Moving can be quite stressful. You only have a few weeks to pack, hire a moving company, and fix the little nitty-gritty such as changing your address. The average American moves approximately 12 times throughout their life. With so much to cover, your move can very quickly become chaotic. Here are six pitfalls you need to avoid to ensure you enjoy a smooth transition to your new home.
1. Settling on a DIY Move
While it may sound attractive to organize for a moving truck and drive off to your new location, it may not be the wisest decision. With heavy furniture and fragile belongings, your best bet would be to hire moving services. Besides, the skilled packers can show you how to wrap your piano and help you take down your chandelier.
2. Not Researching Your Movers
A common mistake among many homeowners is to skip through their search for local moving companies. You need to do your homework and dig deeper into the operations of the moving company. Are they licensed? What is their rating on the Better Business Bureau? What do past clients say above their services? Finding professional movers can make moving easier and less stressful.
3. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
Most homeowners forget that moving services have a ‘busy season,’ which usually lasts from late spring to late summer. With over 31 million Americans moving each year, you may need to book your slot early enough. Pick a suitable moving date and book your movers at least four months prior.
4. Not Planning Your Packing
Proper planning on the homeowner’s part plays a huge role in the success of moving. It would help if you created a checklist with timelines for activities you should do. Avoid starting to pack too late, as it may result in blunders during the actual move. Set enough time to sort through your items and place them into the right boxes. Tick off your list as the moving date approaches.
5. Forgetting to Label Your Boxes
With boxes piling everywhere, pressure mounting from the movers, it can be tempting just to stuff all items and tape the boxes. While it may sound convenient at first, it will spell trouble later when you can’t find specific items. You can opt for different labeling styles, including numbers, color coding, colored tapes, and sticky notes.
6. Failing to Declutter
Some homeowners find it hard to detach themselves from some of their items, which leads to them moving into the new home with a lot of clutter. As you make your move, let it be a new chapter in your life. Let go of any items that are not important to you. You can offer them as a gift, sell them at a garage sale or donate to charitable organizations. If you still have vital items that you would not wish to lose, you can opt to rent a storage unit.
You will need to consider several factors to ensure that your transition to your new home is flawless. Avoiding these six mistakes can reduce headaches during the actual move. If you have any questions about moving or moving services, feel free to consult Delaware Moving and Storage.