August 9, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

Most Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Like a Pro

If you’re in the process of planning a move, you’re likely aware that there are a number of things that can go wrong. In order to ensure a smooth move, it’s important to be aware of the most common moving mistakes and take steps to prevent them. What can go wrong when moving? We can help you find out the answers to this question and teach you how to avoid those unwanted scenarios.

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What should you not do when moving? We will show you, so prepare to take notes

#1 Hiring the First Long-Distance Moving Company You See

One of the hardest and most crucial steps when relocating to a new home is undoubtedly choosing a relocation company. Procrastinating the search for reliable movers from Seattle to California or movers from California to Seattle is not wise. It might lead to choosing the first team you stumble upon, which can be not-so-good in completing necessary tasks, or even worse, one with relocation scams on their mind.

The search for a top-notch team can resemble a first date. You must determine if you are a good fit in both situations by asking the correct questions. You should look for certificates that indicate exceptional long-distance moving services and ask questions to separate the pros from the mediocre team. You should also gather details about the additional options, such as packing services as well as professional car shipping if you plan on using them. It will all help you select the ideal team for your relocation needs.

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How to Choose the Best Cross-Country Moving Company?

When planning a move, it’s important to choose the right cross-country movers to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. With so many options available, how can you know which mover is best for you? What are things to consider when moving and searching for a suitable team? Here are a few long-distance relocation tips to help you choose the best cross-country relocation company:

Get recommendations

Ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations of reputable cross-country relocation companies. You can also check online review sites to see what others have to say about their experiences with different movers. Look for testimonials on the company’s website, but make sure to check reviews on other places, such as Yelp or BBB.

Get quotes

Before you choose a team, be sure to get quotes from several different companies. This will help you compare rates and services to find the best deal. However, don’t settle for the suspiciously low quote – it’s usually a red flag. Low quotes are the methods scammers use to lure customers only to charge them additionally afterward.

Ensure the team has a lot of experience

Don’t undervalue the experience. This indicates that the company has orchestrated countless moves in the past, that its staff has dealt with a wide range of issues, and that it is skilled at handling any kind of transportation. Additionally, the fact that their business has been around for such a long time is evidence in some ways that they offer high-quality services.

Check license, insurance, and credentials

Licenses, insurance, and accreditations must be checked when hiring movers. The majority of states mandate the possession of a state license, and this is the surest indication that you’re working with experts. Additionally, you should also check if the company is insured, as well as what kind of accreditations it possesses.

#2 Miscalculating Budget Is One of the Most Common Moving Mistakes

Relocation is expensive – there’s no way around it. But, if you’re not careful, it can be even more costly than necessary. One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is underestimating their relocation budget. Here are a few relocation tips to help you avoid making this mistake:

  • Get an accurate estimate of your relocation costs – There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of a move, so it’s important to get an accurate estimate before you start budgeting.
  • Make a realistic budget – once you have an accurate estimate, it’s time to make a budget. Be realistic about what you can afford to spend, and don’t forget to factor in things like food, gas, and storage if you’re making a long-distance move.
  • Save up in advance – If possible, start saving money to move well in advance. This will help you avoid having to tap into your savings or take out a loan to pay for your move.
  • Get creative with your finances – there are a number of ways to reduce relocation costs, so get creative. For example, you might be able to get free packing materials from local businesses or ask friends and family to help with the move.
  • Be prepared for unexpected expenses – No matter how well you organize the move, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. Be prepared for unexpected expenses by setting aside some extra money in your budget. That way, if something does come up, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for it.
Person holding a mobile phone and calculating budget
Without a proper financial plan, you can lose a lot of money

#3 Procrastinating Until It Is Too Late Is One of the Big Moving Problems

We have all been there before. You know what you need to do, but for some reason, you just can’t seem to get yourself to do it. So instead, you procrastinate. And the longer you wait, the more daunting the task becomes. Suddenly, it is too late, and you are forced to deal with the consequences.

Procrastination can make a move a lot more stressful than it needs to be. If you wait until the last minute to start packing, for example, you will be rushed and frazzled. This can lead to many errors, which can then make a move even more difficult. That is why you should start preparing for a move on time – approximately eight weeks in advance.

