5 mistakes to avoid when moving to a new home

Get ready for a stress-free move with our top five tips to dodge common mistakes! By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a smooth move and settling into your fabulous new home in no time!

4 min read

So, you're about to embark on the thrilling journey moving to a new home? It's an exciting time full of fresh starts and new beginnings. But let's be honest, moving sucks! It can be quite the challenge, and things can get stressful. Don't worry, though—we're here to help! In this article, we'll chat about five common slip-ups folks make when moving and share some handy tips to keep your move smooth sailing.

1. Letting planning and organisation slide

You know what they say, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." That's especially true when it comes to moving. A successful move is all about preparation, so let's make sure you've got all your ducks in a row.

Tips to avoid this mistake:

• Map out a moving timeline
  Put together a timeline that lays out all the essential tasks and their due dates. This will help you stay on track and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Think about researching moving companies, decluttering, packing, giving utility companies a heads-up, and setting up services at your new place.
  
  
• Sort your stuff
  Before diving into packing, take a moment to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Trust us, it'll make packing a whole lot easier, and you'll only move things you truly need.
  
  
• Label those boxes
  As you pack, be sure to label each box clearly with its contents and the room it's destined for in your new home. This will save you time and headaches when you're unpacking and looking for specific items.

2. Picking the wrong removalist

Hiring a moving company without doing your homework can be a recipe for disaster. The wrong choice can lead to damaged or lost belongings, delays, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

Tips to avoid this mistake:

• Do some digging
  Take your time to research different moving companies. Check out online reviews, ask friends or family for recommendations, and keep an eye out for any red flags that might suggest lousy service.
  
  
• Get a few quotes
  Reach out to several moving companies and ask for detailed estimates. This will give you a ballpark figure of how much your move might cost and help you make an informed decision.
  
  
• Make sure they're licensed and insured
  Don't forget to check that your chosen moving company has the proper licenses and insurance. This will have your back in case of any accidents or damage to your belongings during the move.

3. Underestimating time and effort

We know, moving can be a real time-suck. People often underestimate just how much time and effort it takes, which can lead to some last-minute panic.

Tips to avoid this mistake:

• Be realistic with your time
  When you're putting together your moving timeline, be sure to allocate enough time for each task. It's better to overestimate and have some wiggle room than to underestimate and end up in a mad rush.
  
  
• Start ASAP
  The sooner you kick off the moving process, the more time you'll have to tick tasks off your list, deal with any hiccups, and make changes to your plan if needed.
  
  
• Ask for help
  Don't be shy about asking friends, family, or even professional movers for a helping hand. More hands on deck means lighter work for everyone, and it can make a huge difference in how quickly you get things done.

4. Not packing fragile items with care

There's nothing more frustrating than discovering your fragile items got damaged during the move. To avoid this, take the time to pack these items with the TLC they deserve.

Tips to avoid this mistake:

• Invest in quality material
  Go ahead and get yourself some top-notch packing materials, like bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. Your fragile items will thank you for the extra protection!
  
  
• Wrap each item separately
  For delicate items, be sure to wrap each piece individually. This will give them the best chance of surviving the move unscathed. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels and blankets to cushion and protect your breakables.
  
  
• Pack smart
  Keep in mind how you're arranging your boxes. Put heavier items at the bottom and lighter, fragile items on top. Fill any empty spaces with packing material to keep things from shifting around during the move. You might also want to consider using specialized boxes, like dish packs or wardrobe boxes, for an added layer of protection.

5. Forgetting to tell important people and update your address

Not letting the right people know about your move and updating your address can lead to missed bills, lost mail, and other annoying mix-ups.

Tips to avoid this mistake:

• Make a list of who to tell
  Jot down a list of all the people and organisations you need to inform about your move. This might include utility companies, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, subscription services, your employer, and the post office.
  
  
• Update your address
  Make sure to update your address with all the relevant parties as soon as you can. This will help ensure your mail finds its way to your new home and prevent any potential snags.
  
  
• Set Up utilities and services
  And don't forget to set up utilities and services at your new place, like electricity, water, gas, and internet. Schedule these services to be up and running before you move in, so you don't have to deal with any disruptions or delays.

There you have it—moving to a new home doesn't have to be a headache! By steering clear of these five common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to a smooth, stress-free move. Remember, it's all about planning and organisation, choosing the right moving company, being realistic about time and effort, packing your fragile items carefully, and keeping important parties in the loop. With these tips in your back pocket, you'll be ready to enjoy your new home and all the fantastic new experiences it has to offer. Happy moving!