Common Mistakes by First-Time Movers

A move can be a stressful experience in your life. The stress of moving, along with the almost endless planning that goes into moving, can lead to mistakes.

Even though you can manage some mistakes, a few can result in unnecessary expenses and complications for your move. Therefore, you should understand the most common moving mistakes that can negatively affect your relocation and how to avoid them. Read on to discover some common mistakes to avoid when moving. 

Failure to Research Moving Companies

Before you commit to a contract, you should thoroughly check your moving company. Researching potential moving companies is a crucial step of the moving process that first-time movers often overlook.

To avoid frauds and scams, avoid hiring the first moving company you come across. Researching your movers is only possible with proper planning at least a month before you move. Go over quotes from multiple companies. Take your time, and check their licensure and online reviews to find one that is legitimate and best meets your needs.

No Checklist

Moving can be chaotic and overwhelming without a proper way to track completed tasks. No matter how much experience you may have in relocation, a checklist is a must. When preparing your checklist, you want an inventory of all items moving and things you want to get rid of.

If you are moving a long distance, the checklist helps keep track of boxes and family belongings. Always keep a checklist to stay on top of things and avoid unnecessary surprises on your moving day.

No Insurance

Moving without insurance is a major mistake by homeowners looking to cut costs. However, moving insurance isn't something you want to skimp on because accidents can happen anytime. You want to ensure you have insurance, especially when moving cross-country or internationally. Moving insurance gives you that extra confidence just in case of any mishaps during transit.

Often, moving companies offer accompanying insurance packages with varying coverage levels. However, you want to check with your home insurance for additional policies on household items in transit before you consult your movers' insurance.

Moving insurance is worth considering depending on the value and distance you are moving. Plan ahead because insurers will need your household list and value before your move date.

Unlabeled Boxes

Failure to plan for the unpacking process is a common mistake. With unlabeled label boxes, you will waste a lot of time and energy in your new house looking for specific items and locating where the boxes should go. 

Labels are also essential for organizing items because movers stack the boxes on each other inside the moving vehicle. Labels on every side of your boxes will help you quickly recognize and categorize them.

Label your boxes with their content and how your movers should handle them before sealing them. You can label your boxes using color-coded packing tape to show the destination floor and room. 

Forget to Pack an Essentials Bag

An inexperienced mover will often make this moving day mistake of forgetting to pack personal luggage. Without personal luggage, you may keep yourself and your family from having access to vital medication and essential documents buried within the boxes.

When you finally unload items to your new house, you can't possibly unpack everything in one day. Your essentials luggage should contain clothes and toiletries you'll need for the next few days, just like a multi-day vacation. Your bag of essentials goes with you in your vehicle, not the moving truck.

With a little caution and the help of professionals, moving doesn't have to be stressful. The services of reliable, professional movers range from packing to loading to unloading. If you are planning a move in the future, feel free to contact us at Helping Hands Movers, Inc., to find out how we can help you set up a mistake-free move.