. If you can’t find someone, block off a room to leave the kids with a few toys to entertain them for a while.
Pets may be left in the yard on a leash or in a room with access to food and water. Delegate older kids to bring the pets outdoors to let them relieve themselves.
6. Not Caring About the Season During the Move
The timing of the move is crucial. According to experts, each season has its pros and cons when scheduling a move. Moving with school-age kids is best during the summer. If you’re planning to sell your house, a summer move is perfect as the price of houses peak during the summer. However, moving rates are more expensive and you’ll have trouble hiring a moving company.
Aside from the season, the day of the week and month should also factor into your decision. Moving during the weekend and during paydays are the worst. Schedule your move during the weekdays in the middle of the month.
7. Not Preparing Well for the Trip
Packing is just half of the equation when relocation. You know you actually have to make the journey to your new home, right? That said, just because your moving company will perform the heavy work doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be responsible in prepping up. Here are some tips on how to stay on top of things before hitting the road:
Wear something comfortable
During the move, wear something comfortable and appropriate for the weather. A good pair of shoes with proper cushion and foot support is essential, especially if you’re driving or have kids in the car.
Pack essentials for the road trip
Pack an overnight bag with the basic essentials for each person in the car – medication, a change of clothes, phone charger, water, snacks, and toys for kids. Have enough cash and keep your debit and credit cards with you at all times.
Prepare a moving checklist
It is also best to have a moving checklist printed or written in a handy notebook that can fit in your purse. List every box and identify each for easier cross-checking before, during, and after the move.
To Conclude
Knowing what to avoid when preparing for or during a move smoothens everything for an uneventful move. You may also hire packers to avoid the unnecessary hassle or if you simply don’t have time to pack your things. Your move, your call!