There’s no other way to put it – moving is stressful. In fact, moving is listed as one of the top stressors that a person can experience in a lifetime right along with divorce, loss of a job, or loss of a loved one. Make your next move easier by considering these four common moving mistakes and how to avoid them!
Unnecessary Items
While you might not fall in to hoarding territory, you are also probably not a minimalist when it comes to all your stuff. If you are faced with an upcoming move, you don’t need to face the additional stress of packing, transporting, and unpacking items you don’t need or use. So, before you pack, spend a few days going through your home and identify items that you haven’t used in a while. Take photos of sentimental items that you no longer need and donate or sell anything that you no longer want or use.
Choose a Cheap Moving Company
If you decide to go with a moving company rather than doing the move on your own, don’t just go with the cheaper option. All too often, clients deal with cheap moving companies that prove to be unreliable or refuse to reimburse people for any damage caused by the move. However, a lot of tools are available to help you make the best choice. Online customer reviews and audit data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are just a couple of ways to thoroughly research moving companies.
Not Taking Inventory
Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at your new home and realizing that you have no idea what is inside any of the boxes. Making an inventory list of what you’re putting in each box, however, will save you this headache. Number the boxes and label their contents, as well as what room of your new house they should go. Making an inventory list will save time when you unpack and help you ensure that the movers did not leave anything behind.
Forgetting an Essentials Box
Even if you have the best intentions and an efficient moving plan, unpacking everything is not going to happen in one day. Remember to pack a box or suitcase that contains everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. Items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, medicine, snacks, pajamas, linens, and pet food are a few necessary items that you might forget that you will need immediately. And don’t forget a pair of scissors to open all those boxes!
