10 Common Mistakes in Residential Moves and How to Avoid Them
According to USPS data, approximately 84% of U.S. residents moved last year. One common reason for this is due to the need for a new place to live. Others include buying or selling a house.
Moving homes is never an easy process, and there is a boom-range of mistakes in residential moves. From packing all your precious belongings to cleaning your new home, you’ll most likely start sweating at the thought of the stress involved.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce stress and hassle. When mistakes happen during moving, it’s often unclear and confusing, and it can be too late by the time you’ll realize you made an error.
To help you out, we’ve created a guide outlining 10 common mistakes and how to get them fixed before they cost you. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Misuse of Packing Supplies
When moving to new homes, a common mistake is a misuse of packing supplies. People might use too many boxes, resulting in more time and energy than necessary.
One should cut the number of boxes they use, to save time and energy. The fewer boxes you use, the easier it is to maneuver them around and move them into the new home.
It is also important to recognize problems before they happen. Heavy items should be in smaller boxes, as larger boxes tend to be too heavy to carry. Make sure everything is with bubble wrap, newspaper, or foam cushions, to prevent items from rattling and breaking.
2. Packing Too Much
Packing too much is a common mistake in the residential moving process. Not only does it take longer to pack and unpack more items, but it also increases the risk of breakage, too.
Some people may take things that they no longer use but think might be useful down the line, or objects of sentimental value that may not be practical but they feel they should keep. Overpacking results in too many boxes that may be too heavy to move and too many items to store in the new home.
To avoid packing too much, do a thorough purge before the move begins by donating, selling, or recycling items that are no longer in use. Pack room-by-room, only taking essential items and keeping needed items near the front of boxes. Ask yourself if you need certain items, or if you can discard them with the help of a donation center or recycling facility.
3. Failing to Label Boxes
Not labeling boxes can lead to a lot of time wasted digging through boxes to find items once the move is complete. It will be difficult and time-consuming to figure out where everything is or which items go in which room once the move is complete.
To avoid this mistake, make sure that labels are for each box before packing for moves. This should include the room in which items belong and a brief description of the box’s contents. Doing this will save time when unpacking, as well as prevent any issues with lost items.
Additionally, make the labels readable and printed clearly. Labeling with markers or permanent markers will ensure that it will last and be readable. It’s also important to remember to label all boxes before packing or moving.
4. Allotting Insufficient Preparation Time
Allotting insufficient preparation time can lead to complications during the move due to the lack of planning, such as not having enough boxes and packing materials, or not sorting and packing belongings ahead of time. To avoid making this mistake, it is important to set aside enough time to prepare for the move.
Start by creating a thorough checklist of everything that needs. If needed, you can segment the list and assign tasks to each individual involved to ensure that everything is done.
Secondly, set aside enough time to pack all your belongings and unpack them in your new home. Lastly, plan for time for last-minute contingencies and unexpected events that may occur.
5. Overlooking the Need for Timely Maintenance
Maintenance is an important part of keeping up a home. Not only is it necessary to keep a property in good condition, but it can also save you large money on expensive repairs later on. This requires periodic checks, cleaning, and replacements to avoid costly repairs and hazards down the road.
To avoid this, schedule regular maintenance of your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as checking your appliances and appliances’ batteries are functional and in working condition. You should also dedicate time to fresh paint, cleaning carpets, and scrubbing surfaces. Stock up on all necessary moving supplies, from boxes to bubble wraps to furniture protectors, to ensure a safe and successful move.
6. Poor Planning
Not taking ample time to plan every step and account for potential problems can lead to chaos and frustration as the move date approaches. People also get busy and stressed and often neglect to take time to plan.
To avoid making this mistake, it’s important to begin planning at least several weeks in advance. Have a checklist of all tasks and start organizing everything well before the move date.
Make a list of all the items, create a budget, research the packing of materials, and reserve a moving van in advance. Forward your mail and update your contact information. If it’s practical and workable to do so, visit the new house ahead of time.
7. Failing to Research the Moving Company
There are many details to look after when preparing for a move. However, to avoid any issues during your move, it is essential to research if it is the best long distance moving company or not.
To avoid making this common mistake, there are a few steps one should take when researching a moving company. Doing so can help ensure the safety of your belongings and the reliability of the services they offer.
Take the time to read online reviews of the company before signing a contract. This will give you an idea of the general opinion of past customers.
Ask for references from the moving company and check if the company is licensed and insured by the Department of Transportation. Make sure to get everything in writing before signing the contract.
8. Underestimating the Amount of Labor
Underestimating the amount of labor involved with options for moving services can lead to problems when relocating residential homes. Individuals complete much of the work themselves, often underestimating the time involved.
To avoid this common mistake, creating a thorough plan for the move is important. Start by identifying what items to bring, as well as where they need to go.
Develop a timeline outlining when items will be packed, transported, and stored. Set milestones that must be accomplished to plan the move. Establish a strategy for dealing with last-minute tasks, and create an inventory list of items.
9. Skipping Ahead of Paying Documents
Skipping ahead of filing important documents can lead to a variety of problems. This includes dealing with debt collectors and legal troubles.
To avoid this situation, be sure to always check back in with the moving company about the payment process. It is important to ensure that all documents and payments are received.
Make sure to keep track and follow up in time, so you can finish the move and not fall behind. Have all the necessary documents at hand and be aware of any paperwork that needs to be signed by both the moving company and the homeowner to move on to the next step. Be proactive in getting in touch with the company and double-check before accepting the move.
10. Ignoring Professional and Saving Advice
Ignoring professional and saving advice when going through residential moves can be a huge mistake. Many move-related issues arise due to poor planning.
Professional movers will know the best approach to ensuring safety and avoiding costly damages or losses. They can provide advice on proper packing materials, securing furniture and items, and transport logistics.
It is important to follow the advice of a professional when going through a residential move. The savings from availing of professional services such as packing and transporting costs can far outweigh moving costs. Knowing the right methods to secure, maneuver, and protect furniture and items according to their size, shape, and fragility can go a long way in ensuring a successful move.
Avoid Mistakes in Residential Moves
In conclusion, when making a residential move, it is important to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. This can be stressful, labor-intensive, and error-prone. It’s important to take the time to research, plan, and double-check every detail of your move.
Moving doesn’t have to be a chaotic hassle. Remember to always book a reputable and experienced mover, get insurance, inspect for damages, and make backup plans for essential items. With a bit of preparation and careful planning, you can avoid mistakes in residential moves and have a stress-free process.
If you are looking for more tips for your move, be sure to check us out.
