The process of packing your family’s entire life, placing it into a myriad of cardboard boxes, and transporting everything across town can be a very hectic process. In addition to the moving day itself, there are the logistics concerning pets, valuables, children, address changes, and more.

If you want all your belongings to arrive safely at their destination, it can be more than useful to hire a moving company that works to deliver quality results in a safe, effective manner. Check their review to ensure the overall feedback from past clientele is positive.

Although you could hire a moving service to pack your belongings, most people choose to do that part themselves. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of moving tips to help you avoid any unnecessary headaches on the big day.

Common moving mistakes

Now it’s time to take a look at a few common moving mistakes that you should avoid. Doing (or not doing) these things are guaranteed to help your next residential move go more smoothly and help the whole process be just a little bit less stressful. And that’s something we all need.

Here is the list of common moving mistakes:

Not planning ahead

The initial and crucial step to successful packing is meticulous planning. Unfortunately, some individuals neglect this essential aspect and dive into packing haphazardly. To prevent wasting time and resources, it’s imperative to establish a well-thought-out strategy for packing your belongings. Take the time to make mental notes or jot down your packing game plan. Decide where to commence packing, whether it’s the living room or kitchen, identify items for disposal, and outline how you intend to pack. Ideally, start planning at least a month before your moving date to allow ample time for selecting appropriate packing materials.

Not getting enough supplies

Another common mistake homeowners make is underestimating the amount of packing materials required. Picture this scenario: you’ve taken time off work to begin packing, only to discover that you’ve run out of packing tape or boxes due to poor planning. This predicament often arises when a proper plan is absent. To avoid such inconveniences, calculate the number of boxes needed for your possessions accurately. When determining which packing supplies to purchase, ensure you procure a sufficient quantity or even extras as a precautionary measure.

Not using a moving checklist

Whether you prefer recording tasks in a physical notebook or digitally entering them, it’s vital to maintain a comprehensive moving checklist. The moving process involves numerous simultaneous activities, and relying on memory, especially during stressful times, is ill-advised. Create detailed checklists covering various aspects of your move, such as what items to pack and necessary travel arrangements for long-distance relocations. As you complete each task, check it off your list. This method will not only give you a sense of accomplishment but also ensure that nothing is overlooked on the final day when you vacate your old home.

Started packing too late

The stress and chaos that comes with an ill-prepared move should be enough to motivate anyone to get started ASAP when it comes to packing. Unfortunately, many people avoid this vital task until the last second. Failing to plan properly and box your things appropriately can lead to an organizational disaster. From loading your belongings into the truck to finding where it is at the new place, packing punctually will help to save a lot of headaches and wasted time.

You can best avoid this issue by simply starting early. Once everything is in place to relocate to a new abode, start putting together a list and begin gathering boxes shortly thereafter. Even if it feels excessively early, placing rarely used items into boxes throughout your house can help to save hours of effort when you’re pressed for time.

Packing too much

Whether people realize it or not, they tend to collect large numbers of possessions over time. The moving process often helps to declutter the excess items you don’t need, but for people who have been in one locale for a long time, extra efforts will be needed before moving day.

One effective way of minimizing the clutter in your life is to get rid of the stuff that you do not need. From garage sales to donations, anyone needing to offload their extra junk can do so in ways that either earn extra gas money or help the less fortunate. Doing so will take a great weight off your mind when it comes to moving logistics. Since you will not need to worry about packing and moving the extra stuff that is not needed, you will end up saving time and money in the process.

Not labeling the boxes

Effective box labeling greatly simplifies the unpacking process and minimizes stress. You don’t need to itemize the contents of each box; instead, provide brief descriptions of the items inside and indicate their intended locations in your new residence. For instance, label your moving boxes with specific categories, like “kitchen utensils” or “winter clothes.” Thorough labeling facilitates efficient organization in your new home. It is essential to use permanent markers for labeling to ensure readability for movers.

Failure to set a budget

While it’s impossible to predict moving costs down to the last cent, it’s prudent to estimate the overall expenses involved in your move. This is especially crucial if you are working within a specific budget range. Experiencing sticker shock after the move is a common occurrence, but it can be mitigated by conducting preliminary research to determine your comfort zone in terms of expenditure and the necessary budget allocation.

Not decluttering in advance

Decluttering is not only essential for maintaining organization but also critical if you are moving to a smaller or differently configured space. Even if you’re relocating to a larger residence, it is probable that you no longer require or want some of your current belongings. A frequent moving oversight is packing items you intend to discard or donate upon arrival at your new destination. Hosting a garage or yard sale before leaving your old home is a sensible approach adopted by many to streamline the moving process. However you choose to do it, getting rid of things you don’t need in advance is a great hack.

