Jan 1, 2025 | Best Moving Companies
Avoid These Common Moving Day Errors
Ever tried to fit your furniture into a moving truck only to discover that your couch is more “impossible fit” than a “perfect match”? It can be incredibly frustrating. But moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. Neglecting certain details can lead to unnecessary stress and complications.
A recent OnePoll survey found that 45% of people consider moving more stressful than a breakup or divorce. This highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to ensure a smooth, stress-free move. With my extensive experience in relocations, I’m here to share my top tips and strategies to help you avoid common moving day pitfalls.
Time Management is Important
Moving often takes longer than anticipated, often due to the planning fallacy—where people underestimate the time and effort required. Understanding this cognitive bias can help you make better decisions and minimize problems during your relocation.
Set Enough Time for Packing and Moving
Allocate approximately one hour for every 200 square feet of your living space. For instance, packing up a 600-square-foot apartment typically takes about three to four hours. This is a general estimate and may vary based on factors like the number of movers, the type of dwelling (apartment vs. single-family home), and the layout of your home.
Additionally, always include extra time to handle unforeseen issues, such as navigating elevators in apartment buildings. This buffer helps reduce stress and avoids the rush during your move.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
The Importance of Labeling Boxes
Labels are essential for movers to place your boxes in the correct rooms of your new home. Without them, it’s difficult to identify the contents of each box, which can lead to inefficient unpacking and an increased risk of damage to fragile items.
Effective Box Labeling
Label each box with its intended destination, such as “dining room,” so movers know where to place it. Always label boxes before sealing them to avoid the need to reopen them later.
You can also prioritize boxes by marking them with “H” for high, “M” for medium, and “L” for low, or use numbers to indicate the order in which they should be unpacked. For detailed tracking, label boxes with a format like “living room 1 of 10.” This approach helps ensure that all your boxes are accounted for before the movers leave.
Don’t Forgot to Measure Doorways and Furniture
Measuring your furniture ahead of time ensures it will fit in your new space, helping you avoid surprises on moving day and assisting with the loading process.
Additionally, measure doorways and hallways before moving large items. Failing to do so can result in damage to both your old and new homes, as trying to maneuver oversized furniture through tight spaces can scratch walls and damage your belongings, leading to costly repairs.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
Watch Out for Pillars and Complex Layouts
Moving items quickly around corners can cause scratches or dents in walls. Planning and measuring ahead of time can help prevent these issues.
However, it’s difficult to anticipate every challenge during a move. If you find that something won’t fit while moving, take a moment to pause and reassess. For example, you might need to disassemble a bed frame to get it through the front door.
Assembling Large Furniture Efficiently
Before the big day, walk through your home and assess whether any large items, like L-shaped desks, were assembled in their current rooms. This pre-move walkthrough can help you spot potential issues you might not have considered.
If your measurements are inaccurate, you could face challenges with hallways and oversized items on moving day. Have tools on hand to disassemble and reassemble items that don’t fit through doorways.
Proper Packing for Fragile Items
When prepping for a move, it’s essential to protect your belongings. Here are some effective strategies to keep your items safe during transit:
- Wrap fragile items such as plates, bowls, glassware, and vases in newspapers, paper bags, or cardboard. For added protection, layer them with towels, pillows, and sheets
- Load large linen items, like pillows and comforters, into the truck last. They can serve as cushioning for furniture, helping to prevent damage during the move.
- For added protection, you might want to rent moving blankets from providers such as U-Haul. These blankets offer extra padding.
- Avoid overloading boxes with fragile items. Distribute weight evenly and limit the number of items per box to minimize the risk of breakage.
Choose the Right Moving Company
Thorough research on moving companies is crucial for a smooth relocation. Representatives should be both informative and friendly, showing a strong commitment to customer service. The company itself should be dependable. Reputable firms like American Van Lines typically confirm details with you 24 hours before the move.
Local moving services, which often involve individuals or small teams with a truck, can be great for personalized attention. However, they might not always offer the same level of reliability as larger companies such as Colonial Van Lines or Eagle Moving Group.
Confirming the Payment Method
Most moving services typically prefer payments after the service is completed, with deposits being uncommon unless it’s a large-scale relocation. For instance, U-Pack requires a refundable deposit when you book your move. The deposit amount varies based on the distance of your move and the size of the container.
Planning Your Move in Advance
North American Moving Services advises booking your move early, especially for larger or more complex relocations. They offer a free online quote tool and can assist you in selecting the best moving date.
Their goal is precise scheduling, and they will confirm your relocation date and time ahead of time. Additionally, they provide a “Moving Concierge” service to enhance organization. If unexpected events necessitate a schedule change, they can be flexible, but it’s important to contact them promptly to discuss any adjustments.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
Deal with Parking Issues for the Moving Truck
Before your moving day, check local parking rules for commercial vehicles and secure any necessary permits. In urban areas or locations with narrow streets, special passes may be required to park a moving truck.
Schedule your move during the day to avoid nighttime restrictions. If your building has a service or freight elevator, confirm if you can use it for the move. Additionally, inform your neighbors about the relocation, discuss any potential impacts, and outline the measures you’re taking to minimize disruption.
Book the Right-Sized Truck
To efficiently pack a small moving truck, begin by loading large furniture and bulky items first. You can transport smaller items that don’t fit in the truck using your personal vehicle, such as a car, SUV, or truck bed.
If the moving truck lacks sufficient space, explore your options: For short-distance moves, check if the movers can make a second trip for the remaining items. For cross-country relocations, you might need to hire an additional moving company or request another truck, but be prepared for additional costs.
Ensure Your Furniture Fits in Your New Home
Start by having your movers bring all items inside. Once everything is in your home, take the time to evaluate the space. You may need to rearrange furniture or decide which pieces to keep based on the layout and available space.
Use temporary storage to organize your belongings and plan your ideal setup without creating clutter. If you need to store items outside, choose weather-resistant furniture and avoid leaving delicate items like leather or velvet exposed.
Once you’re settled and have a clear idea of what fits, consider donating any unneeded furniture. Many charities offer pick-up services for gently used items, turning a potential inconvenience into a valuable contribution to others.
Aim for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move
Hiring professional movers can streamline your relocation process. With experience handling around 650,000 moves annually, their expertise is invaluable. They can help you avoid common moving day pitfalls, making your move significantly easier.
