RedGage

Careless moving planning can come back to bite you. Specifically, if you don’t plan carefully or fail to plan correctly, you can make mistakes that will cost you dearly. Avoid these eight hazards and your move should go smoothly.

1. Not get estimates from moving companies. The most expensive part of your move is the cost of moving. Specifically, what you pay the moving company to transport your household items from one location to the next. It is important to get multiple estimates even if you are set on one company. In obtaining three estimates, you can compare services and prices. You don’t have to go with the lowest price, but you should find out if you’re paying a fair price.
2. Misunderstand what it takes to pack. Packing can take a lot of time and if you put off getting started, you may be hit with a heavy burden later on. It is important to begin packing right away, by sifting through those items you won’t be taking and selling, donating or discarding what you don’t need. Don’t think for a moment you’ll get your work done in a few days — packing can take weeks to accomplish, so start early.
3. Failing to collect your boxes early. You’ll pack perhaps hundreds of boxes before you’re done. But getting boxes can take time unless you buy them. Hit up the local stores early on to ensure you’ll have enough boxes for your move. Ask friends and neighbors for their contributions too.
4. Not using a variety of packing materials. Don’t rely on newspapers alone to cushion your items. You should obtain a variety of packing materials to get the job done — bubble wrap, packing peanuts, even small boxes to put in larger boxes is the way to go. Office stores have packing materials, but you may be able to get some for free when you visit retailers for their boxes.
5. Counting on your friends to help. Your friends are there when you need them. But not always. Counting on your friends to help will leave you disappointed, especially if your expectations do not meet their capabilities. Here, you may need to rely on your moving company to send packers. Just as easily you can hire people through an agency to chip in or pay neighborhood teenagers to help.
6. Pack books in large boxes. Large boxes are great! They can hold a lot of items, including your book collection. But not so fast! The last thing you want is to pack boxes that are too heavy to lift. So, instead of packing heavy items in big boxes, use those large boxes to hold bedding, pillows, and the like. Use smaller boxes for your books. A good rule of thumb with packing boxes is limiting their weight to about 25 pounds. Avoid back strain and spread the weight around.
7. Forgetting to inventory your boxes. All boxes should be labeled and inventoried. Put your last name on each box and include color-coordinated stickers. Sticker colors should represent the room in your new home where the boxes are to be placed. For instance, green stickers might represent your family room, blue stickers your son’s bedroom, yellow might be appropriate for your dining room, and so forth. Create inventory tracking sheets to go with them.
8. Not packing a “first open” box. When you arrive in your new home, there will be items you’ll want immediately. You won’t have time to look through scores of boxes to find what you need. Instead, pack a “first open” box with the things you’ll need and you won’t regret it. Make sure the box is properly labeled and ask the moving foreman to place the box in a strategic place, such as on the kitchen counter advises Allied Moving Services.

No Regrets Moving

Moving can take up a lot of time and energy. The last thing you want is to be disorganized or underestimate what is required of you. Start early, plan carefully, and make your move with confidence.