Today, the pressure of meeting looming relocation deadlines sometimes disrupts household moves. No matter how soon the deadline, always remember to avoid these five common and preventable mistakes. Resist making some all-too-common errors:
One: Accepting Substandard Moving Boxes And Supplies
As a preliminary matter, before undertaking packing, it makes sense to obtain a sufficient quantity of high quality moving boxes and supplies. Try and locate materials specifically designed to accommodate household relocations. Many full-time moving companies and packaging stores sell these items. Today, manufacturers produce a wide variety of different types of cardboard containers. Boxes created for other purposes won’t necessarily protect your household’s belongings adequately during a relocation.
Two: The Temptation to Skip Sorting Items
Even when you need to pack quickly, you’ll discover time savings in sorting items carefully first. Simply tossing everything into a moving box creates challenges when the time arrives to unpack. For example, a household moving from Northern Minnesota to the Florida Keys will likely discover they don’t need to carry along heavy cold-weather clothing. By screening out unnecessary personal items like winter coats, mittens, and sweaters, anyone preparing for this type of relocation packs more efficiently. Unpacking becomes much easier, too!
Three: Packing Liquids
A single spilled liquid in a packed box sometimes results in extensive property damage during relocation. Most movers recommend refraining from carrying along with any liquid items during a household move. At the very least, never pack these materials in moving boxes: use only containers specifically designed for the safe transport of liquids. Today, moving companies assisting with interstate relocations face many restrictions on the types of materials they may transport as a matter of law. Customers sometimes risk the loss of valuable belongings if a single stored container begins leaking and its contents damage other items in a moving truck.
Four: Forgetting to Inventory And Label Every Box
Taking the time to record a master inventory list of packed items yields enormous benefits later. Similarly, labeling every moving box carefully to indicate its contents helps prevent losses. These precautions assist households in identifying property accurately. They help avoid needless delays during the unpacking phase of relocation.
Five: Omitting Taking Essential “Carry On” Items With You
When you reach your destination, you’ll appreciate your wisdom in having kept a handy travel bag of essential belongings readily available. Even if your moving boxes have already arrived ahead of your household, searching through them for a flashlight, a toothbrush, or an alarm clock proves frustrating indeed! Most experts recommend assembling a small portable kit of “must have” belongings for your household’s first 24 hours at your new address. Travel with this carry on bag to keep basic essentials at your fingertips.
Achieving Better Organized, More Pleasant Relocations
Following these suggestions contributes to a more enjoyable relocation for everyone. Packing with care ultimately promotes easier, happier moves!