If you’re preparing to move, you may be so focused on your moving to-do list that you forget about the moving don’t-list! It’s easy to get caught up in the stress that comes with moving, but below we have listed 7 common moving mishaps and how to avoid them. Happy moving!
6 Things To Avoid On Moving Day
1. Damaging furniture
Unfortunately, this is very common when moving. During the moving process it’s easy for items like couches, chairs, desks, and other heavy furniture to get banged up. Even professional movers have been known to occasionally damage furniture on moving day. However, there are steps to take to avoid damaging your furniture on moving day. First, disassemble as much as possible before the move. Second, prep and pack furniture appropriately. Use moving blankets and plastic wrap to protect individual items and furniture corners. Third, utilize moving tools and equipment such as dollies, loading ramps and tie-downs when moving furniture.
2. Getting scammed by “movers”
Oftentimes, moving scams involve hiring unlicensed movers to transport belongings. These movers may hold your items hostage, steal your valuables or simply break your stuff. Fortunately, avoiding moving scams is fairly easy. For starters, be sure to check and make sure a mover is properly licensed and insured before hiring them. Read reviews and check their complaint history with the Better Business Bureau. Also, be sure to use common sense when evaluating a mover’s professionalism.
3. Forgetting to hire a sitter
Whether it be for your pet or child, if you forget a sitter to help watch them, you could take up most of your time watching them instead of actually moving. This will lead to a less productive and longer moving day. Don’t forget to fire a babysitter or a petsitter for your moving day – and if you want to keep it cheap, ask a trusted friend or family member to help out and make the move as quick and efficient as possible.
4. Scratching the floors
When moving heavy items, you may accidentally scratch your floors. Floors made of wood (particularly soft wood) are more likely to get scratched during the moving process. No matter what type of floors you have, you should take certain precautions to damaging your floors. It’s strongly recommended to ask movers to use moving blankets, towels and cardboard when sliding heavy items on the floor. If moving yourself, try using furniture sliders and gliders underneath items.
5. Upsetting your neighbors
Keep your neighbors in mind when moving to a new home. If hiring professional movers, you can expect the company to show up with a large moving truck. Unfortunately, these moving trucks often block driveways and take up a lot of room in the road. While you might not be able to change the size of your movers’ truck, you can make the best of the situation by letting neighbors know about the move beforehand. Be sure to tell them when the movers will arrive. You’ll also need to speak with the movers prior to moving day to help them figure out where to park the truck. If you need to obtain parking permits or permission from an HOA, make sure to do this a week or so before the move.
6. Forgetting moving day essentials
Make sure you plan your moving day essentials bag at least a week before the actual move. This bag should contain your toiletries, medicines, important documents, wallet, toilet paper and paper towels, cleaning supplies, phone chargers, a tool kit, extra clothes and more. Many people who are moving also forget that they might not have a bed on moving day. If you’re moving long distance and waiting on movers to arrive, you’re going to need to make necessary sleeping arrangements. Your new home likely won’t have a bed, so be sure to bring an air mattress with you in your carry-on or make plans to stay at a hotel until the household items arrive.