It's a sure thing that millions of questions are rattling around the brains of the millions of Americans who are preparing to move. Perhaps you're among them. To help put you at ease, here are 5 typical moving errors and how to prevent them.
In 2012, about 36 million Americans moved, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Believe about it: That's close to the variety of individuals who reside in California.
With that numerous folks on the move-- whether it's across town or across the country-- it's a safe bet that millions of questions are rattling around the brains of the countless Americans who are preparing to transfer. Possibly you're among them. To help put you at ease, here are five typical moving errors and how to avoid them.
1. Employing a Shady Mover.
We've all heard horror stories about moving scams, and perhaps possibly you have actually been the victim of a moving fraud yourself. You can stay away from a less-than-upstanding mover by doing your homework.
The Bbb, the American Moving & Storage Association, Angie's List, your state transport regulator and the U.S. Department of Transport-- and even your loved ones, neighbors, friends and colleagues-- are all excellent sources of details about whether a moving business is on the up-and-up. Doing some homework online can save you a great deal of distress on moving day.
"Since anyone with a site and a truck can declare to be a mover, our industry is plagued by scam artist who do not abide by standards for sincerity and ethical conduct," Linda Bauer Darr, president of the American Moving & Storage Association, stated last year.
If you've done your research and still aren't positive in the movers you've encountered, you always can go the Do It Yourself path-- just be sure you're up for the job. The additional work could be worth it, though: Doing a DIY relocation normally costs less than hiring an expert mover.
2. Screwing up the Quotes.
You must be able to get someone from that company to come to your location for an in-home moving estimate if you employ a professional mover. You must think about going shopping around for another mover if a moving business won't do an at home quote.
If you really like one mover over another however your favorite business is a little expensive, try working out for a lower price. Constantly make sure to get a moving quote in writing.
3. Packaging Too Much Things.
Do you truly require those old boxes of infant clothes that you have not laid eyes on because your 6-year-old was in diapers? Before you move, you need to "modify" your possessions. Think about whether you can trash a few of your possessions, contribute them to charity, or provide them away to friends and family members. Possibly you might hold a yard sale to clean out the clutter. If you have not seen, worn or utilized something in a year, it's best to believe difficult about whether you require to keep it-- and whether you need to carry it to your new location.
4. Stopping working to Schedule Your Move Well ahead of time.
Throughout the summer months, great moving companies are reserved up rapidly. Rather than waiting till the last minute, make sure your move is set up weeks-- or, better yet, months-- in advance.
5. Neglecting the Need to Pack Ahead of Time.
You'll discover very couple of people who'll say that packaging is fun. A 2013 survey commissioned by my company, SpareFoot, found that individuals who had actually moved in the past year determined packaging and unpacking as the most significant inconvenience in the procedure.
You can reduce the load by starting to load well prior to moving day comes along. Start by boxing up stuff that you won't require right away-- for circumstances, if you're moving in the summer season, pack up unneeded winter clothing so that they're read this article out of the method.
If you come down to the wire and need assist with packaging, get friends, relatives, associates or next-door neighbors to assist. Make certain you've got plenty of food and beverages as a "thank you" for your volunteer assistants. Consider hiring laborers to do the packing for you; that might be a little rate to pay to relieve some moving-related tension if you can't rustle up any free help.