3 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

The thought of packing up your entire life and moving to a new location may seem daunting. Moving often takes months of planning, a good amount of money, and costs a few new gray hairs along the way. Consider the following as pitfalls to avoid in order to make your transition as seamless of possible.

1. Not Setting Aside Time to Think of a Moving Plan

Taking the time to organize and set realistic goals for yourself can help take some of the stress out of moving.

Consider How to Transport Everything and Prepare Accordingly

Get quotes from different moving companies to find the best option for you. Pricing can depend on several factors, including the date you plan on moving, how far away your new home is, and what State you are in. Be sure to include all requested information to get accurate quotes and prevent any unexpected additional costs.

Renting a transfer pod or moving truck can be other effective options. Consider on how much you are moving to request an appropriately sized container. Always veer to the side of caution when moving large pieces of furniture as they can be extremely difficult to maneuver into tight spaces.

Breakdown Packing into Small, Manageable Sections

Packing up your entire life can seem daunting, especially when you only have a limited amount of time to accomplish everything. Set yourself up for success by setting aside specific and realistic time windows to pack up a single room. Finishing packing up everything in the bathroom today is a lot less intimidating than harping on the fact that you need to be completely done in the next two weeks.

Take the Time to Label Your Boxes

Placing labels on your boxes outlining what is inside and which new room it should be moved to will make the unpacking process much easier. Taping color-coded notecards to each box can tell those helping to unload your boxes in your new place where they should leave it. Establishing that green boxes are for the bedroom and pinks are for the kitchen can save you hours in sorting time.

Packing an essentials box containing everything you need for your first night in your new place ensures that you scrambling to find that one small everyday item in a sea of boxes.

2. Taking EVERYTHING with You

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you need to take everything you own. Cutting down on unwanted items before the move can save time and money on moving expenses. For example, Grandma’s sofa that has been sitting in the basement for the last decade may prove to be more of a hassle than an asset in your new home.

Treat Moving as Another Spring Cleaning

Even getting rid of smaller items can free a lot of space. Consider treating moving like an opportunity to de-clutter your space of items that no longer serve a function:

• Look through the closets for clothes that aren’t worn or don’t fit anymore.
• Get rid of expired perishables.
• Evaluate if you have room for all your furniture at your new home.

Many donation centers are willing to come to your home to pick-up your donation at no fee. Research reputable organizations in your area before donating. Another option is to sell some of your unwanted items and furniture online to help finance your move.

3. Not Checking Off Anything on Your To-Do List Before You Move

The first few days following the big move can be extremely stressful. After a long day of hauling boxes, the last thing you want to do is spend hours on the phone sorting out all the logistics. Get as much done before you move to prevent headaches after.

Forward Your Mail to Your New Address

Contact your subscription, billing, and shopping platforms with your new address to get your mail sent to your new home. Despite your best efforts, important bills and notices can slip by and end up at your old address after you move. Consider forwarding your mail to prevent this. Visit the post office’s website to fill out a change of address form for a small fee. This can be done ahead of your move by selecting a start date in the future.

Change Over to Your New Utilities

Get a head start on moving and save yourself future stress by switching over your utilities in the weeks leading up to your move. If you have a set moving date, call old and new utility companies ahead of time to coordinate everything switching over on the same day.

Considering How Moving Can Affect Your Insurance Policy

If you are considering a move, don’t forget that you still have health insurance options. These qualifying life events afford you a fresh chance to shop for affordable health insurance via the Marketplace. And to help you navigate this special enrollment period and to help you calculate your eligible tax benefits, browse with W3LL.