Most Common Relocating Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them

Let’s face it- relocating can be a hurricane. Between packing, updating your address, fixing a moving date, and juggling a thousand other things, it’s easy for items to go sideways. Ask anyone about their first relocation, and you will get a laundry list of items they wish they’d done differently. 

We get it! We have compiled the most common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them. 

Skipping the shifting checklist: No matter how much experience you have, you must have a moving checklist. Whether you are moving to a new home or shifting your business, a checklist keeps you on budget and on schedule. 

The best ones break down tasks into pieces, so you always know what’s coming next. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry; we have got you covered with a stepwise checklist that will navigate you through the entire process without missing a bit. 

Not shopping around the quotations: Here’s a mistake that happens way too often: people rush into hiring movers and packers without comparing quotations. We get it- there is a lot more to do, and it feels good to tick something off your list. However different movers provide different rates for the same services, and skipping the comparison step may mean paying more than you must. 

It’s worth investing time to compare quotations from moving companies to find the best rate. To make getting a quotation easy, you can use a free quotation tool. By entering basic information about your relocation, you can get a free, clear, and competitive quotation in just minutes. 

Waiting a long to appoint movers: This is for the procrastinators! Do not wait until the last minute to appoint your movers, especially if you are relocating during peak season. Moving slots tends to fill up faster than you think. Even if you are relocating during the off-season months, fixing your date early provides you with more options- and often better prices. Also, who doesn’t love having one less thing to worry about? 

Dragging too many items: We all have that box of items we have been hauling around from place to place. But here’s the tough truth; not everything needs to come with you. Shifting is the perfect time to de-clutter. Think of it as a new start. 

If you have not touched any items for years or it’s easy to replace, maybe it’s time to let it go. Hosting a sale or donating belongings can even help cover some relocation costs. And trust us, your wallet will thank you when you are not paying to relocate that extra volume. 

What not to pack:

• Old paperwork

• Outdated electronic appliances

• Non-essential or non-used items

• Duplicate items (kitchen)

• And numerous other things

When you are shifting, it’s the perfect time to lighten your consignment load. If you haven’t used something in ages or it’s simple to replace, it’s time to part ways with it. 

Leave behind the items that just occupy space- like outdated gadgets, clothing pieces you haven’t worn, half-used cleaning items, and others you never use. The less you bring, the easier your relocation will be. 

Understanding how many packing materials you will require: Here is a common mistake: running out of boxes mid-pack. It’s simple to underestimate just how many moving supplies you will require- after all, it’s not just about the number of carton boxes. You will also require bubble wrap, packing sheets, duct tape, markers, and probably a few other things you haven’t even thought of. For a small house, you may need at least 30-40 carton boxes. 

For a bigger house? Think over it again! Take inventory and get extra packing materials just in case. Trust us, it’s way better to have more than you need than to be curiously searching for boxes on the day of the move. 

Packing during the last minute: We have done it- waited until the night before a trip to pack everything into a suitcase. Shifting like that? Not advised. Forgetting to pack until the last minute for relocation takes that stress and multiplies it. Get a quick start on packing so that you can do it effectively. Beginning your packing process too late prevents you from being sensible about what comes with you and stays behind. By getting an early beginning, you can pack your valuables with only the items you wish to bring along, instead of everything you were able to keep in a box. 

Packing too soon: On the other side, packing too far in advance can create its own set of challenges. If you box up fewer essentials months ahead of time, you may find yourself digging through these boxes to find everyday items. 

Also, early-packed boxes tend to collect dust and confusion about what’s stored in them. A better approach is to de-clutter first, then focus on packing a few weeks before your relocation. That way, your house stays livable until the day of the move. 

Labeling boxes before packing them up: Pre-labeling boxes sound like you are ahead of the process, but it often leads to more confusion when you begin to unpack things. You think you are being organized, but when you are unpacking and can’t remember what you actually packed and where it all is, it turns into chaos. 

Rather, label your boxes after they have packed so you know exactly what’s kept inside. It will save you from stress when you are settling into your new home. 

Not choosing the transit insurance: Moving insurance may seem like an extra expense, but it’s one you shouldn’t skip. Even if your movers offer basic coverage, it may not be enough for precious items. A little extra investment in insurance can offer you peace of mind, knowing that your prized valuables are safeguarded. 

Not packing the personal items: It is simple to get caught in the moving mess and forget about the essential supplies. But don’t make the mistake of leaving your personal belongings behind. You will want quick access to things like clothing pieces, medications, and essential documents. Pack a bag of must-haves and keep it with you. 

The End Note: Planning to relocate? Let the professional packers and movers take the stress off your shoulders. They provide a complete range of services, from packing to rearranging things; they will do everything without a hitch.