5 Biggest Moving Day Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

It’s moving day! Congratulations! Now, before things get completely crazy, read these 5 common moving day mistakes so you won’t make them.

Packing, costs, saying goodbye, a new job, a new school — these are just a few of the thoughts consuming your busy mind as you look to moving day.

Moving is a big deal! In fact,  the average Canadian moves five or six times over his or her lifetime.

As the countdown to the big day commences, take note of these five common mistakes to avoid so you’ll be prepared and satisfied on moving day.

1. Not Expecting the Unexpected

Life is never simple. We can make lists and schedules until we turn blue, but it’s just a fact that not everything always goes to plan.

When you’re all caught up in everything that has to do with moving it’s easy to forget about the most ordinary and uncontrollable life conditions.

Weather

Don’t let Mother Nature get the best of you on moving day. Consider the time of year you’re moving and plan around extreme weather possibilities.

• Wear layered clothing in case the temperature changes throughout the day.
• Bring water and sunscreen for super those real sunny moving days.
• Have umbrellas and rain gear (plastic sheets, tarps, towels) onsite in case it rains or snows.

Simply put: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Roads

Don’t forget to account for miscellaneous driving and road conditions you may encounter on moving day.

Traffic: If you’re scheduled to move during a weekday, account for rush-hour traffic. Better yet, plan to move in the early afternoon when most people will either be at school or work.

Driving Route: Consider the possibility of unknown construction loops and detours, and plan an alternate route just in case you need it.

2. Forgetting Others

Unless you live by yourself without a pet and no plants, chances are you’re not entirely alone in this move. Make sure you consider the other living creatures that’ll be tagging along with you on moving day.

Kids

If you have children, make sure you and they both know what they’re doing on moving day. Give the kids jobs so they can take ownership of the move and have something to do as all the packing is happening.

Pets

What about little Friskie and Pooch? Be sure you plan how you’ll transport your pets. Don’t forget about their comfort; they’ll need crates, food, water, and possibly even a sedative! ( Animals get anxious during moves!)

Plants

Plants are living things too! Make sure your plants have optimal conditions and can survive a move. Consider re-potting any that are currently planted in fragile pots.

Regions may have certain rules on moving different plants, so check your new neighborhood’s provincial and state regulations.

3. Under-organizing

You may think you’re organized but in order to be the as ready as you can be on moving day, plan to overdo it on the organizing front.

Protect and cushion all valuables.

Bubble wrap, tissue paper, towels, padding — you know the deal. Take extra care of special items like family heirlooms, documents, jewelry, etc. Make sure your boxes are weighted properly and never stack heavy items on top.

Pack items from the same room together.

Try not to mix items from your bathroom with items from your kitchen, for example. That’ll just lead to confusion!

Label boxes with as much detail as possible.

More than just “fragile,” make sure to label the box with its proper room. That way, you’ll know where each box belongs as you take it off the truck. It’ll save you time and energy moving things when it’s time to unpack.

Make an inventory of your boxes.

Give each prepared box a number and then make a list with each box, its number, and its contents. Be sure to double- and triple-check your inventory on moving day. And keep this list with you at all times (Would it be too much to make an extra copy or two?).

Pack a day-of-move kit.

Consider the small things you might randomly need on moving day and get them ready to have with you:

• Tools (screwdriver, wrench, scissors)
• Source of light (flashlight or candles and matches)
• Gloves
• Comfortable clothing
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper/Tissues
• Snacks and Water
• Medications/Prescriptions
• Cash
• Phone charger

Bottom line here is you can’t be too organized when it comes to moving day.

4. Failing to Research Your Moving Company

Hiring a moving company is a great way to get some help along the way when you’re moving. But it’s vital to do some due diligence and make sure your movers are trustworthy and offer helpful features.

Your mover should provide you with a  free in-home estimate before moving day. There shouldn’t be any surprise fees or costs on the big day.

If the company offers full-service packing, they’ll help you pack and wrap your furniture and fragile items. If they say they’ll do something, hold them accountable for doing it.

Consider any  storage options your mover might supply. Good movers will offer clean, secure and climate-controlled storage facilities that can really assist you as you make this big life transition.

What kind of  insurance policy and protection do they offer? Movers should have a plan in place in case items become damaged during your move, including replacement options for damaged items.

Read the terms and conditions and make sure you take pictures of your boxes before the move, so you have proof of condition prior to moving day.

Check to see if your moving company has restrictions on certain items such as flammables, liquor, perishable food, plants, and animals.

Read reviews and  customer testimonials and make sure people have been satisfied with their experience.

5. Neglecting Your New Home

Make sure your new home is ready for your arrival. Don’t forget to transfer utilities — you don’t want to end up with no electricity, heat, a/c, water or gas. Disaster!

Prepare a spot for dirty shoes (especially if it rains) and other outdoor gear. Bring an old towel or small mat to place at the door of your new residence.

If your new home is smaller than your old one, then make sure you purge, donate or recycle unneeded items before you get there. It’ll be much better not to have to move it in the first place — plus, you don’t want your brand new place to be filled with clutter before you even get a chance to relax in it.

There’s no doubt that a lot of work goes into moving, but with some extra care and preparation, your upcoming moving day can be as successful and comfortable as any other day.