Waiting too long to book the movers

According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, just over 40 million Americans move each year. So waiting to book a moving company can be disastrous. If your move falls during the peak moving season, securing movers well in advance is imperative to secure your preferred moving date. Even during off-peak periods, like holidays or winter, early mover booking is advisable. Booking movers as soon as you confirm your moving plans provides you with a broader range of scheduling options and ensures competitive rates.

 

Packing valuables improperly

Properly protecting your valuables is paramount. Whether you need additional bubble wrap for fragile items or secure storage for jewelry and precious belongings, investing time in learning the correct packing techniques is worthwhile. For irreplaceable items, consider seeking advice from professional movers, who can offer valuable tips on safeguarding your possessions. They possess expertise in handling such matters, and their input can help ensure your belongings reach their destination in pristine condition.

Neglecting to change your address

To facilitate a seamless transition during your move, it is essential to notify the post office of your new address in advance. The United States Postal Service provides a convenient process for mail forwarding. Simply complete the change-of-address form on their website, specifying the date you wish to commence mail delivery at your new residence. This simple procedure takes only a few minutes and significantly reduces potential hassles.

Simultaneously, contact your utility company to arrange for the discontinuation of services, such as electricity, at your previous address. By taking these steps, you can avoid unnecessary utility bill payments after you have vacated your former home.

Making Pet Arrangements

As our previous blogs have noted, it can be difficult to properly prepare for moving homes with your furry relatives in tow. In the chaos of making preparations with dutiful friends and packing everything into cardboard confines, some Coloradans forget where and how to move their pets. Remember, as always, to plan out in advance this phase, making arrangements with relatives or trusted comrades. Adequate space is needed for kennels, beds, and the pet’s possessions in order to help with a stress-free move. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and getting the pets into their new place without anxiety will pay off for everyone in the end.

Accounting For House Plants

Similar to your domestic animals, the tamed plant life in your home will also need to be accounted for before starting the moving process. Beyond the physical considerations, certain varieties of plants may not be allowed at your new homestead, especially if it crosses state lines. Even if all the packing is done precisely, it won’t matter if they can’t get to the new place!

Packing and transporting plant life can be done by your moving company if certain conditions are met. Many people take on the task themselves, putting in the effort to get their greenery safely to the new home. The act of moving a plant creates a set of unique logistical demands that will be unique to each individual. A few main points would include:

  • Load the plants last, minimizing time in the car.
  • Keep your plants out of the trunk if at all possible.
  • Ensure all plants will remain upright during transport.
  • Keep the temperature and sunlight in the car controlled.
  • Be sure the plants are not watered shortly before leaving and do not water them until you reach the new destination (distance pending).

Forgetting To Take Measurements

Part of the planning process should include taking measurements at your new and old residences. Furniture is often larger than we remember, and getting that awkward recliner through the front door may present a challenge. Doorway sizes may change, as well as stairs and landings. Planning your move will help to visualize this intense process as well.

Hiring a professional moving company can prove useful in limiting much of the stress and sweat involved with large items. Beyond our control, though, are the limitations placed on your furniture by the new abode. Measuring your space before the moving truck arrives is a big step in avoiding three-dimensional headaches later.

Packing Prohibited Items

Your local moving company will be more than happy to move a majority of your possessions in a safe and efficient manner, but some items simply cannot be moved. In many cases, firearms, high valuables, and hazardous substances will not be accepted. This is done for both the safety of our residential movers as well as the safety of your property. Be sure to discuss exactly what is or isn’t allowed on the truck and make arrangements accordingly. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a box of chemicals and batteries with nowhere to put them!

Forgetting The Essentials

The day of your move will no-doubt be hectic. Our home movers will be happy to minimize the stress of the process, but it will fall on you to prepare your survival kit for the first 24 hours. Everything from soap to deodorant to even cash for takeout food will help to make the transition as smooth as possible. Inhalers, medication, and your kid’s needed nightlight are all part of the daily process, and avoiding disruptions will only lead to a smoother move and more high fives once all is said and done.

Moving mistake summary

There are many mistakes that can be made when moving to your new place. Working to avoid these costly errors can help to make the process much more enjoyable. Ok, maybe not enjoyable, but definitely less stressful.

Anyone looking for a seamless transition can benefit from hiring the local moving company of choice for many residents and businesses in Colorado. Abe Lincoln Movers is here to provide top-notch residential moving in the Denver area and beyond.

We deliver quality results each and every time. Contact us today to reserve our professional movers for your place.