Moving is a hectic process, and it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks if not done correctly. At Brownstone Brothers Moving & Storage, in our 40+ years of experience, we’ve seen every moving mistake possible—and these mistakes are often costly.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the mistakes we see most frequently. We’ll advise you on what not to do, so that you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Not keeping track
Moving involves myriad different tasks, and keeping a list of things that need to be done before, during and after your move can be incredibly helpful to refer back to if your move starts to feel a bit chaotic at any point. In the weeks leading up to your move, start a list of tasks and notes pertaining to your upcoming move. Write down every detail that comes to mind, no matter how small—you’ll be glad you did when the big day arrives!
Not asking for help
Doing all of your packing and moving yourself can be an appealing idea. After all, it can save you the cost of paying If your move is especially small, say, a handful of boxes of non-breakable items, moving on your own is certainly plausible. But, if you are moving more than a suitcase of clothing and a few boxes, help is invaluable, and professional help from a company like Brownstone Brothers can save a lot of grief at the end of the day.
Choosing a mover based on bargain prices or convenience
Referrals from friends, family members or neighbors are the best way to find a good, reliable moving company. If you must rely on the Internet to find a mover, do some research rather than selecting the first company that pops up on your search engine results page. Checking the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the company you are reviewing is a good way to evaluate whether the company is a good fit for you.
Hiring a mover for their low prices can actually wind up being more costly in the end. Nick Mueller, director of operations for HawaiianIslands.com, tells the New York Times, “I made the mistake of hiring a cheap moving company off Craigslist. It was clear from first sight that their truck was in poor repair, but at that point I needed to be out of my rental and didn’t have time for other options. After driving 18 hours through spring rainstorms, almost every single box in the truck had water damage, and many items inside were ruined.” Budget movers have to cut costs in order to keep their prices low, which means your belongings may not get the protection they need to be transported safely. The cost of repairing these items is often costly—and some items can’t be repaired or replaced (often items of sentimental value).
Waiting until the last minute
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and, for one reason or another, we find ourselves having to move on short notice. In these situations, having a moving company take care of your packing will cut down considerably on time, and stress.
Whenever possible, avoid last minute planning and packing.
Packing often takes more time than you’d think. If you are going to be doing the packing yourself, be sure to start packing at least a few days in advance.
Forgetting to pack a “first night” box
Setting aside certain items that you will need access to during your first night in your new home is a great way to cut down on needless stress and ensure that your first night in your new home is as relaxing as possible. Check out our blog Packing Your First Night Box for tips!
Call or email us for more tips on how to make your move go smoothly!
Phone: (718) 665-5000
Email: info@brownstonebros.com