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Procrastinating your packing -

The truth is that packing takes a lot longer than you'd expect. Start as soon as possible, because you won't be able to do it all in just a few days.

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Forgetting utility bills -

When you move, remember to turn off the utilities at your old place and turn them on at your new home. Check with the utility companies on how early to start with the process.

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Lack of scheduling with the moving company -

Last-minute scheduling can make moving day stressful for everyone involved. Chances are that most moving companies will be fully booked, so make sure you book months in advance.

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Fail to budget -

If you don't arrange a quote, you'll be left unsure of the overall cost of the move. Get an accurate quote well in advance, so you can save up for the moving services.

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Not comparing moving estimates -

After you've found a couple of moving companies, make sure to compare estimates. The price may vary amongst different companies, based on the size of your place and the amount of items that need to be moved.

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Moving during rush hour -

Don't make your move more stressful by doing it during rush hour. Also, it's more expensive if you hired a moving company, due to time and gas.

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Lack of communication with the moving company -

Imagine it's the day of the move, and when the moving van shows up it's far too small for all your belongings. This could have easily been avoided by organizing an assessment from the moving company prior to the move.

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Not researching the moving company -

You want some peace of mind that your move is in safe hands. Therefore, don't just go for the first moving company you find. Ask around for recommendations and keep an eye out for relevant accreditations.

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Didn't check insurance -

Unfortunately, unforeseen problems can happen during your move, such as breakages of fragile items. It's therefore important to check that the household is fully insured to cover the move.

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Forgetting to pack an essential bag -

Having an essential bag will make your life much easier in your new home until you begin to unpack. The bag should include a change of clothes, towels, toiletries, and important documents.

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Forgetting to declutter -

Once you know you're moving, get a head start on packing your things and going through what you don't need or use. Donate, sell, or throw away anything you don’t want to bring into the new home.

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Not hiring professionals -

Hiring professionals is a cost-effective way to help you avoid the exhaustion of moving. On top of that, moving companies have all the right equipment and skills for a safe move.

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Not packing your items securely -

If you fail to package your items securely, they might break during transit. To avoid this, invest in plenty of packing materials, such as bubble wrap and boxes.

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Forgetting about your pets -

Don't forget that moving also causes stress to pets. Make sure you don't leave their needs off the to-do list. Also, keep a pet-related box with all that they might need.

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Not measuring furniture in advance -

Not measuring your furniture may be a huge gamble, as your items might not fit in the rooms properly. Worst-case scenario is if the furniture won't go through your front door!

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Forgetting to change your address -

Make sure to inform the relevant people and companies of your change of address. Your mail needs to go to the right place.

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Forgetting to compensate a friend -

Remember, when you ask friends and family for moving help, you're asking for free labor. Make sure you offer something in return, like a nice dinner.

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Not knowing how to pack -

Packing can be overwhelming, but knowing how to do it properly will make the process go much smoother. Take some time to do it right in order to avoid damaging your items.

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Doing it yourself -

Hiring professionals will save you from a headache. They're skilled at disassembling and fitting together furniture, as well as being trained in lifting heavy items and packing.

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Packing last minute -

Packing for a move is not a last-minute event. It should be done at least a month in advance of your moving date, so when the day comes you only have a few boxes left to pack.

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Not taking inventory -

Having an organized list of all your items and boxes will come in handy in the case of an unfortunate event. Just imagine if anything gets damaged or lost during transport.

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Forgetting your new address -

Be sure to memorize your new address and useful directions to it. Once you've added it to your phone and have notified everyone, you're in the clear.

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Leaving boxes unlabeled -

It can get real frustrating if you don't know what's in your boxes. Without clear labeling, you'll not know where your boxes go, or where to find specific items.

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Not backing up your computer -

Placing valuable items in a moving truck comes at a risk. Make sure you back up your drives, so you don’t lose any data if your computer is lost or damaged.

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Not packing an emergency kit -

An emergency kit is crucial for moving day to ensure you're fully equipped. Accidents can happen with all the packing and carrying things around, and you don't want to be opening boxes searching for band-aids.

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Not saving receipts for taxes -

Don't throw away any receipts and documents from your move, as they're necessary come tax season. You don't want to miss out on deducting your moving expenses.

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Packing non-movables -

There are certain things movers can't move due to legal restrictions, such as hazardous chemicals, weapons, and flammable items. It's also a good idea to avoid transporting expensive or irreplaceable items in the moving van or truck. Instead, transport these items in the safety of your own vehicle.

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Placing heavy items in large boxes -

Heavy items, such as books, shouldn't go in large boxes because doing so will make it very difficult to lift them. Instead, place heavy items in small boxes, and light items in big boxes.

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Not letting yourself take it all in -

If you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed from your move, take a step back. Go for a walk or sit down in a park or coffee shop. When you've cleared your mind, return to the moving activities. 

Sources: (The Family Handyman) (Updater)

See also: How to create a calm home environment 

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