Moving takes time, effort, and financial resources, which can make it stressful especially without having a solid plan. Lack of preparation can cause plenty of unnecessary problems that will make your relocation a nightmare! Any time you’re juggling a lot of things at once you’re apt to make a few missteps. Some of those moving mistakes are common. 

And while to err is human, moving can be stressful enough as it is. You should know that moving is not one of those things in life that you can learn in a hard way. Moving mistakes happen. Look for the ways to make your move smoother by considering these moving mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Stay focused, and everything will be just fine.

Moving mistakes 

Trying to do it yourself instead of hiring professionals

One of the most common moving mistakes is assuming, that hiring professional movers will cost more money than self-moving. You don’t have to hire people to do all the work for you, but when it comes to moving your business or household, it pays to call in the professionals. Don’t risk personal injury and property damage trying to relocate by yourself. 

Not researching your moving company

You had probably heard from someone who has a bad experience with relocation. And that was usually provoked by selection of a moving company. To avoid that disappointment, another thing on your homework list is finding a reliable mover. 

Do not compare moving estimates  

After you have found a few reputable moving companies, you shouldn’t ask for comparing estimates. Depending on the size or your home, the movers will give you a home estimate, or they will provide you with one online. If you accept the first offer or ignore to ask for a quote at all, it could lead to paying more than you should on moving day. 

Not checking the insurance 

When you’re choosing a moving company, ask about what types of coverage options are available to you. Then check with your home insurance provider to see what they are covering, when and where. Does your policy cover moving and items in transit? If you don’t think you have enough coverage, moving companies offer a variety of deals on additional insurance. Find out, too, if your chosen mover has workers’ comp insurance. Some small companies (with fewer than five employees) don’t, and that could mean that paying for an injury someone sustains in your home is your responsibility. 

Underestimating your supplies 

People often fail to realize how many boxes, tape rolls, markers, and rolls of bubble wrap are needed to move an entire home. It’s easy to underestimate how many boxes you need and find yourself short-changed on moving day. Professional movers can draft an accurate estimate with a brief look around your home, but individuals don’t move often enough to master this skill. If you’re collecting free boxes for the move, it’s always best to overestimate the number you need, to make sure you have enough. 

Tips to avoid moving mistakes 

Be organized 

An organization is essential for a successful move. If you’re packing haphazardly, getting settled again can be a nightmare. Many people make the mistake of burying the essentials they need on moving day in boxes that are hard to access. For all other items, you should label your boxes. Consider color-coding your markers, labels, or tape to make organization easier as boxes come into your new home. 

Be organized to avoid moving mistakes

That is including: 

• Bottled water 
• Keys 
• Phone chargers 
• Spare batteries 
• Change of clothing 
• Toiletries 
• Sunscreen 
• Toilet paper 
• Any medications you need 
• Basic food staples 
• Enough plates, utensils, and cups for the day 
• Basic cleaning supplies 

Things you need to cheek:  

• Department of Transportation – All interstate movers must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate legally within the country. As proof of their legal status, licensed moving companies are issued with USDOT numbers by the Department. Luckily, it’s easy to check whether a mover has such a USDOT number. 
• Better Business Bureau – The BBB is dedicated to helping consumers to find businesses they can trust. You should better check their database of moving companies records to see if there are any complaints against the movers you’re considering for your relocation. 
• American Moving and Storage Association. Make sure your movers are ProMovers – an extra assurance that your household items will be in good hands. ProMover – AMSA’s consumer protection and certification program – is designed to help people separate reputable professional movers from the so-called rogue movers (rogue operators). 

Calculate your budget 

Not setting the right budget is a big mistake that can jeopardize entire moving. The cost of selling your home and purchasing a new one can be expensive. Other than usual expenses – moving trucks, crew, boxes and tape – there are still other expenses to keep in mind. If your move is part of a job relocation, there are maybe certain, reasonable expenses that you can deduct from your tax return. When getting an estimate, be completely open and honest with the mover. Being honest upfront about your move can save from being charged an extra later. 

Be present when movers arrive 

The movers may need access to a locked and gated community. Being there means that you also are involved with the unloading of your items to ensure they get where they need to go. It is a good idea to place post-it notes with the room number written on it on the door casing. If you label your boxes the same way, the movers will be able to walk right off the truck and straight to the right room. 

Make a good organization

Tips on how to choose a reputable moving company 

The goal is to start with a verified list of reputable moving companies so that you’re already working from a baseline of professionals you know you can trust. From there, you can choose the company that works best for your situation and your budget. Do your research. You can use a list that is provided by the American Moving & Storage Association.  You don’t have to hire people to do all the work for you, have some fun and do it yourself. Rounding up, packing up, lifting, trucking, lifting again and unboxing every single item you own unfortunately leaves some room for error.