Some say that moving is as stressful as getting divorced, but the Holmes-Rahe Stress test suggests otherwise. There are 30 other more stressful life events according to this guide. Whatever the psychologists say, it still feels pretty stressful to most people.
Everyone makes mistakes, but when you’re moving, those mistakes will make the process more challenging. Here are three common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Don’t Rush
As with many things, preparation is the key to a successful and pain-free move. Don’t underestimate what’s involved.
Packing and moving your items will take more time than you think if you want to do it right. Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Start early and aim to be ready well before the deadline.
Giving yourself plenty of time will allow you to pack effectively. Effective packing is not about getting it done quickly. It’s about doing it the right way. The right way is safe, using the space well and clearly labeling things to make unpacking easy.
Part of the preparation for a stress-free move is to research any moving company you use correctly. Check their reputation, their insurance, and adequately check your contract. You don’t want to discover unexpected extra costs too late.
2. Moving Stuff You Don’t Need
A significant mistake people make is to spend time and money moving things they don’t need or want. You may not be hoarding, but you still have stuff you don’t need. Last-minute packing leaves no time to sort through your stuff and dispose of unwanted things.
It’s often the case that serial movers find themselves moving and storing belongings that they never use time and time again. Not only is this wasted effort, but they are paying to move these unnecessary items.
Take some time to sort through your stuff and decide what you actually want to keep. Dispose of the rest before packing. You may even be able to sell some of your unwanted things and help pay for moving your good stuff.
3. Breaking Your Breakables
In a vain belief that doing it yourself is cheaper, many people end up packing things poorly. The breakages may not amount to a huge cost, but it’s unnecessary. Learn some simple, safe packing techniques.
Don’t pack anything on top of a flat dish. Packing dishes flat means the weight above them is likely to break some dishes. Pack dishes vertically.
Use plenty of bubble wrap and do not skimp on packing materials.
Better yet, have a reputable moving company pack your belongings for you. Confirm that they have insurance and let them take care of your things. They are more experienced and have the tools and materials for the job at hand.
Moving Homes with Professional Help
When you’re moving homes with a professional moving company, you benefit from their experience. You can’t get that experience yourself. Ask their advice on how you can make the move stress-free.
Want more information? Talk to our professional movers about household moving.
