Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating to a new city, upgrading to a larger home, or downsizing, there’s a lot to consider. At Tippet Richardson, with our 97 years of experience in delivering excellence in relocation services, we’ve seen it all. We know that even the most well-planned moves can go wrong due to common mistakes. To help you have a smooth transition, here is a compiled list of the ten most frequent moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Procrastinating on Packing
Mistake: One of the biggest moving errors is waiting until the last minute to start packing. People often underestimate the amount of time it takes to pack up an entire home, which leads to rushed packing and increased stress.
Solution: Start packing as early as possible. Aim to begin the process at least 6-8 weeks before your moving date, focusing on non-essential items first. Create a packing schedule and tackle one room at a time. This approach not only makes packing more manageable but also reduces the risk of leaving things behind.
2. Failing to Declutter Before the Move
Mistake: Moving everything you own without sorting through your belongings can be a costly error. It increases the volume of items to be packed, transported, and unpacked, leading to higher moving expenses.
Solution: Declutter before you pack. Go through each room and separate items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Not only does this reduce moving costs, but it also ensures that your new home is free of unnecessary clutter. Consider donating any non-perishable food items to charitable organizations, such as Move For Hunger, with whom Tippet Richardson actively collaborates.
3. Choosing the Wrong Moving Company
Mistake: Hiring a moving company without doing sufficient research can lead to poor service, unexpected fees, or even damaged belongings.
Solution: Always choose a reputable moving company like Tippet Richardson. Look for strong affiliations and credentials, including national associations such as CAM (Canadian Association of Movers) and BBB (Better Business Bureau), as well as affiliations with North American Van Lines (NAVL) and international organizations like IAM (International Association of Movers), PAIMA (Pan American International Movers Association), and LACMA (Latin American and Caribbean Movers Association). These affiliations are a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and industry standards. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and get multiple quotes to compare services. At Tippet Richardson, we provide transparent pricing and customer-centric service to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
4. Overlooking the Importance of a Pre-Move Survey
Mistake: Skipping the pre-move survey can result in inaccurate quotes and unexpected costs. Many people assume they know the size of their move, only to be surprised by the actual volume.
Solution: Schedule a detailed pre-move survey with your moving company. At Tippet Richardson, we conduct comprehensive surveys to assess your belongings, discuss special requirements, and provide you with an accurate estimate. This process helps eliminate surprises and allows you to plan your budget effectively.
5. Not Labeling Boxes Properly
Mistake: Failing to label boxes can turn the unpacking process into a nightmare. It can be frustrating trying to figure out where each box belongs or where to find specific items.
Solution: Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. Use a color- coding system to make it even easier—assign each room a color and mark the boxes accordingly. Include "fragile" labels on boxes with delicate items to ensure careful handling. This will save you time and effort when settling into your new home. Tippet Richardson is here to help you with packing items and labeling the boxes properly. Going with professionals like us ensures that your belongings are handled with the utmost care and precision, making the unpacking process seamless.
6. Underestimating Moving Costs
Mistake: Moving expenses can add up quickly, and many people fail to budget for all the costs involved. This can lead to financial stress during an already challenging time.
Solution: Create a realistic moving budget that includes not just the cost of hiring movers, but also packing supplies, travel expenses, insurance, and any temporary accommodation if needed. Tippet Richardson can help by providing high-quality packing supplies at a better price and in a more convenient way, making it easier for you to stay within your budget while ensuring that your belongings are well-protected during the move.
7. Packing Heavy Items in Large Boxes
Mistake: It may seem logical to pack all your heavy items into large boxes, but this can make them extremely difficult to lift and increases the risk of injury or box breakage.
Solution: Always pack heavy items like books or kitchenware in smaller boxes. Save larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items like pillows, linens, and clothing. This makes the boxes easier to carry and reduces the likelihood of damage.
8. Neglecting to Notify Important Contacts of Your Move
Mistake: Many people forget to inform essential contacts about their change of address, leading to missed bills, lost mail, and service disruptions.
Solution: Create a checklist of all the people and organizations that need to be notified of your move. This includes utilities, banks, insurance companies, subscription services, and the post office. Update your address well in advance to avoid any service interruptions.
9. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
Mistake: Moving is a big job, and attempting to handle everything on your own can lead to burnout, missed details, and unnecessary stress.
Solution: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professional movers. Let Tippet Richardson take over the heavy lifting so you can focus on other aspects of your transition. Our experienced team handles everything from packing to unpacking, ensuring a seamless move from start to finish.
10. Forgetting to Prepare an Essentials Box
Mistake: Not having immediate access to essential items during the first night in your new home can be inconvenient and frustrating.
Solution: Pack a box of essentials that you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, chargers, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep this box with you during the move, so you don’t have to dig through multiple boxes to find what you need.
How Tippet Richardson Can Help You Avoid Moving Mistakes
At Tippet Richardson, we understand that moving is more than just transporting belongings from one place to another—it’s about making a life-changing transition as smooth as possible. We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, offering personalized moving plans, detailed pre-move surveys, and expert advice every step of the way.
Our commitment to excellence is backed by our affiliations with PAIMA, IAM, CAM, BBB, and NAVL, reflecting our dedication to delivering top-notch services that you can trust. Whether you’re moving locally, long-distance, cross-border or internationally, our team of professionals is here to help you avoid these common mistakes and ensure a hassle-free move.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you know how to avoid the common mistakes. By taking the time to plan, organize, and seek the right assistance, you can make your move a positive experience. Remember, Tippet Richardson is always here to provide expert guidance and support, making your transition as seamless as possible.
If you’re ready to make your move, contact Tippet Richardson today for a personalized consultation. Let us take care of your move, so you can focus on settling into your new home with peace of mind.
Recent Comments