Moving can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when relocating to a fast-growing city like Dallas, Texas. According to the latest census data, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis was right at the top in nominal population growth from 2019 to 2020, adding another 120,000 residents. You may be one of the many people who find the area too crowded now, or perhaps you’re moving to a new state for better employment opportunities.
When moving, there are numerous things to consider, from selecting a new residence to packing and moving your possessions. Unfortunately, many individuals make simple mistakes that can make the experience far more difficult than it needs to be.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common moving blunders and how to avoid them.
1) Not Hiring Professional Movers
Many people believe that transferring things will save them money, but they typically overlook the effort and time required.
If you are living in Dallas, long distance moving companies in Dallas provide services like friendly moving crews, moving boxes/packing materials, full-service packing options, and appliance and furniture moving. These professional movers have the expertise and equipment to make the moving process smoother and less stressful. They can also help you avoid common moving mistakes like packing fragile items incorrectly or underestimating the amount of time needed for the move.
In addition, there are also potential cost savings. If you were to move everything yourself, you would need to rent a moving truck, buy packing materials, and take time off work to complete the move. Professional movers often have trucks and equipment and can pack and move your belongings more efficiently. It can save you time and money in the long run.
2) Not Checking Reviews
In today’s world, it’s easy to research and find information about businesses online, and reading reviews from previous customers can be invaluable in determining the reliability of a moving company. However, some people don’t pay enough attention to this step and hire a moving company based solely on price or a recommendation from a friend without doing their research. This can be a big mistake since you might end up with an unprofessional and unskilled moving organization.
3) Not Planning Ahead
Failure to plan your move can result in several problems, including running out of time, insufficient supplies, and a disorganized and chaotic move. When you don’t plan, you might spend more cash than you want to and fail to remember essential details, such as canceling your utilities or sending your mail. It is essential to begin planning your move as soon as possible, ideally several months in advance, to avoid making this error. You will have ample time to devise a comprehensive strategy, compile a to-do list, and locate the ideal moving company or rental truck.
4) Not Decluttering
Holding onto unnecessary items can make the packing process more difficult and time-consuming and result in paying more for moving expenses if you have more items to transport. Keeping things you no longer use or need in your new home will also take up valuable space. To avoid making this error, reviewing your belongings and deciding which you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away is essential. Packaging and unpacking in your new space will be easier if you can prioritize the most important items through this process.
5) Not Labeling the Boxes
When packing your belongings, you must clearly and precisely label each box to easily locate the necessary items when you get to your new home. Labeling your boxes can save time and effort by opening each one to find what you need. Additionally, not labeling boxes can lead to some of your belongings being misplaced or lost altogether, which is a significant risk when moving.
6) Forgetting to Change Your Address
Your bank, credit card companies, utility companies, and the post office require you to update your address when moving to a new location. If you don’t, important mail and bills may be delivered to your old address, resulting in late fees, missed payments, and even identity theft. Moreover, if you don’t refresh your location with the mail center, you might miss important mail. Make a list of all the places that need to know about your new address and update your information as soon as possible to avoid making this mistake.
7) Forgetting to Take Measurements
Many assume their furniture and belongings will fit perfectly into their new home or apartment, only to discover they do not fit through the doorways, hallways, or stairs. It can be particularly annoying when you have employed a moving firm, as they might charge you additional expenses for the time and effort it takes to move your possessions around sharp corners or to dismantle and reassemble enormous things. Before moving day, taking precise measurements of your new space is essential to avoid making this error. Take measurements of the doorways, hallways, and any narrow spaces through which your appliances and furniture must pass. Also, take measurements of the rooms where your furniture will go to ensure everything fits comfortably and can move easily.
8) Not Having a Backup Plan
It’s important to remember that unexpected things can happen no matter how well you plan your move. For example, your hired moving company may cancel on you at the last minute, or the weather may cause delays. You could be in a tough situation if you need a backup plan. To avoid this mistake, ensure emergency plans are set up. Even just as a backup plan, think about hiring a backup moving company. If things don’t go as planned, you can also have a backup schedule.
Conclusion
Moving can be a stressful and intimidating experience, but avoiding common mistakes can make the process smoother and more manageable. Some key mistakes to avoid include not planning and preparing ahead of time, underestimating the amount of time and effort required, failing to label boxes properly, not researching moving companies, and not packing items correctly. By planning, organizing, and preparing, you can avoid these common mistakes and ensure a successful and stress-free move. Remember to stay flexible and adaptable, as unexpected challenges may arise during the moving process. With these tips, you can make your next move a positive and successful experience.
