Whether your next home is five blocks away or across the country, packing up and moving can be a complicated and stressful process. Julie Loffredi from SpareFoot.com, a storage unit finder, stopped by Studio 1A to share five moving mistakes people frequently make and how to best avoid them.
Mistake #1: Hiring a shady mover.
Horror stories of moving scams have been shared between friends, family and random Internet commenters, so make sure to steer clear of poor-quality moving services by doing your research. The Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, the U.S. Department of Transportation and even relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues are all helpful sources who can lend opinions on whether a moving company is worth your cash.
Mistake #2: Messing up the quotes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to moving quotes. Moving companies should be willing to come to your home for an in-home moving estimate. If a moving company isn’t willing to do that, think about finding another mover. Additionally, contact several movers for quotes to ensure that you get a competitive rate and don’t be afraid to negotiate for a lower price. Finally, always get the estimate in writing.
Mistake #3: Packing too much stuff.
Are those boxes of old baby clothes really necessary to lug to your next place? Before you start packing, take the time to “edit” your belongings. If you haven’t seen, worn or used something in a year, think hard about whether it’s really worth it to haul it to your new home.
Mistake #4: Failing to schedule your move in advance.
Good moving companies often book quickly, particularly during the summer months. Try to schedule your move weeks — if not months — in advance to make the process as least stressful as possible.
Mistake #5: Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time.
A 2013 survey from SpareFoot found that people who had moved in the last year said that packing and unpacking was the biggest hassle in the process. Lessen the load by beginning to pack well before moving day arrives. Start by boxing up the things you won’t need right away. For example, if you’re moving in the summer, pack up your winter coats so that they are out of the way.