5 Mistakes to Avoid when Moving
At some stage in their lifetime, most people will experience moving from one home to another at least once. While for some it might be a relatively easy process with few or no issues, for others the experience could have them wanting to avoid moving again for the rest of their lives.
Adrian Goslett, says regardless of whether it’s to another suburb or clear across the country, moving can be a stressful experience. However, he says if movers avoid a few key mistakes, the process can be less daunting and a far smoother process.
1. Hiring a unreliable moving company
It may take some time, but using a less-than-upstanding moving company can be avoided by doing some research. Goslett says ideally, the best way to select a moving company is through a referral from a friend or family member who has used them before.
“Although no two moving experiences are the same, using a moving company that has been referred by a trusted source ensures that you know they do a good job.”
He says if there is no one who can provide you with the details of a reliable service provider, there is a wealth of knowledge available through the Internet and public information. He says most companies will have websites that list their services, service history, area they operate in and a rough estimate as to how much it will cost.
He notes that the online searches are great for compiling information and making a list of possible choices. An additional advantage of looking at websites is that they should provide contact information, which allows you to ask questions and obtain a written response.
Beware of any companies who do not provide a local address or information about licensing or insurance.
Goslett says another avenue to explore is social media, which provides an excellent platform to gain information about a credible, professional mover. Social media allows consumers to provide their honest opinions and share valuable knowledge, which points back to finding a referral from someone who has already used a moving company and been happy with their service, he says.
2. Only getting one quote
As with most services and transactions, shopping around for more than one quote will provide you with a better idea of whether or not you are getting good value for money from your moving company. Contact several providers and get quotes in writing.
Goslett says during this process, it is important to remember that it is difficult for a moving company to provide an accurate estimate over the phone without conducting an on-site inventory of the goods. The moving company must be prepared to come to the home to provide a written quote, he says.
If they insist that a contract be signed or that a deposit must be paid before they are willing to provide a quote, rather keep on looking around, he says.
3. Packing too much stuff
Before or during the packing process, decide what you want to keep and what can be thrown away. “As a general rule, if you haven’t worn, seen or used the item during the past year, then you probably don’t need it. Think hard about whether you want to keep these possibly unnecessary items. Evaluating your possessions before you move will ensure that only the items you want and need are moved to your new home.”
4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance
Preparation is the key to a smooth and hassle-free move, so ensure that you have enough time to prepare, rather than leaving it to the last minute and rushing to get everything done.
Goslett advises homeowners to make sure that the move is scheduled weeks or even months in advance to give themselves some breathing room and allow time to get everything packed, organised and ready to go.
5. Not packing ahead of time
The best way to relieve some of the pressure is to start packing well before the moving date.Start by boxing items that are not used on a regular basis – these can be packed ahead of time. “Anything that is not essential up until the day of the move should be packed and ready to go. This will give the homeowner a good indication as to how much more needs to be packed and it will save them a great deal of time.”
Goslett says if the move is happening in the warmer months, pack away winter clothes and heavy jackets, and duplicate items can be pared down to only the bare essentials.
He says while moving can be a stressful exercise, avoiding the above mistakes and being prepared can make it a far more bearable event. Knowing that you are as organised as possible to make the move as smooth as possible can make it an exciting experience to look forward to.
Property News Courtesy of Premier Real Estate