1. Thinking It Will Be Easy
If you’ve made a big move before, chances are you have your own list of things you’ll make sure to do differently this time around. Experience is a fantastic teacher, but remember that there are always more mistakes to be made. There will always be something that goes wrong. And chances are, the things you think will fix all the problems you had last time will come with new problems of their own.
Moving is hard. Starting there can help you feel less frustrated and angry when something doesn’t go the way you planned.
2. Not Taking Inventory
Know what you have and where it is. This simple idea will save a lot of time, frustration, and even lost property.
Having an inventory list of everything you’re moving will not only help give you a sense of how much space your stuff takes up and how big a moving truck you’ll need, it will help you make sure everything made it when you’re at the other end and help you hold the moving company responsible for losing or damaging anything.
As part of the inventory process, number your boxes and document what’s in each one. It makes the unpacking process easier, but it’s really crucial if you’re paying a moving company to transport your things. You need to be able to make sure that everything made it, and a numbering system makes it that much easier to tell if a box isn’t there.
As an added bonus, having an inventory is very handy when you go to get homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for your new place.
3. Not Having Back-up Storage Options At Your Destination.
One of the worst things that can go wrong in a move is thinking you have a place to put your things, and having the plan fall through. Maybe the moving truck can’t navigate into the self-storage facility, maybe there are unexpected issues in your new home, or maybe your closing date gets moved.
Save yourself the stress of having to deal with the problem in the moment in an unfamiliar place. Know what options are in the area before you get there, and have business hours and phone numbers handy.
4. Not Researching Your Moving Company
If you decide to hire a moving company, do your homework. Choose one with a high rating from the BBB and find out about others’ experiences. Ask friends and family for their experiences and recommendations.
No move is perfect, but if you haven’t thoroughly checked out the company you’re hiring to pack and/or move your belongings, you could be in for lost or damaged property, late arrivals, broken promises, extra fees, and a whole lot of extra stress.
A big move is a big deal, and it seems that things almost never go exactly as planned. Remember that there are always things beyond our control. But if you avoid these mistakes and get as much help and advice as possible, you’ll be in good shape.
