6 mistakes to avoid when moving to a different state
Planning for a new place is a huge undertaking. Things are even more difficult if moving to a new state. There are several documentation and processes to take care of, so the process takes time and dedication. Despite best efforts, getting by without a small hitch is almost impossible. However, knowing a few mistakes one may generally make when moving can help others plan carefully and avoid these mistakes.
1. Taking everything along
Decluttering is always a good idea when moving. There is no assurance that one will need all belongings in the new place, provided they have space. Planning and decluttering become essential if the configuration or size of the new place differs from the current one. If there is anything one plans to discard or donate, one must do it immediately instead of delaying it until moving.
2. Miscalculating the number of boxes required
One of the most challenging tasks when planning a move is determining the number of boxes required to pack belongings. While filling boxes may be easy, estimating the right quantity can be taxing. The good news is that there are several ways to avoid making mistakes in box calculation. Firstly, individuals can use online calculators available on the internet or moving company websites to estimate the number of boxes required. Secondly, hoarding delivery boxes and asking friends, family, and neighbors to save boxes can also save money, especially for those with a tight budget. The only expenses incurred during the move will be collecting enough boxes beforehand for the rest of the essential supplies.
3. Booking professional movers at the last minute
Making timely bookings is essential to making the move easy, especially when planning to go to a new state amid the moving season. Even if one plans to do so during the off-season, a long-distance move will be best executed if the movers are notified beforehand. It will keep one safe from paying surge prices or short-notice booking fees. Additionally, they will have time to look into the moving company and check their reviews instead of settling with any that accepts their request. The moving company has a lot of work, and how they do their job will decide how the move goes for the individual. Put in some time to research and decide which one to choose.
4. Not having a checklist
Another mistake is moving without a checklist. Whether on paper or the phone, regardless of how one prefers to create a checklist for the move, a to-do list will ensure one does not forget last-minute tasks, belongings, or anything else in the hassle. Several things are happening at once, and the chaos can make it easy to forget things. Making a list of things to pack, arrangements to make, transport to arrange, and more will keep things moving smoothly, even during stressful situations.
5. Not having an essentials bag
There is a rare possibility that someone would unpack it all on the day of the move itself. The process is time-consuming and can take more than a day unless someone decides to pack light and has only a few things to sort. Packing a bag of essentials when moving to a new place is a good idea, as it can save one from having to unpack everything on a busy day. Make sure to include the things one will need immediately, such as a change of clothes, any medications or personal care items, and important documents. One should also prepare a toiletry bag and pack some non-perishable snacks and water in case one gets hungry or thirsty during the move. If one does want to pack a bag, one can put together a separate box of essentials instead.
6. Improper labeling
Moving is hard enough to tackle without going through multiple boxes whenever someone needs something. Labeling moving boxes helps distinguish boxes that contain fragile items and helps identify items more easily. So, one must label one’s stuff properly when packing up the current place. It will save time if one needs to remember which box contains what. It’s possible to color code boxes according to the rooms they belong to. This will make it easier for movers to leave the boxes in their rooms. Additionally, it’s important to create an inventory list to help ensure that no items are lost or misplaced during the moving process.
