Are you and your family getting ready to make a big move across the country? Are you sure that you’re organizing and preparing everything in the best way?
Relocating your family and all of your belongings is no easy feat. Making mistakes with long-distance moves can cause even more stress.
In the past year, the number of United States long-distance moves increased. Out of those many relocations, a lot of other families made mistakes that you should do your best to avoid for an easy move.
Fortunately, this article can help you ensure your transition is a smooth one. Keep reading to learn about seven common moving mistakes you need to prevent.
1. Not Budgeting Enough Money
Long-distance moves can require a lot of money upfront, not to mention unexpected costs along the way. You need to be prepared so you don’t run out of money before your move is done.
You can do this by making a sensible, padded budget. To make a sufficient budget for your move, you need to think about all the things you might need to pay for. These things include packing materials, transportation costs, and lodging.
2. Failing to Plan Early
Another key strategy to remember is that you need to give yourself enough time to get everything done. This means organizing, packing, and coordinating with movers well in advance.
You need to make a list of all the things you need to do first. Then, schedule them according to when you need to do them to make the move as easy as possible. This can help you stay on track and not forget anything.
This also means coordinating with any movers you hire. Be crystal clear on when you should expect them to pick things up and then deliver them at the new location.
Waiting until the last minute to plan your move can lead to mistakes and stress. You may forget something important or not have enough time to pack everything properly. By planning your move well in advance, you can avoid these problems and make your move go more smoothly.
3. Not Hiring Reputable Movers
When you hire movers, don’t decide to work with just anyone. Choosing the wrong moving company can be a significant mistake. You want to make sure you pick a company that is reliable and experienced.
Hiring a shady or inexperienced moving company can lead to problems. Avoid those businesses to prevent damaged belongings or missed deadlines.
Start with some thorough research. This means looking at different moving companies and reading reviews from other customers. You can also ask friends or family members if they have any recommendations.
When you find a moving company you like, get a quote. This is an estimate of how much it will cost to move your stuff. In fact, get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices.
It’s also important to make sure the moving company is licensed and insured. This means they have the proper credentials to do the job and can provide insurance for moving in case something goes wrong.
4. Overpacking Boxes
While it may be tempting to cram as much as possible into each box, packing for moves like this can lead to problems. For one thing, overpacked boxes are more likely to break.
If a box is too heavy or stuffed too full, it can easily break or tear, causing damage to your belongings. Rather, they can rub against each other and cause scratches or other damage.
Finally, overpacked boxes can be too heavy to move safely. This can make it difficult for you or your movers to lift and move the boxes without causing injury or damage.
5. Not Labeling Well
Labeling your boxes is an important task when you’re packing for a move. It may seem unnecessary, but it can save you time and stress when it’s time to unpack.
By labeling each box with its contents, you’ll know what’s inside without having to open it up. This also makes it easier for you or your movers to know where to put each box when you arrive at your new home.
Further, be sure to label any boxes with fragile items. This will remind you or your movers to handle those boxes with care. This reduces the risk of damage to your things.
6. Not Informing the Important Parties
Certain parties need to know about your move ahead of time, so don’t forget this crucial step. These parties include your bank, utility companies, and insurance providers.
Notifying them of your new address is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that you receive important bills and mail at your new home. If you don’t update your address, you could miss these notices or other vital correspondence.
Second, updating your address helps prevent identity theft. If someone gets ahold of your mail after you move, they could use it to steal your identity. Reduce the risk of this happening by officially registering with your new address immediately.
7. Failing to Plan for the Unexpected
Long-distance moves can be unpredictable. There are several reasons you need to plan for potential delays and complications.
One potential complication is bad weather. This is especially critical if you’re moving during a time of year when bad weather is common, such as winter or hurricane season. In these circumstances, you may experience delays due to road closures or flight cancellations.
Traffic is another potential source of delay. If you’re moving to a city or area with heavy traffic, you may need to plan for extra time to get to your new home.
Avoiding Mistakes With Long-Distance Moves
At this point, you and your family have some work ahead of you to prepare for your move. Putting in the effort to prevent these mistakes with long-distance moves is worthwhile, though.
In addition, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our blog articles to make the most of your new life in your new home. Subscribe to our blog now to continue investing in the overall quality of life for yourself and your family.
