Moving to another place, especially if it is to another state or city, is a significant undertaking. Whenever we find ourselves juggling several responsibilities, we are bound to run into a few mishaps. Moving is hard enough without making it more difficult than it needs to be. There are lots of things to plan and think about, even where and what to eat on moving day.
We have compiled here a list of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to long-distance moves so that you know what to look out for and avoid when you are planning to relocate.
Putting Things Off
The most common mistake when it comes to moving long-distance is procrastination. The truth is that time waits for no one and before you know it, your scheduled moving day is going to be upon you. If you’re moving from Florida to NYC for example, as soon as you know when exactly you are planning to move, you should contact your nearby cross-country movers like Safebound Moving and Storage for example, for a free quote.
Not Knowing How Long it Will Take You to Pack
Where most people go wrong is when they try to set unrealistic timelines for themselves. In theory, you could pack up your entire belongings in a few days to weeks depending on the size of your home and how many things you want to take with you, but it is important to remember that you will not have time to pack all day, every day.
The chances of you having to attend to other responsibilities during your move are also high. So it’s always to start early and pack as you go.
By allowing yourself to have sufficient time to pack, you can get rid of unnecessary stress. You can start by packing items you rarely use and then as your moving day approaches, you can pack the rest of your belongings systematically, room by room.
Not Having Enough Items on Hand
Another common mistake that people make when moving long distances is thinking they need the bare minimum items on hand like their keys, phone, wallet, and enough clothes for however long they may need to stay in a hotel.
They incorrectly assume that all the rest of their belongings should be on a moving truck. When the truth is that there are various other things that you might need before, during, and after your move. You should be prepared for unexpected delays by packing more than you need to in a carry-on or in bags that you will keep with you as you travel.
Since you might end up living out of your bag for more time than expected, you should carry necessities as you deem fit. Packing a personal bag early on can prevent you from boxing up things that you wanted to keep with you during your move.
Of course, the contents of your kit will be unique to you. But you have to make sure it includes items that keep you comfortable until you unpack like any small articles that you are worried about misplacing or paperwork that you might need during the move.
Each member of the family should have a bag of their own, and kids’ backpacks may include comfort items like stuffed animals or special blankets as well as games or toys that will help them to keep busy. We have also compiled a list of things you may need apart from the bare essentials:
– Valuables
– Pen and a notepad
– Medication and toiletries
– Folder with moving papers
– Pet items if you have any pets
– Laptop and laptop charger along with your phone charger
By keeping these items with you, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable during that strenuous time of packing and completely unpacking.
You Do Not Have an Organized Plan
You must be able to tell by now, that the key element to a smooth long-distance move is to be organized. You should have a moving checklist that you check from time to time to make sure everything is going the way you planned it to.
You can also break down tasks in this checklist leading up to the big move such as packing supplies and purchasing boxes. Having a checklist or a to-do list will not only make you adhere to the timeline you have planned for your move but it will help you feel better prepared for the upcoming move.
Hiring Unreliable Movers
One of the worst mistakes you can make during a long-distance move is to hire movers who are not reputable or trustworthy. Fraudulent and unreliable long-distance moving companies usually lure people in by quoting low prices.
This is often too good to be true. They then end up holding your belongings hostage until you pay more than they originally quoted. This is why it is vital to choose reliable long distance movers.
Something you can do to check moving companies is to look for a solid online presence, which includes positive reviews on consumer sites. You can check these tips on Linkedin for how to research a company. It is also imperative to choose a company that has extensive experience with long-distance moves.
End Note
Moving long distances can be a great travel experience, but it can also be quite the hassle and in some cases, it can become a nightmare if you keep making major mistakes. These can not only slow down the process of your move but also make it harder to know where to start. You might end up missing your belongings and valuables and that is something no one wants.
To keep your move on track, having a clear vision of your move and how to execute it is a must for happy long-distance moves. Safebound Moving and Storage offers the best long-distance moving services in Florida and additional options for your long-haul move, including packing, storage, and junk removal.