Relocating to a new neighbourhood or town? In general, house
moving is a daunting process for anyone. It requires a lot
of planning, research and energy, all which can take a toll
on even those that have moved before. Despite this, it’s not
an impossible task. In fact, by doing some homework
before the d-day, you can have a fun, hassle-free
experience.
Here are some common mistakes people make in house moving
that you should try avoid.
1. Failure to plan
Usually, careful planning is key when moving to a new house.
It could be the difference between a frustrating experience
and easy one. Most people tend to leave things to the last
minute, but this can be a deadly mistake. Things might not
turn out as you expect, forcing you to rush into decisions.
You should make early assessments regarding the timing of
your move, packing needs and budget. That way, you’ll be
able to get all the necessary things in place and in time.
2. Not taking measurements
Before the day of relocating, pay a visit to your new
residence and take measurements of the clearance space.
Nothing can be as frustrating as arriving to the new place
only to realize that your beautiful sofa won’t fit via the
front door. When you know the measurements, you'll be able
to put the necessary measures in place.
3. Packing items wrongly
The packing process often requires time & careful
preparation to minimize possibility of damage, loss or
mixing up during the moving process.
Here’s what you should do when packing:
- Size up all boxes to ensure that items are packed based on
their dimensions.
- Avoid stuffing boxes as they might tear or lead to damage
of your items.
- Get strong boxes for your heavier items.
- Remember to label so as to prevent confusion during the
unloading and unpacking. Be sure to include relevant
handling instructions, title/name of contents, and the exact
room the boxes should be placed in the new home.
- Pack heavy items in small boxes for easy carrying.
- Before packing, take time to go through your belongings
and get rid of the items you haven’t seen or used over the
last year. Chances are that you don’t really need them.
4. Not reading the inventory
Another common mistake made by people when moving to a new
house is failing to look at the inventory. An inventory list
is one of the most important items during the process of
moving. It's a way of verifying that each and everything
from the old home is packed up properly and loaded onto the
truck. You can’t rely on simply watching as your items are
boxed up & loaded - chances are that you’ll lose count or
forget. But, when you record in an inventory and check
later, you’ll be able to make sure that nothing is left
behind. Remember to check the list once you arrive at the
new residence or before items are unloaded. It’s often
easier to locate missing items the actual day of a move than
weeks or months later when you are unable to trace some of
your belongings. Take your time.
5. Choosing the wrong moving company
Many people prefer to hire a professional mover due to a
couple of reasons. Professionals know how to safely lift and
move furniture through the smallest of spaces, without
causing any damage or injuring themselves. In addition, they
will have previous experience handling other moving projects
and as such can determine an efficient and quick way to get
you into your new residence. Moving companies also come
equipped with moving gear & packing supplies, therefore
helping you avoid incurring additional costs in getting the
necessary tools. However, it’s a costly mistake to select
the wrong company. You should do your research beforehand in
order to make the right choice. Try to get recommendations
from friends or neighbours who have worked with a company in
recent times. Further, consider a number of factors such as
experience, insurance cover, license, cost and reputation.
6. Not packing ahead of time
You can lessen the hassle of packing by boxing up your items
long before the actual moving day. If, for instance, you’ll
be moving in December, you can start packing 2 or 3 months
earlier. This can help avoid the last minute rush that often
results in misplaced or damaged items. When boxing up, start
with the things you know you won’t need anytime soon. You
should also try to minimize what you spend on packing. Boxes
and newspapers are not only easy to get but are typically
free of charge. Try to spend some time scrounging.
7. Overlooking precious items
You don’t want to pack your valuables together with other
items, lest they get lost or damaged. If, possible you
should transport them in your own car. These include
laptops, coil collections, documents and jewellery among
others. Such items are often fragile and of high value, and
as such need to be given extra care. You should also be wary
of flammable, explosive and corrosive materials. Failure to
give them special care could not only put you in danger but
you could in violation of the law.
8. Forgetting to put aside overnight bags
It’s important to ensure that everyone has overnight
clothes, outfits and other necessities for the following day
easily available, even if you’re moving straight into the
new home. No one would want to be rifling through box after
box looking for pyjamas or toothbrushes late at night. Don’t
forget your pets too. Make sure that you have their
essential supplies near.
9. Ignoring the weather
Weather elements like wind, hail & rain are real issues in
the moving process, and it’s only right to prepare yourself
in advance. They can be a nightmare if you aren’t well
prepared. Try to keep up to date with weather forecast in
the days to the actual move and take necessary measures. You
can, for example, get tarps &plastic sheets to shield your
belongings from the rain.
In general, the moving process is often tricky and
complicated, but things can get worse if one commits some of
the mistakes above. You should try to make all necessary
arrangements as early as possible to ensure a smooth
transition. |
