MOVING DAY MISTAKES TO AVOID

After countless hours of house searching, viewing and signing all the papers, the day is almost here—moving day! Finding your dream home can feel like a rush, so when it comes time to finally move into it, a few key things may be forgotten about. And let’s be real, moving isn’t fun for anyone. Luckily, you’ve got us to make sure the transition into your new home is easy and stress-free.

Here are the top seven moving day mistakes we see and how you can avoid them: 

Not downsizing before moving day

If you’re sitting here thinking that you don’t have that much stuff, then sure, we’ll believe you. But take it from us when we say people typically own more than they think they do. Chances are, all the items in that drawer you never open will just sit untouched in your new home, too. And that closet filled with clothes you want to “fit back into one day” will just take up just as much space in your next house. Do you really need them?

How you can avoid this: We suggest thoroughly looking through your possessions so you only pack what you truly need and use. This is the perfect opportunity to donate, sell and discard unwanted items, therefore only packing the important things—thus saving you time, money and energy.

Not labeling boxes

You’ve moved into your new house and begin unpacking boxes to get settled in. However, the first box you’ve opened up in the kitchen is actually filled with office supplies. And that other box in your bathroom that you thought held your shampoo? It’s actually carrying your cutlery. Cue frustration and probably a couple of curse words!

How you can avoid this: Once you’ve sorted the items in your current house and have begun to start packing them up, don’t forget to label the boxes appropriately. We suggest packing room by room so everything you need is together and in order of importance. Another great tip is to pack a bag with all your essentials like charging cables, toiletries, medications, pet supplies, electronics, etc. and another bag with your prized possessions like jewelry, keepsakes, photos, important documents, etc. This will ensure you don’t lose anything important during the move and can feel better prepared the next day when everything else is still boxed up.

Not keeping a checklist

It’s the first night in your new house and suddenly you’re awoken by a terrifying thought: Did you remember to pack your razor? What about those tools that were sitting in the corner of your garage? It can be stressful trying to keep track of all your possessions and everything you’ve packed or are packing. There’s a lot going on when you’re moving, so make it easier on yourself by planning ahead.

Check at the end of our blog for a moving checklist and see what we suggest you include in your first night box. 

How you can avoid this: No matter your organizational skills, keeping a checklist is the key to any easy move. Make a list of everything you need to pack and then while you’re packing, check the items off and take photos of them. This will help you when it comes time to unpacking and also when your insurance company requests an inventory of everything that you’re moving. Plus, it’s a lot easier finding a missing box or item the day of versus weeks later when you finally realize it’s missing.

Not shopping around (movers and insurance)

Speaking of insurance companies and other service providers (like movers), how did you find yours? Or do you even have one yet? There are so many to choose from that it can be easy to just go with the first one you come across or the one your friend used when they moved. However, every insurance company and moving company is different and your experience, policy or price may be different from someone else’s. 

How you can avoid this: Shop around! Whether you call multiple insurance companies for their moving policy rates or a variety of moving companies to find the best package for you, don’t be afraid to shop around. Your first call might not be the best call, so talk to those you trust for their suggestions and then do your own research, too. By shopping around, we guarantee you’ll get the best price and policy for your needs.

Not measuring furniture

You’ve found the perfect home and you’re excited to move in. But as you do, you quickly realize the couch you recently bought or the bed frame you moved from your previous home isn’t fitting through the door or is too big for its intended room. Oh no!

How you can avoid this: Before going through the struggle of moving furniture into your new house, only to have it not fit, we can’t stress this enough: measure first! While you’re doing your final walkthrough of your new home, don’t forget to bring a measuring tape with you to figure out room dimensions and furniture placement. By doing this ahead of time, you’ll learn early on if you need to donate or sell your current furniture and purchase new furniture to fit the space better. It’ll make moving day way less stressful!

Not asking for help

Moving is a stressful experience and it can be exhausting doing it alone. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Even if you’re just moving down the street, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

How you can avoid this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We know buying a house is already expensive and the thought of paying more for professional movers seems like an unnecessary cost, but when you factor your furniture, boxes, etc., it all adds up really quickly. And accidents happen when you’re stressed, too—like injuring yourself or breaking something. If professional movers are truly out of your budget, however, reach out to family or friends. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to help you move into your new home for the price of pizza and beer, which will be much cheaper than a moving company!

Waiting until the last minute

All you procrastinators out there, listen up! The last thing anyone wants to do is begin the slow process of moving, but it needs to be done—regardless if you begin months in advance or the night before. Do yourself a favour and start as soon as possible, so you’re not rushing the night before. That’s a recipe for disaster!

How you can avoid this: The best way to prepare yourself in advance for your big move is to start immediately, even if you haven’t found the perfect house yet or signed the papers. As soon as you begin house hunting, begin thinning out your possessions and cleaning up your current home. This will make it less daunting when it comes to actually moving. It’s never too early to begin boxing up items you don’t use right now (like patio items or summer clothes) in anticipation for the big day. Check off one task on your to-do list each day so by the time moving day arrives, you’ll feel excited for your next step.

Bonus time! We've got a handy moving checklist ready to help you with your move our handy moving guide and moving with pets

Calgary Moving Checklist

Pet Moving Checklist

While these are easy mistakes other Albertans have made, our Real Estate Partners real estate agents will ensure you don’t make them. If you have any questions about finding your new home, the buying, selling and moving process or real estate in general, our team of trusted experts are here to help. Contact us today!