Moving to a new home is an exciting time.
However, packing up everything you own, loading it into a moving truck, and then unpacking it in your new place can be daunting.
If you’re not careful, it can also be quite costly.
To help you avoid making any mistakes that could end up costing you big time, here are six moving mistakes to avoid at all costs. Often the homeowner’s small mistakes turn into a blunder. From the high-quality packing materials to the high-quality boxes purchasing, all are concerning points for homeowners.
1. Hiring Uninsured Movers
If something goes wrong and your belongings are damaged or lost, you will have no recourse if the company is not insured.
Furthermore, if one of the movers is injured on the job, you may be liable for their medical expenses if the company does not have workers’ compensation insurance.
To avoid this costly mistake, hire a professional company like Osmon Moving and Storage and verify that the moving company you are considering is fully insured.
Even if you are hiring a few friends to help you move, it is still a good idea to ensure they have some form of insurance. Otherwise, you could be left footing the bill for any damages.
In addition, many homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover damage caused by uninsured movers. To protect yourself, ask about insurance before hiring any moving company.
2. Doing It Yourself
Several potential pitfalls can make DIY moves much more costly. One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating the amount of work required. Moving is physically demanding, and if you’re not used to lifting heavy boxes and furniture, you can easily injure yourself.
You could damage your belongings or your new home even if you don’t get hurt.
In addition, driving a rental truck can be more challenging than you realize, and you may end up paying for additional gas or mileage if you don’t stick to your original plan.
3. Skimping On Packing Material
While it may seem like a good idea to save money by using old newspapers or towels as padding, these materials can do more harm than good.
They are not designed to withstand the pressure of being packed into boxes and can easily tear or come loose during the move. As a result, your belongings could end up getting damaged.
Failing to secure loose items in boxes can cause them to shift and damage. It is always better to err on the side of caution when packing for a move.
Investing in high-quality packing materials and moving supplies may cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run.
4. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Moving is never easy, and it can often be tempting to put off packing until the last minute. However, this is one mistake that could end up costing you dearly.
Not only will you be more likely to forget important items, but you’ll also be rushed and frazzled on moving day. Waiting until the last minute can lead to accidents, such as dropping and breaking fragile items.
It can also make it more difficult to stay organized, meaning you may have a harder time unpacking once you reach your new home.
Start packing as soon as you know you’re moving to avoid these problems.
5. Failing to Declutter
Decluttering may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you time and money in the long run. For one, you won’t have to pay to move items that you no longer need or want, and it will be easier to pack and unpack if you only have the essentials.
To declutter effectively, start by going through each room in your home and deciding what items you need to keep.
Then, donate or sell anything that you don’t need or use anymore. This will not only lighten your load, but it will also give you a head start on unpacking and setting up your new home.
6. Failing to Budget for Unexpected Expenses
Whether it’s an unexpected repair bill at your old place or a higher-than-expected security deposit at your new place, a few surprises can pop up during a move.
Before packing boxes, ensure you save extra money to cover unexpected expenses. That way, you can avoid getting stuck with a big bill and stress when trying to adjust to your new home.
Moving can be a stressful and costly affair if you’re not careful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Take the time to plan ahead before you dive into your move.
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