Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to do. And while some people take moving very seriously, others don’t give it much thought at all. As a result, they end up making some avoidable mistakes that can make their move more difficult, costly, and stressful. In Australia, people move house an average of once every five to seven years, so it’s something that most of us will have to do at some point in our lives. With that in mind, here are the most common mistakes people make when moving house.
Not planning ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is not planning ahead. They don’t give themselves enough time to sort through their belongings, pack up their things, and get everything ready for the move.
As a result, they’re rushed and stressed, and they end up forgetting things or leaving important items behind. Failing to plan the moving day properly can also lead to problems, such as not being able to book a removalist in time or not having enough packing materials.
Not packing properly
Packing is one of the most important aspects of moving, and yet it’s often done poorly. People try to save money by using old boxes or packing materials that are not designed for moving.
Unfortunately, this can lead to damage to your belongings during the move. It’s also important to label all of your boxes so that you know what’s inside and where it needs to go in your new home.
Not cleaning before you move
Another mistake people make is not cleaning their old home before they move out. This can leave your new home dirty and full of dust, and it can also make it more difficult to sell or rent your old home.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to do a thorough clean before you hand over the keys to your old place.
Not budgeting for the move
Moving house can be an expensive process, and yet many people don’t budget for it properly. They underestimate the cost of buying packing materials or renting a storage unit if needed.
Consequently, they end up going over budget and having to spend more money than they’d planned. To avoid this, sit down and work out a realistic budget for your move before you start packing.
Not hiring a professional
Hiring a professional removalist is one of the best decisions you can make when moving house. They have the experience and the know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Not only that, but they can also help you with packing, unpacking, and even storing your belongings if needed. Having professional removalists in Sydney is a much better idea than risking injury by trying to do it yourself or relying on friends and family who may not be experienced in moving.
Not getting insurance
If you’re hiring a professional removalist, they will usually have insurance for your belongings. However, it’s always a good idea to get your own insurance as well, just in case something goes wrong.
Your home and contents insurance may cover you for damage during a move, but it’s always best to check with your insurer beforehand.
Not taking measurements
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is not taking measurements of their new home. They only realise too late that their furniture won’t fit through the doorways or that their couch is too big for the living room.
To avoid this, measure all of your furniture and take note of the dimensions of your doorways and rooms before you move. That way, you’ll know what will and won’t fit in your new place.
Using the wrong moving boxes
There are different types of moving boxes for different purposes. Using the wrong type of box can lead to damage to your belongings or make the move more difficult than it needs to be.
For example, using flimsy cardboard boxes for heavy items is a recipe for disaster. Likewise, using plastic bags to pack your clothes is a bad idea as they can rip and tear easily.
Not taking into account the weather
If you’re moving in summer, you need to be prepared for the heat. Make sure you have enough water on hand to stay hydrated and try to avoid moving during the hottest part of the day.
In winter, on the other hand, you need to be careful of slippery surfaces and icy roads. Again, try to avoid moving when it’s too cold outside, and make sure you have warm clothes and blankets available.
Assuming that everything will go according to plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is assuming that everything will go according to plan. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Things can and do go wrong during moves, so it’s important to be prepared for the worst. Have a backup plan in place in case your removalist is late or your furniture doesn’t fit in your new home.
Conclusion
Moving house is a big undertaking, and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. To avoid making common mistakes, be sure to budget for your move, take measurements of your new home, and get insurance for your belongings.