Create a To-Do List and Stick To It

Making a to-do list is a great way to organize your tasks and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. But it’s not enough to just make a list – you need to actually use it! Here are some relocation hacks for getting the most out of your to-do list:

  • Be specific,
  • Prioritize your tasks,
  • Break tasks down into smaller steps,
  • Set deadlines for yourself,
  • Be flexible.

Additionally, consider using a tool to help you. There are many great to-do list apps and tools out there that can make managing your tasks easier. Find one that works for you and use it to help you stay on track.

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#4 Deciding to Pack and Bring Everything Is One of the Biggest Relocation Mistakes

The less you have to move, the better – it will save you a lot of time, energy, and even money. Don’t forget that movers charge by the weight or cubic feet, so the more stuff you have, the pricer the relocation gets. However, far too frequently, we choose to minimize tasks by just throwing everything into a box rather than organizing and getting rid of stuff – especially with last-minute move. That is why you should carefully think about what to keep when relocating and selling, donating, or throwing away the rest of your belongings.

Throw a Garage Sale and Earn Some Extra Cash

If you’re looking to make some additional money for the move to a new state, one option is to hold a garage sale. This can be a great way to clear out clutter from your home and earn cash at the same time. To have a successful garage sale, it’s important to plan ahead and take some steps to ensure that things run smoothly.

You need to carefully choose a date and time and advertise your sale. Be sure to let people know about your sale by advertising in local newspapers or online. Price your items reasonably so that they will sell but also be prepared to negotiate. For some more advice on how to organize a successful yard sale, take a look at the video below:

#5 Not Having Proper Insurance Can Have Huge Consequences

Relocation insurance is one of those things that you may not think you need until it’s too late. If something goes wrong during your move and you don’t have insurance, you could be on the hook for a lot of money. Most companies will offer some type of relocation insurance, but it’s important to read the fine print and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

However, note that without proper insurance, you could be facing a huge financial burden if something goes wrong during your move. Make sure you are fully protected by getting the right relocation coverage for your needs.

Reputable Long-Distance Movers Can Offer You More Than a Few Insurance Options

Most trustworthy companies have mandatory liability coverage included in their basic offer. With it, you’ll usually be reimbursed based on the weight of the damaged or stolen item. However, that may not be enough for my valuable possessions. Luckily, most companies offer additional insurance. Therefore, make sure you choose full-value replacement coverage that guarantees you’ll be compensated in full in the event that they are lost or damaged during the move.

Long-distance movers carrying boxes
Make sure you know all the requirements for getting an additional insurance

#6 Forgetting to Pack Essentials Can Cause Stress

Nothing is more relaxing than a hot shower after stressful relocation day preparations and the move itself. However, if you are unsure of which box includes your robe, shampoo, towels, and soap, it can become an issue. One of the most common errors during the move is not placing items in places where you can easily access them.

Packing a bag of necessities is, of course, the easiest way to avoid this problem. Make sure this box or a bag is always by your side and easily reachable at any time. Several dishes, cups, and flatware are additional necessities that should be handled with care. Additionally, you need a change of clothes, necessary documents, toiletries, medicine, and electronics placed in an easily accessible box.

backpack with essentials
Bag of essentials is a must-have during the move

#7 Thinking You Can Do It All Alone Can Cause a Lot of Problems

There are a lot of people who think that they can move without the help of professionals. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you try to do this on your own. You could end up damaging your belongings and home or injuring yourself since you don’t have the skills professional packers possess. Additionally, the whole process will take longer, especially if you have a lot of belongings to move. On the other hand, hiring professionals will make the process much easier and less stressful.

Long-distance movers packing a truck
Professionals can ease the relocation process immensely - but only if they are reliable

Hire Trustworthy Movers and Relocate Worry-Free

Hiring reputable movers who are experienced and insured will give you peace of mind and help ensure a smooth, stress-free move without any errors down the road. So, how can I make moving easier, you ask? Be sure to do your research and hire a company that you can trust. With their help, you can sit back and relax while they take care of everything for you.

Milly Andrews

Milly is a Portland prodigy of packing and relocating! She has been on the move her whole life, and she's got the moving boxes and stories to prove it. With her vast experience in the art of relocation, she's like a human GPS, always finding the most efficient way to navigate the moving process.

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