Expert Moving Tips: 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving
A move requires careful planning. A moving plan can help streamline and organize your move and may even reduce moving costs. Whether you want to relocate to another city or state, hire a moving company to manage your move. Moving companies Sonoma are equipped to create customized moving plans. They manage all moving tasks, helping to make moving less stressful for their customers.
Here are some common moving mistakes to avoid.
Not Planning Ahead
When it comes to moving, don’t wait to pack your items until the last minute. Due to the busy schedules of moving companies in Sonoma, you might encounter difficulty in securing a mover for your relocation. To circumvent any last-minute rush, initiate your moving preparations at least 6-8 weeks ahead of time.
Failing to Research Moving Companies
Not all moving companies in Sonoma are created equal. Some self-proclaimed moving experts make tall claims but lack the experience and knowhow to deliver the goods. Steer clear of such scammers.
Before you hire a mover, check online reviews on trusted third-party review sites. If a friend or family member has used the service before, ask them about their experience working with the professional. Compare quotes from at least three movers and then choose the one who offers the best value for money.
Not Getting Rid of Things
Moving is a great opportunity to declutter. The less items you have to move the better. If you do not take the time to sort through belongings and get rid of stuff you no longer use, you may end up moving more items than necessary. As a result, it may cost more to move, and you may have to spend more time unpacking your stuff. To make sure you move only the items you need, donate the ones that have outlived their usefulness to a local charity.
Packing Improperly
Give yourself enough time to pack your items. If you are currently living in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, start packing your items at least two days before moving day. It takes around three days to pack a two-bedroom home and five days to pack a three-bedroom apartment.
Pack your belongings properly to protect them against damage. Wrap breakables including dishes, glassware, and ornaments in bubble wrap or packing paper. If you do not have bubble wrap, use clothes, towels, or blankets to wrap and cushion fragile items. Place them in boxes clearly marked as fragile, and make sure they are tightly packed and can’t move during transit.
Focus on one area or room at a time. Label each box and specify its contents, the room it is supposed to go in, and whether the box contains fragile items. Place books and other heavy items in small boxes, and lighter items, such as linens and pillows, in larger ones.
Not Getting Insurance
If you do not insure your items before moving, and they sustain damage in transit, you may incur heavy losses. Interstate movers must offer two types of coverage for interstate moves- released value protection and full value protection.
Released value protection sets the value of items to be moved at 60 cents per pound per item.
If you opt for full value protection, coverage will be based on your valuation of the items to be moved. In case your items sustain damage in transit, the mover will offer items of equal value as replacements or pay for their repair.
Some movers also offer separate liability insurance or additional moving insurance. Before hiring a mover, ask about the type of coverage options available. Assess each option and then make an informed decision.
Not Taking Measurements
It’s important to measure your furniture and doorways both in your old and new home to ensure everything can fit through the doors and in the intended spaces.
Forgetting to Pack a Moving Essentials Box
On moving day, you’ll want easy access to essentials such as toiletries, keys, chargers, a change of clothes, medication, and basic tools. To save yourself the hassle of looking through boxes trying to find an item, store essentials in a small duffel bag or suitcase.
Forgetting to Transfer Utilities and Getting Your Address Changed in Important Documents
Make sure to transfer utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet in your name before you move. Start the process at least 2-4 weeks before moving day. Also, inform your bank about your relocation and update your address in your bank account, subscriptions, and important documents.
Not Budgeting Correctly
It’s almost impossible to calculate the cost of a move accurately. That said, you will want to get a rough idea of the costs involved, so you can plan accordingly. Use a moving calculator to estimate the cost of your move depending on the number of items to be moved and distance. Don’t forget to consider the cost of moving supplies, and any extra fees charged by the mover for additional services offered.
Tips to Reduce Moving Costs
Here are some practical ways to cut moving costs.
Gather Free Packing Supplies
Look for free boxes offered by grocery stores and liquor stores. You can also check with your friends who have recently moved to see if they have any unused boxes.
Book Movers Early
Hire a mover as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. If possible, try to move during off-peak season or on a weekday.
Compare Multiple Moving Quotes
Get estimates from at least three moving companies. When assessing an estimate, consider every cost element. Ask providers if there are any other costs than the ones included in their moving estimates involved.
Schultz Brothers Van & Storage is one of the most trusted moving companies in Sonoma. Whether you want to move to another city or state or are a business owner and are planning to relocate your business, we have got you covered. To learn more, call 707-546-1616.
