We’ve seen just about everything when it comes to moving people from one home to another. Homeowners have greeted us at the door with a smile and a checklist. Every box is labeled, color coded, and ready to go in the truck. We’ve also worked with homeowners who haven’t planned ahead and have resorted to tossing items in boxes as they are being hauled away.
Both methods will work, but we’d like to help you find the right strategy for you so you don’t get caught up in the chaos and can have a smooth move. Here are our tips to help you avoid some of the most common moving missteps.
- Not Starting Early Enough
It’s tempting to think you can pack everything in a day, but trust us, that’s a surefire way to stress yourself out. The earlier you start, the better. Begin by decluttering, organizing, and packing room by room. This will keep you on track and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed at the last minute.
- Forgetting to Label Boxes
Unlabeled boxes are the stuff of moving nightmares. If you’ve ever had to sift through a sea of cardboard, you know what we mean! Label each box with the contents and the room it belongs in. This simple step will save you hours of time when you’re unloading and unpacking.
- Overpacking Boxes
Packing boxes is a balancing act. We’ve all seen that one box jammed so full you can’t even close the top—while it might seem convenient, open tops actually reduce the box’s load capacity to about 25%. On the flip side, leaving too much space at the top can cause the box to collapse in on itself, and all that empty room lets your belongings bounce and shift during transit. Your best bet is to fill the box until it’s almost full, then add a little extra packing material so it rises just above the top. That way, when you press the lid closed, it’s like giving your belongings a snug hug.
- Not Protecting Fragile Items Properly
Breakable items like dishes, glasses, and electronics need extra care. The old newspaper method is actually pretty good. Our standard process is to use “packing paper” which is basically unprinted newsprint. The trick is there is less room for error, and you must use proper packing techniques. At a minimum, make sure you create a bed of crinkled paper in the bottom of the box and then pack in levels with extra crinkled cushion between them.
- Skipping the Moving Checklist
A moving checklist is your best friend. From booking movers to transferring utilities, there’s a lot to remember. Write everything down and tick items off as you go. It’ll keep you organized and prevent last-minute surprises.
- Underestimating the Time It Takes to Move
Even if you’ve got a moving company on hand, moving is a time-consuming process. Packing, loading, traveling, and unloading all take time, so give yourself plenty of wiggle room. Set aside a full day (or more) for the move, and don’t forget to factor in breaks!
- Failing to Prepare for the Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden downpour or heatwave can make moving a lot harder. Check the forecast leading up to your move and prepare accordingly. Have rain gear, sunscreen, or fans on hand, depending on the conditions.
- Not Hiring Professional Help When Needed
Sure, you can ask friends and family to help with the heavy lifting, but hiring a professional moving company can save you time, effort, and potential injury. TrueMover’s team in Ashburn is here to handle the hard work so you don’t have to.
- Not Taking Inventory of Your Belongings
Before you start loading up your stuff, make sure you know exactly what you’re moving. Create a list of your belongings, so you don’t miss anything during the move. Plus, having an inventory will help in case you need to file a claim with your moving company.
- Forgetting to Set Up Utilities in Advance
One of the most common (and avoidable) moving mistakes is forgetting to transfer or set up utilities at your new home. Call your utility companies ahead of time to ensure water, electricity, and internet are up and running on moving day. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new place and realizing you can’t even charge your phone.
Moving Made Easy with TrueMover
Avoiding these common moving mistakes can make your experience a lot smoother. And if you’re looking for professional moving services in Ashburn, Virginia, TrueMover is here to help! From expert packing to safe transportation, we’ve got you covered.
Need help with your upcoming move? Contact TrueMover today for a free quote, and let us take the stress out of your move. Whether you’re moving across town or across the street, our team of experts is here to make the process easy and efficient.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and stress-free move. Ready to avoid those common moving mistakes? Let TrueMover’s moving services help you every step of the way!
