Five Mistakes People Make When They Move (And How to Avoid Them)

Mar 16
11:35

2011

Mike Kiewatt

Mike Kiewatt

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Moving is rightfully considered one of life’s biggest challenges. Often people assume that moving is going to be an awful experience just as a matter of course, but it doesn't have to be! Sure, moving takes time and energy -- but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience.

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Because it is a major transition on its own,Five Mistakes People Make When They Move (And How to Avoid Them) Articles and because it often accompanies other big life changes, moving is rightfully considered one of life’s biggest challenges. Often people assume that moving is going to be an awful experience just as a matter of course. But this isn’t the case at all. Yes, moving takes time and energy -- but it doesn’t have to be a negative experience.

Below are four common mistakes that many people make when moving. The good news is that they are easily avoidable.

•    Procrastinating. Setting up a move takes time. Give yourself at least five weeks to get things planned, organized, paid for, reserved, boxed, stacked and packed.
•    Assuming that bigger is better. Do your research, ask questions, get answers. Often going with a smaller, local company is a smarter deal, less hassle, and offers better, more personal customer service.
•    Packing in a panic. When you don’t plan ahead, moving can be a nightmare, and pressure often builds, leading to a sense of losing control and outright panic. How many times have you stared down a drawer full of miscellaneous items and thought, How did this happen? I can’t deal with this! The temptation may be toss everything into the garbage or start labeling boxes “miscellaneous” (see next item) rather than sorting. But this is a sure recipe for major stress. Make a plan before you leave and stick with it. Take a deep breath. Take a break if you need to gather your wits. Don’t make big decisions when you are physically exhausted or emotionally strung out.
•    Labeling boxes “miscellaneous.” Don’t do it! This is how things get lost. Honestly assess what you’re looking at. Do you need these items? If not, throw them away, recycle them, or give them away. If you really aren’t sure what to label the box for your destination, consider writing where the items came from -- for example, Art supplies from guest room bureau. Yes, it’s a little clunky, but knowing the contents of the box and the items’ origin might help you find an appropriate place for them in your new home. Plus, you avoid having to open twelve boxes all labeled “Misc” on the day you’re looking for those art supplies.
•    Not keeping easy access to basic necessities. Make a list of what you know you’ll need and make sure those things are either in the car with you (or in the very back of the moving van if you won’t be driving a car). You never know what might happen: if you are delayed in some town midway to your destination because of bad weather or car problems, you’re going to want to know exactly where your clean clothes and toothbrush are.

Moving is not for the faint of heart. It’s easy to get bogged down. But if you know some of the classic packing pitfalls, you can take steps to avoid them -- which will make moving a much more pleasant experience for you, your family members and your movers.