Deciding to move across the country is a big decision that can be challenging, especially if you have not planned well. Without proper planning, you’re bound to make mistakes, and some of them can be pretty costly. However, if you’re familiar with some of the common mistakes people make when making such a move, you can steer on the side of caution and save yourself stress, anxiety and losses.
In this article, we’ll share some of these mistakes to ensure you know what to avoid and guarantee a hassle-free move. So, let’s jump right in. Shall we?
1. Underestimating How Much It Will Cost
One of the mistakes many people make when moving across the country is underestimating costs. Most people budget for obvious costs like hiring movers and forget about how much gas they’ll need to get to the destination, the cost of packaging materials, and lodging expenses, among other things.
You can’t afford to make this mistake because doing so may incur many unforeseen costs. For instance, you may find that you only budgeted around $1500 for hiring movers but forgot about $2000 for fuel, packaging costs and other small items that may not seem like a big deal.
To prevent these surprises, think about everything you’re likely to spend money on during the move and write it down. Once you have everything listed, budget for it with a higher estimate if you’re unsure about the actual costs.
2. Improper Packing
Another mistake you want to ensure you avoid is packing your belongings incorrectly. Throwing things inside a box randomly can lead to damage to fragile items. Not to mention, it can make the entire unpacking process hectic not only due to losses from damage but also the frustration of not knowing where some things are.
There are several things you can do to prevent this from happening. First, consider a white glove move. A white glove move is one where the service provider prioritizes your needs, personalizes your experience, and goes above and beyond to ensure you get a hassle-free move. They go the extra mile to ensure your fragile items are packed well, moved carefully, and everything is easy to access through clear labeling.
You can also be part of the process by ensuring you pack personal items safely and label them for easier access. Your future self will thank you for being patient enough to take time packing.
3. Choosing the First Moving Company You Find
The last thing you need is poor moving services when planning a long-distance move. The stress of the trip is enough without adding concerns about your service providers. You need to be confident that the people you’ve hired will get the job done without any delays, damage to items or even sneaky habits like stealing your stuff.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee this won’t happen if you’ve not done your due diligence. It’s crucial to research and do a background check on the moving company you’re considering before getting into business with them.
Find out what previous clients say about them and whether or not they have experience moving long distances and moving the quantity of items you’re moving. If you are unsure where to start your search, seeking referrals from friends and relatives may be a good idea. They may be able to give a good recommendation.
4. Not Planning for Logistics
Another common mistake among people moving across the country is failing to plan for logistics. Most people fold their arms and lean back, waiting for the moving company to get them to their destination, forgetting that there are other things that need to be taken care of.
For instance, waking up early on a moving day is crucial to ensure everything is in order when the moving company arrives. You should also make sure you plan what time the moving will begin once you have an estimate of how long packing and loading will take. This way, you’ll have sufficient time to clean up the house before you leave and turn off all utilities.
You should also ensure that you have occupancy rights where you’re moving to and that all utilities are transferred to your name before you move. Additionally, make sure everything is working. The last thing you need is to get to the new house only to find no power or internet.
5. Neglecting Personal Needs
It’s easy to forget what everyone needs when planning a move. The move seems to be the only priority, and everything else can wait. However, you should avoid making this mistake, especially if you have kids.
Ignoring their needs may result in a hectic move because everyone is tired and cranky. Instead, take some time for breaks and spend time with your family outside the house relaxing and enjoying a meal together.
Doing so removes the stress of moving and allows you to unwind.
6. Not Asking for Help
Most people also make the mistake of handling the entire move themselves without seeking help. It’s a good idea to ask friends for help to minimize daily fatigue, especially if you have kids. Your friends may be able to watch them while you handle the move. They could also help with small tasks while you handle the most urgent ones.
Wrapping Up
If you want a hassle-free move, avoid these mistakes when moving across the country. However, don’t be too hard on yourself if something doesn’t go as planned. No matter how much you plan, things are bound to slip through the cracks. The important thing is to ensure you consider everything so there are not too many surprises.