Moving house may seem like the beginning of a new chapter, but there is no doubt that it comes with a good deal of stress involved. Whether you’re moving suburbs or interstate, there are a few do-it-yourself mistakes that almost everyone makes at least once. So, if you’re moving house, here are ten common mistakes to avoid when relocating.
1. Leaving Everything Until the Last Minute
You keep saying, “I have heaps of time”, but time seems to go by quickly. Rushing to pack means chaos, loss of valuables and a lot of stress. Time to pack should not be rushed, so consider starting a few weeks early. Pack a little each day, rather than rushing at the last minute.
2. Thinking You Can Do It All on Your Own
Most people try to save money by moving house themselves. Lifting heavy furniture, driving a rented van, and packing things correctly are more challenging than they appear. Just get help from professional movers, and they’ll save you back strain (or even worse) on your head.
3. Not Decluttering Before Packing
Moving is a great time to declutter. This is not the time to pay to move things you haven’t touched or used in years. Dedicate some time to making piles of things you can donate, sell, and throw away. You’ll save yourself time, money, and space in your new home.
4. Packing Without a System
It may seem quick to throw everything into random boxes, but later you will wish you hadn’t. Mark every box with the room and contents. Trust us, knowing where your kettle or phone charger is on the first night will save you from frustration.
5. Booking Movers Too Late
Moving companies do not have an endless supply of movers, and they get booked quickly, especially on weekends or at the end of the month. Waiting until the last minute may mean fewer options or higher prices. Be sure to book the best and cheapest movers early to avoid disappointment.
6. Forgetting to Change Your Address and Services
There are numerous instances where people move and then discover that their mail is still being sent to their old house. Create a checklist of areas where you need to update your address, including banks, phone services, electricity, gas, and your employer.
7. Not Packing Fragile Items Properly
It’s easy to think your plates or glasses are safe unless you take steps to make them safer. But the assumption that they will make it unscratched or unbroken is flawed if you do not take reasonable precautions. Using bubble wrap, towels, or other firm padding is essential for breakables.
8. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
While you may think you can fit your items in a small van, most of us possess more than we realise. Before deciding on a moving vehicle, estimate the number of boxes, pieces of furniture, and appliances you will be transporting.
9. Forgetting an Essentials Bag
Throw together a small bag of everyday items- phone chargers, medicines, toiletries, clothes, and any basic kitchen gear. You won’t regret it when you are too tired to unpack on night one.
10. Skipping the Final Check
Before you lock the door for good, check in every room, behind the doors, inside the cupboards, and beneath the sinks of your house. Things can be easily forgotten, and you don’t want to run around and be in a rush.
Final Thoughts
Moving is a big commitment, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. If you take the time to plan and avoid these common pitfalls, it will be easier and much less stressful. From across town to cross-country, if you stay organised, pack wisely, and prepare beforehand, your move will go off without a hitch from beginning to end.