Moving house can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful and overwhelming experience. From packing and organising to transportation and settling in, many moving tasks require careful planning and attention to detail.
While there are many things you can do to make your move go smoothly, there are also some common mistakes that people make that can turn the process into a nightmare. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible and that you start your new life in your new home on the right foot.
Procrastination is a common problem when it comes to organising a home move. It's easy to put off packing and sorting through your belongings until the last minute, leading to unnecessary stress and chaos.
To avoid procrastination, start planning your move as soon as possible. Create a schedule of tasks and set specific deadlines for each one. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, and tackle them one at a time.
It's also helpful to declutter and remove items you no longer need or want before you start packing. This helps you stay organised and reduces the number of items you need to move. Finally, enlist the help of friends and family or consider hiring professional movers to make the process smoother and more efficient. By taking these steps, you can avoid procrastination and stay on track for a successful and stress-free move.
How to avoid it: moving homes involves a lot of planning, organising and packing. So why not start early? You can make a checklist to help you along the way.
Failing to change your address officially after moving house can lead to important mail and packages being sent to your old address. Missing important bills or documents can be frustrating and potentially costly.
It can also result in your personal information being compromised, as sensitive information such as bank statements or other financial information may end up in the wrong hands. Not changing your address can also impact your credit rating, as missed bills or payments can negatively affect your credit score.
Not updating your address can lead to legal issues, such as not receiving important court documents or notices. To avoid these potential issues, it's crucial to officially change your address as soon as possible after you move house.
How to avoid it: set up mail forwarding from your old address for any organisations you may have forgotten about.
Failing to declutter before moving house can result in moving items you no longer need or want, which can be time-consuming and costly. Moving companies often charge based on the weight and volume of items being moved, so the more you have, the more you'll pay.
Clutter can take up valuable space in your new home, making it difficult to organise and settle in. Furthermore, decluttering before moving can help you identify items better suited for donation or recycling, reducing waste and benefiting others in need.
Clutter can also impact your mental health and well-being, increasing stress and anxiety. By decluttering before you move, you can avoid these potential issues and start your new life in your new home with a fresh and clutter-free start.
How to avoid it: declutter before you move house. Set aside a weekend, clear you plans, and either throw away, donate or sell any items that are damaged, broken or you don't use.
Not keeping a list of the boxes you pack and what's in them during your move can make it harder when it comes time to unpack, as you won't know where your belongings are located or which boxes they're in. This can make settling into your new home more time-consuming.
Not keeping a list can result in lost or misplaced items, which can be costly to replace and cause unnecessary stress. For example, it can be challenging to file an insurance claim if any of your items are damaged or lost during the move if you can't provide an accurate inventory of your belongings.
Finally, not keeping a list can also make it difficult to track the condition of your belongings, which can be important if you need to prove that any damage occurred during the move. By keeping a detailed list of your boxes and their contents, you can avoid these potential issues and ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
How to avoid it: make a list as you are packing. You may as well indicate on the box its contents and which room it goes to. This will save you time when unpacking.
Searching through boxes to find the items you need can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you're in a hurry or need something urgently. This can cause unnecessary stress and delay your ability to settle into your new home.
Not having quick access to essentials can disrupt your daily routine and make it difficult to carry out basic tasks. By packing essentials separately and keeping them easily accessible, you can avoid these potential issues and start your new life in your new home easily and efficiently.
How to avoid it: go through your daily routine and set aside all the items you need access to effectively go about your day. These items should include skincare and toiletries, a change of clothes, sleepwear and any electronics you need to access.
Don't leave everything up to your movers. Not being involved in the moving process can result in miscommunication or misunderstandings between you and the moving company, which can lead to delays or other issues.
If you are not present during the move, you won't be there to supervise the loading and unloading process or identify any potential issues.
Not being involved can also result in unexpected costs or fees, as you may not fully understand the terms of your contract with the moving company. By being involved in the moving process and communicating with the movers, you can avoid these potential issues and ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
How to avoid it: it is important that you be actively involved so that you make the important decisions and not allow the moving company to make them for you.
Not researching your moving company well can cause all sorts of problems. You may end up with a less reputable or experienced moving company, which can lead to problems such as lost or damaged items, unexpected costs or fees, or poor communication throughout the moving process.
If you don't research your movers well, you may be at a higher risk of being scammed or ripped off, as some fraudulent moving companies take advantage of unsuspecting customers by overcharging, stealing belongings, or not delivering items as promised.
Finally, not researching your moving company can also impact your peace of mind during the move, as you may not trust the company handling your valuable belongings. By researching your moving company well and choosing a reputable and experienced company, you can avoid these potential issues and ensure a successful and stress-free move.
How to avoid it: Use Wise Move to book a reliable, trusted, professional mover. Our site makes it easy to access movers, read reviews and compare quotes from multiple companies. Book your next move here.
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