Moving a house can be a complicated process. We know that with all the efforts that go into finding a new place to live, selling your current home, or prepping to return your rental so you get back your full security deposit, it’s easy to overlook some important factors that will aid you in planning a stress-free move. But worry none. To keep you on the right course, movers Westchester County NY are here to assist you with your relocation. But also to help you understand the most common moving mistakes, along with a little advice on how to avoid making them.
Mistake No. 1: Not giving yourself enough time
Time is an incredibly valuable resource during a move. That’s true not only because you need plenty of it to coordinate everything properly but also because it can be difficult to add more time to the clock once it starts ticking. You don’t want to try to find local movers Westchester just days before you need to be out of your old home, just like you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to finalize the paperwork.
What’s the solution? Plan ahead, budget your time, and make a schedule. To start your move, create or use a relocation checklist or moving guide. To make sure you cover all your bases, use our handy tips and tricks checklist as a reference point. The checklist will help you plan your move, such as booking your moving company earlier, packing and organizing your items on time, and ensuring that you don’t leave anything behind.
Mistake No. 2: Not setting a budget
Moving by yourself or using moving services Westchester? Either way, it costs money. The overall price tag can quickly go up if you don’t put in enough work ahead of time, whether it’s comparing the costs of different moving companies or finding the most effective mortgage rate. A lack of budget also means you’ll have a harder time planning your finances in the coming months and increases the chances of encountering unpleasant surprises.
What’s the solution? Make sure that you take into account things like vehicles, supplies, gasoline, and meals on the road if you’re moving more than a few miles. After you’ve done this, it’s only a matter of doing your research. After you have your budget set, go ahead and pad that number by a couple of hundred dollars at the very least. This will give you a buffer just in case something happens that you weren’t planning on.
Mistake No. 3: Not knowing how to move efficiently
With all the other work you’ll do in the weeks and months before your move, you may not realize the importance of cleaning up and getting rid of clutter. When you avoid selling, donating, and otherwise disposing of items you no longer need/use, you increase your moving costs and miss opportunities to potentially earn some extra cash and possibly a few write-offs for your taxes.
What’s the solution? Keep this in mind: “The more you have to move, the more it will cost to move it”. It is recommended that you prepare early by going through things like books, clothes, kitchen tools, worn-out furniture, that junk drawer, etc. Make piles for what you can potentially sell, donate/give away or toss, then follow through with getting rid of each pile. Don’t spend cash moving items you know you don’t use. Decluttering before a move is one of the most efficient ways to save money on moving expenses.
Mistake No. 4: Not properly packing and protecting items
Moving house isn’t just a logistical challenge; it’s also a test of the integrity of your belongings as they undergo the rigors of transit. A common misstep in this process is the improper packing and protection of items, which significantly increases the risk of damage or breakage. Every bump in the road or careless handling can mean disaster for poorly packed possessions.
What’s the solution? To protect your belongings, it’s vital to use the correct packing materials and methods. High-quality boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper are essential. Larger, heavier items typically go at the bottom of boxes, lighter ones on top. Fragile items need particular care — they should be individually wrapped and cushioned, and boxes containing them should be clearly marked as ‘Fragile’. Also, valuable items, such as artwork, antiques, or important documents, might require special packing considerations. These might include custom boxes, padded wooden crates, or climate-controlled transportation. For these, it could be worth consulting a professional or even opting for specialty moving services.
Mistake No. 5: Not finding the right movers and packers
Searching for a moving company is one of the most challenging and crucial tasks of your moving journey. The company you hire can make all the difference, from providing you with a pleasant moving experience to making it a complete nightmare. Waiting to find movers last minute will leave you with slim pickings. Hiring the cheapest movers may end up costing more in the long run.
What’s the solution? Search online and ask for references to get the best moving company. Compile a list of movers that meet your specific requirements. For example, if you are relocating from New York City to Westchester, research only moving companies NYC to Westchester. Read reviews and do sufficient research to learn more about the movers that you had short-listed. Make sure that they are licensed and insured. Seek guidance from your friends and family members who have recently relocated to learn about their experience with their moving company. Always get multiple quotes to compare before making a decision.
Mistake No. 6: Not notifying important parties about your move
Moving house involves much more than just transporting your belongings from point A to point B. A critical but often overlooked part of the process is notifying relevant parties about your change of address. Failure to do so can lead to a host of complications, such as missed bills, lost correspondence, or interrupted services. In some cases, it can even lead to legal problems or identity theft if sensitive mail falls into the wrong hands.
What’s the solution? To avoid these problems, start by making a comprehensive checklist of all the entities you need to notify about your move. This list should include utilities and services (like electricity, water, and internet), banks and financial institutions, insurance companies, healthcare providers, government agencies (like the DMV or IRS), and any subscriptions or memberships you may have. Once you have your list, research each entity to determine the best way to change your address with them. Some may allow changes online or over the phone, while others may require a written notice. Begin this process well ahead of your moving date to ensure you don’t miss any crucial communications or experience any disruptions in service.
Mistake No. 7: Not having an essentials box
Moving day can be chaotic, and amidst a sea of boxes, finding essential items can be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. This is why failing to have an essentials box is a common and frustrating moving mistake. After a long day of heavy lifting and unpacking, the last thing you want is to rummage through numerous boxes just to find your toothbrush or a clean set of clothes.
What’s the solution? To avoid this unnecessary stress, prepare an essentials box. This should include items you’ll need for the first night in your new home and the following morning. Think toiletries, a change of clothes, essential kitchenware, snacks, medications, basic cleaning supplies, important documents, and chargers for your devices. If you have kids or pets, remember to include necessities for them as well. Make sure to keep your essentials box in a clearly marked, easily accessible location, such as the back seat of your car. It should be the last box you pack and the first one you unpack.
Know how to avoid common moving mistakes
Moving to a new home is a significant milestone, and understandably, it comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s essential to avoid common moving mistakes, such as failing to declutter, improper packing, neglecting to notify important parties, asking for different moving quotes from various moving companies, and forgetting to prepare an essentials box. These mistakes can complicate the process, increase costs, and add unnecessary stress to an already demanding task. However, with careful planning and preparation, these pitfalls are entirely avoidable. We encourage you to implement the practical tips provided in this guide. By doing so, you can transform your move from a potential headache into a smooth, efficient, and perhaps even enjoyable process. Remember, the key to a successful move lies in the details.
