Moving day can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but there are some things you can do to make it go more smoothly. You should also consider what to avoid to ensure the day is as stress-free and efficient as possible. Here are some things to avoid on move day:
- Being Unprepared: One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a moving day is to be unprepared. Make sure you have all your packing done before the movers arrive and have a plan for where all furniture will go. Using a color code and communicating it to the movers is a good idea. You can use colored painter’s tape or sticky notes and assign a color to each room, ensuring the items and boxes end up in your desired space.
- Overpacking Boxes: It can be tempting to try to fit as much as possible into each box, but overpacking can make them too heavy for the movers to transport them safely, leading to potential damage. Aim to keep boxes at a manageable weight that can be easily lifted and carried.
- Forgetting to Label Boxes: When you arrive at your new home, you will want to be able to find everything you need easily. You do not want to open every single box looking for your toiletries or kitchen utensils at the end of a long moving day. Make sure to label each box briefly describing its contents and which room it will go into in the new home.
- Failing to Prepare for Your Pets: If you have pets, make sure you’ve made arrangements for them on moving day. Consider boarding options, or if you are concerned about your dog’s anxiety in a kennel, ask a friend or family member to watch them to keep them safe and out of the way. This will benefit you, your pet, and your movers, ensuring no one gets hurt, cause an accident, or get lost in all this transition.
- Being Absent During the Move: It is important for you to be at both of your homes during the move. You will need to answer the movers’ questions, sign all required paperwork, finalize payments, and ensure everything is going according to plan. If you cannot be there in person, designate a trusted friend or family member to oversee the move on your behalf who is knowledgeable. Remember, once the movers leave, you will need to book a new job to rearrange the furniture.
- Procrastinating: Moving day can sneak up on you quickly, so it is important to start planning and packing well in advance. Do not leave everything until the last minute, or you will likely find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed. It could also lead to delays and higher bills, as all quality moving companies require proper packing of items before moving them, which includes emptying cabinets, packing lamps, and mirrors.
- Failing to Communicate with Your Movers: Make sure you communicate clearly with your movers about any special instructions or requests you may have. This can include how to handle fragile items, where to place certain boxes or any other specific needs you have. It is always best to over-communicate than under-communicate. Call the office with updates and changes, do not wait until the movers arrive to inform them of additional tasks that must be performed during the move, as they might not be able to handle your requests.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure your move day goes as smoothly as possible. With some planning and preparation, you can make your move a seamless and successful experience.
