Top Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Even when a deal goes smoothly, moving is still a very stressful time. Making sure everything is lined up perfectly leaving your current home while coordinating a move to your new home requires a lot of planning and organization. Here are some common moving mishaps that you will want to avoid.

Not planning enough. Brainstorm your whole move and plan as much as possible. From booking movers early on to packing things up in a well organized fashion including well labeled boxes is really going to help you in the long run. Don’t leave any of this until the last minute.

Spending too much on packing items. Especially for those who are on a tighter budget, try using things you already have like storage bins, hampers and coolers for boxes. Towels and blankets that you already have can suffice in place for packing supplies.

Packing too much. Moving is one of the best times to declutter. If there are things that you have not used or worn in over a year, it might be a good idea to question if you need them at all. Before you pack it all up and haul it to the new home, consider selling items and using the proceeds to fund a portion of the move.

Not retaining receipts. It is easy to not save your receipts during moving time as things are often out of place. However, come tax season you may be able to deduct some moving expenses where it will save you money on your tax filing.

Not having a survival kit. Moves across town are stressful enough, but bigger moves across state lines or several towns away can be made easier if you plan a “survival kit.” This kit should include enough of your comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks that are easy to eat and don’t need preparation, medication, water bottles and phone chargers.

Not hiring movers. You can go it alone and move all of your things by yourself with some help of friends or you can hire movers to assist. Get an estimate from a professional mover as it may not be much more than you think. If you already have to rent a truck and somehow compensate friends, you might as well get an estimate from a mover at least for the bigger items that you need help moving. Keep in mind most professional movers are insured for any damaged belongings, something friends don’t offer!