Chances are that you’ve moved at least once in your life. If so, you know that moving can be a chaotic, time-consuming process. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle it can be easy to overlook things and make mistakes. At Meehan’s Family Moving, we want your next move to be a successful one.
Here are 5 of the most common moving mistakes and how you can avoid them to save your family time and money during your next move.
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Moving Mistake #1: Deciding to D-I-Y
Don’t underestimate moving! When it comes to relocating, one of the biggest decisions you will face is whether to do the job yourself or hire professional movers. While most people assume that they can save some cash by doing the job themselves, the truth is that even a local DIY move requires an extensive amount of planning, time and money.
Doing-it-yourself can a huge liability. Today, most professional moving companies provide their customers with protection in the event of loss or damage to their property. However, when you decide to move on your own you assume total responsibility. This means that if you’re one of the many Americans that have never operated a large moving truck before, the experience can be intimidating, not to mention a potential hazard for yourself and other drivers.
It’s a common misconception to think that recruiting friends and family to help you move is a more cost-effective alternative to hiring professional movers. The truth is, there are hidden costs that most people don’t even think about. DIY moving can result in high gas bills from multiple trips back and forth, pricey moving truck and equipment rentals and costly relocation insurance. You will want to factor these hidden costs before making your decision.
Moving Mistake #2: Moving During “Rush Hour”
According to US Census data, almost 50 percent of all moves take place from June to September. The warmer weather and fact that school-aged children are on summer vacation make the summer months an attractive time for many people to move. So what can you do to avoid the dreaded moving “traffic jam”?
Start planning your move as early as possible. You will thank yourself later. If you are planning a summer move, try to book your move in the middle of the week and be sure to book a moving company ahead of time. If you start doing your research in July, chances are that most reputable movers in your area will already be booked and you may be stuck working with a shady company or paying higher prices for your moving services.
Mistake #3: Overexerting Yourself
One of the major benefits of hiring professional movers is the overall level of safety for everyone involved. Professional movers are highly trained and experienced in lifting heavy objects –in fact, it is something they do every day.
Therefore, it is best to leave the job up to the professionals to avoid personal injury or damage to your property. However, if you still decide to move on your own or recruit non-professionals to help, don’t make the mistake of assuming that you are immune to injuries or accidents.
To avoid personal injury, be sure ask for help when moving heavy items. Practice proper lifting techniques at all times to spare yourself from painful back injuries and be sure to review equipment guidelines carefully before use.
Lastly, keep small children, elderly people, and pets away from all the action on moving day to avoid potential danger to your loved ones.
Mistake #4: Taking Everything with You
Let’s face it, there are probably a ton of things in your home that you either don’t need or haven’t reached for in years. If you neglect the dreaded chore of downsizing your home before moving day, you will end up packing, moving, unpacking and storing an overwhelming amount of things. So how can you avoid this?
Set aside some time to go comb through every room in your home and separate the possessions you want to take with you. Be selective of what you take with you. You can even take advantage of this opportunity to have a garage sale or donate any unwanted items to your local donation center.
5. Hiring a Less-Than-Professional Moving Company
The movers you choose to hire will undoubtedly define your entire moving experience. That is why it is important to find licensed, insured, and trustworthy individuals who will take great care of your property, giving you peace of mind during your relocation.
Because your safety and property are at stake, this is not the best time to value price over quality. Be aware of scams and companies with deals that seem too good to be true and make sure to verify the company’s USDOT number, ask for credentials and references, and read online reviews from other customers to avoid getting scammed.
Make No Mistakes with Meehan’s Family Moving
Moving can be tricky. Don’t fall victim to these 5 common moving mistakes. Let Meehan’s Family Moving of Palm Beach County take care of all the hard work so that you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure the safety of your family.
For more information about what Meehan’s Family Moving can do for you, call us today at (561) 904-6000 for a complimentary, no-risk, no-obligation quote.
