Moving from one city to another is one thing, but moving from one side of the country to the other is entirely different. Since this can be an overwhelming experience, it’s easy for some people to make mistakes. That’s why we want to help you make the process as smooth as possible. We’re outlining five of the biggest mistakes to avoid when moving across the country.
Mistake #1: Failing to Book Moving Services in Advance
One of the first factors you must consider is the method in which you and your family will move—and securing the proper equipment you need sooner than later. Some people will rent a truck to transport their belongings (and themselves) to their new destination. Others will hire their local movers to load and unload their possessions for them. What you decide to do entirely depends on the distance you need to travel as well as the types of items you own; however, one thing remains true—you need to book the assistance you require before someone else does.
Mistake #2: Moving During Busy Seasons
From heavy traffic to whiteout conditions, the weather can take a serious toll on when you and your belongings will arrive at your next destination. As such, unless you plan to drive to your new home, you must decide whether to ship your car in the summer or the winter. If you can, think about moving during the off-season, which is between September and May—you’ll save yourself money and future headaches.
Mistake #3: Not Purging Your Belongings Before The Move
Before you move, you should thoroughly sort through your stuff and only keep what you want in your new space. You may think there’s enough room in the moving truck to take everything with you on this new journey, but it’s easy to overestimate the size of the truck. Thus, this is the perfect opportunity to declutter your possessions and donate or recycle them. Think of it this way—someone else will likely get more use out of your unwanted items. Plus, the less stuff you have, the less you’ll need to move later.
Mistakes #4: Forgetting to Label Your Boxes
You don’t want to end up with a sea of unmarked boxes in your new home; it’ll make the unpacking process confusing and slow. To avoid this dilemma, be specific when you label your boxes—either write down the room where the box’s contents will go or the items in the box. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything goes once it’s time to unpack.
Mistake #5: Haphazardly Packing Items
Trust us, the last thing you want is your boxes to break because they were too flimsy. We’re sure you’re packing up delicate objects such as china and glass containers, so you don’t want to skimp on how you wrap your most prized possessions. Before you pack, gather dozens of strong boxes, quality tape, and plenty of bubble wrap. Then, carefully pack these items, and don’t forget to label the boxes as “fragile.”
