Moving is exciting--change is healthy and starting a new chapter in your life opens you up to fresh opportunities. However, the amount of planning, preparations, and work it takes to complete a successful move can be harrowing, stressful and downright painful. There is much that can--and often does--go wrong during a move. However, with a little knowledge and organization, you can handle the worst a move can throw at you--or avoid mishaps and frustrations altogether!
1. Packing
Universally-hated, packing is the most time-consuming and overwhelming task to undertake during a move. Turning your entire household filled with clothing, knick-knacks, books, electronics, bedding, and decorations into neatly organized cartons and boxes is challenging and intimidating. Where to begin? Downsizing your belongings to lighten your load and streamline the packing process is a good way to start. Keeping an inventory list will also help you stay organized as you pack, as will making sure to clearly label each box with its contents.
2. Hiring a scam mover
Finding the best moving company to handle your relocation is one of the most important steps in the moving process. If you don’t do the proper research before choosing a mover, you may end up hiring a rogue company. Rogue movers are scam companies that engage in fraudulent business practices, cheating customers out of money.
3. Leaving things behind
Realizing a treasured family heirloom or favorite dress was left behind at your old home is devastating. You can always attempt to contact the new residents of your old home or rental to ship forgotten belongings back to you, but sometimes cherished possessions are lost forever. Keeping a detailed inventory during the packing and loading process can help you keep track of everything when moving to avoid lost or forgotten goods.
4. Not budgeting properly
Moving comes with various expenses—maybe more than you anticipated. Not properly calculating your moving costs can cause you many headaches as the move progresses. Moving is stressful enough without insufficient funds and overdrawn bank accounts! Make sure to get free moving quotes, ask companies about extra fees, and draft a detailed moving budget to account for all of your moving costs so you can be properly prepared and plan a move you can afford.
5. Forgetting an important task
There’s so much to remember when moving! Booking the mover, renting the truck, disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, changing your address, making sure everything is packed and ready for moving day—the tasks are seemingly endless. In the midst of your moving chaos, it is easy to overlook an important step in the relocation process that can throw you entire move off schedule. Keep a checklist to stay organized and remember which tasks you should be focusing on during each stage of your move.
6. Damaged goods
Few moving disappointments are as severe as destroyed goods delivered to your door. Even if you research moving company options thoroughly and hire a mover with a glowing reputation, accidents can happen. Make sure you purchase full insurance coverage (known as Full Value Protection) to protect your goods from damage or loss during your move. It is also helpful to enlist packing services from your movers—their professional experience, knowledge of proper methods, and use of high-quality materials will protect your goods during transit.
7. Waiting for your belongings
If you moved long distance, you can wait up to several weeks for your shipment to be delivered. To make this transition period more comfortable, make sure to pack some necessary items in your car or luggage if you are flying. You can also ship a few essentials via parcel service. Some items to consider include versatile, weather-appropriate clothing, bedding, air mattresses, toys for your children, laptops, chargers, toiletries, and towels.
8. Driving the moving truck
If you aren’t hiring movers and opted to rent a truck for a DIY move, driving the cumbersome vehicle can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t accustomed to maneuvering a large truck. Be sure to always drive carefully, check mirrors before changing lanes, avoid tailgating and be mindful of overhead restrictions.
9. Changing schools or jobs
After a move, you may have to start a new job or enroll your children in a new school. While change can be exciting, it is also intimidating and uncomfortable. Your children may be nervous about starting classes where they don't know anyone. You may feel apprehensive about beginning your new job, dealing with a new boss, and meeting your new co-workers. Remember to keep a positive attitude, encourage your children to get involved in extracurricular activities, and your whole family will be settled into your new life in no time.
10. Saying good-bye
When moving long distance, saying good-bye to loved ones is often the most difficult part of leaving. Though technology allows us to keep in touch more easily than ever before, there is no substitute for seeing your closest friends and family face-to-face on a regular basis. Set aside scheduled time to communicate with loved ones after your move, either on a phone call or Skype session, to keep your connections intact. Planning a return trip home to visit before you even move can also ease homesickness and give you something to anticipate.