Mistake 1: Not planning the move
Moving is a big deal, so it’s important not to make it harder than it has to be. With a detailed plan of your move, you will have a much less stressful time. Organization helps to avoid any small problems that could arise with the move. So do not wait till the day of — think about your move a few weeks before and start getting ready.
Mistake 2: Thawing the freezer the same day you move
If you leave this task for the last moment, you risk being left standing for 3 hours in front of your fridge with a hair dryer, instead of making your move. Moving with the fridge still full of ice, results in puddles of water and slush everywhere, which can turn into damaged items or injuries. After some thought, it might be better to plan for thawing the freezer 2 days before the move.
Mistake 3: Happily filling large boxes to the brim
“Fewer boxes = fewer trips”, yes it’s true… But by the 3rd box, you may end up with a strained back.
So, don’t put encyclopedias and TV in the same box. Unless it’s an act of personal revenge against an enemy. In that case, it’s a very good idea. You can add the iron, too.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to inform the neighbors of the move
It turns out that people don’t like to be woken up by surprise on a Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Elevator blocked, furniture banging against walls, laughing friends, screaming friends after slipping down the stairs, etc … Do you really want to waste 10 minutes being yelled at by the neighbor below?
Mistake 5: Disassembling a piece of Ikea furniture (without taking any notes or photos)
“Don’t worry, we’ll put it back up when we get there,” he said. How cute…
Reality: nuts, screws, “stuff”… and we don’t know where to put them and in what order.
Maybe you shouldn’t have thrown away the assembly manual after all. Take photos and notes during disassembly or simply try to transport them without disassembling them.
Mistake 6: Putting the boxes in the moving truck first
Yes I know, everyone likes moving boxes, we can line them up and stack them like real life Tetris.
Be aware that it will be much more complicated to fit lamps and other awkward-shaped items if the truck is already half full with the boxes. Save the boxes for the end!
Mistake 7: Moving during rush hour
“The truck is full, let’s go!” This enthusiasm will quickly be tempered at the first sign of heavy traffic.
Spending an hour crossing the city is not necessarily what you want to add to your moving day. Not only is it an additional stressor, but your friends will remember it and may exact revenge when you least expect it.
Mistake 8: Not labeling boxes
Know one thing: finishing the move as quickly as possible is the goal of all your friends.
First of all, don’t let them pack your boxes, there is little chance that they will be conscientious and organized. That’s your job since you are the one who will unpack everything.
Second, be specific about what each box contains and which room it belongs in because your “movers” will drop the boxes as quickly as possible and you may have to spend 3 days putting everything back in the right place.
Mistake 9: Believing that wrapping your stuff in newspaper is enough
Using newspaper may save time, but is that worth it when you discover your favorite casserole dish in pieces?
Be sure to use plenty of bubble wrap, protective covers for furniture and flooring, etc.
Mistake 10: Forgetting your pets also have to move
With all the other things to prepare for a move, it’s easy to forget that your pet has to move too, and Buddy the golden retriever won’t fit in a box. Go see your veterinarian before moving day to be sure your pet is up to date with vaccines, identification certificates. Ask him about travel precautions and possible discomfort.
Mistake 11: Transporting plants in the back of a moving truck
It’s easy to overlook plants ahead of moving day. Have them travel in a friend’s car, rather than stuck between 2 stacks of boxes in the moving van. If possible, a few weeks before the move, it’s a good idea to transplant your plants from your breakable and heavy pots into lighter and unbreakable pots.
Mistake 12: Not taking advantage of the move to clean out your belongings
Face it, you keep tons of stuff in your home that you haven’t used for 10 years. You may not have to move everything to your new home, especially if it won’t be touched for another decade. A few weeks before the move, start thinking about what you can give to friends, family, what you can sell on Craigslist. It will save you time and also some money.
Mistake 13: Not having a survival kit
Experienced movers make sure to have a survival kit (or bag) with them to deal with any unfortunate incidents on moving day (or at night for those who have had traffic jams). This includes essentials like a pair of scissors, screwdrivers, notepad and pen, flashlight, GPS, phone charger, medication, cleaning supplies, soap, toilet paper, and cash too, to pay for pizza for your “movers.”
Mistake 14: Not taking inventory of your belongings
Yes, it’s boring, but still try to make this inventory of the boxes and their contents. Make sure that each every item is loaded onto the truck. Do another check on arrival at the new home. It is easy to locate something missing the same day of the move, it is much harder one month later when you search everywhere for old photos of your cousin’s wedding. (He still blames you it seems.)
One last tip, if you need extra arms to move, do not hesitate to reach out to Sitterly Movers!
