Moving from one place to another can be an extremely stressful experience. Any small inconvenience or hiccup can feel disastrous. By planning ahead and staying organized, you can make your move as simple as possible!
Trying to Pack EVERYTHING
Moving is hard, stressful work. Take some of the load off by paring down the things you own. We’re not suggesting you go full-on Marie Kondo, but at least donate items you haven’t used in a year or two to thrift stores. The less you have to pack, the cheaper your move will be.
Moving is an opportunity for a fresh start, making it the perfect time to assess your belongings and how much you really need them. A good rule of thumb: Use it or lose it!
Believing You Have Enough Time
People tend to underestimate the amount of time it will take them to move. That’s why you should begin your moving checklist right now. Your checklist should include a week-by-week timeline. For example, at least two months before Moving Day, begin purging your home of things you no longer need and start gathering estimates from reputable movers (You’ll want to book them well in advance, especially if your moving during the busy season.) This list should be exhaustive and detailed, but by getting a head start, your move won’t be as difficult and you’ll be less likely to forget anything.
Forgetting to Set Up Your Utilities
There are a few tasks that can make a huge difference when it comes to your move. When you move into a new place, you need to have the electricity and water on right away. In addition, you need to notify your old utility providers about the move so that you are not charged for anything after you have already left.
To make sure you get your utility bills at the right location, call your utility provider and give them your new address. You should do the same thing with all of your bills. The United States Postal Service also offers easy address forwarding options you can use. Even if you forget to update your address with a certain account, it will still get forwarded to your new location.
Not Researching Multiple Moving Companies
Moving companies are in charge of transporting your precious belongings without causing any damage. If the movers are inconsiderate or inexperienced, your personal items could get broken or damaged.
To prevent this from happening, you should check the references of at least three companies. To get a good sense of their service, read through their online reviews. While it is still possible to have problems with a company that has good reviews, it is definitely less likely. Often times, the cheapest company is not the best option.
Forgetting to Read the Fine Print
Many people pick a moving company and sign their paperwork right away. Before you hire anyone, you need to make sure you are getting the right estimate and coverage. You also need to carefully read through your inventory sheet to see if everything you packed actually arrived at the destination. This is especially important if your belongings had to share a trailer or truck with items from another household—not uncommon in the moving industry.
Bottom line: While moving may not be enjoyable, you can make your experience as easy as possible. By preparing in advance and packing with care, you can protect your items as they go to your new home. Picking the right moving company will also help you have a smooth, uncomplicated transition. To get help planning your next move in the Nashville or Tampa areas, call your friends at True Friends Moving Company at (615) 240-2811.