While moving to a new house is an exciting thought, the act of moving is normally accompanied by all sorts of stressors that make it challenging.
There is the shady moving company, inaccurate price quotation, packing too much stuff and limited time to set up - it just seems that moving can be every new homeowner's nightmare.
To avoid the headache and to ensure a smooth transition from your old nest to your new home, look out for those top 5 moving mistakes you can make according to Realty Times:
Hiring a shady mover
You don't want to be one of those who had their share of horror moving scam. When hiring a mover, make sure to do your homework. Search online and check for ratings and feedback, check the Better Business Bureau for reputable moving companies, or even your state's transportation regulator. They should be able to help you identify whether the company you are about to hire has a good track record. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family who have done this before.
But if you still don't feel confident and don't want to suffer from the nightmare of awful movers, you can always choose to DIY - just make sure that you are equipped and ready for the task.
Messing up the quotes
When you find a moving company, request for an in-home moving estimate where a representative will be able to give you a quotation of the cost even before the moving day. If the company refuses to do so, consider looking for another company who can.
However, don't settle for just one quotation; shop around and try to find the best deal there is. If you really like one moving company with a slightly expensive quotation, it won't hurt to negotiate for a lower price. Don't forget to put the quotation or the estimate cost of the move in writing.
Packing too much stuff
Before packing your stuff, go through all your stuff and "edit". Identify which of your possessions can go to the disposal bin, donation bin, or to give away to friends and family. More often than not, you won't need all your stuff in your new home. By filtering your stuff, you will save time, effort, packing materials, and moving cost since most movers charge by the weight.
Failing to schedule your move well in advance
There are considered moving seasons in a year where moving companies tend to get fully booked quickly. Don't wait for the last minute and be wise enough to book with a mover weeks or even months before the schedule. The last thing you need on an already stressful move is scrambling to find a mover the day before.
Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time
According to a 2013 survey by SpareFoot, packing and unpacking are identified as the most stressful part of moving. To avoid being one of the statistics, begin to pack your things well before the day of the move. Begin with your things that you won't need any time soon. If you are moving during winter, pack all your summer clothes and summer related items and essentials so you get them out of the way.
It's also a good idea to have friends and family lend their hands - all you need is cash out on a few boxes of pizza and cans of beer.
