Moving day is one of those days, that though it marks the beginning of a new start, it also carries a substantial amount of stress. Often marked as top 5 most stressful life events, it would not be a surprise if you find yourself in the same position. If looking for advice to keep those stress levels and expenditures to a minimum, who better to ask than the professionals? After consulting some of the best moving companies in the industry, here are a few tips for those looking to move in the near future.
DIY?
This one should come as no surprise. Moving professionals are going to vouch against doing it yourself -- and with good reason. When people are planning to move, they often forget how much actually goes into the moving. The packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking may seem feasible when planning it out... But on moving day, the experience may become daunting. It can be completely exhausting, so it is best to leave it to the pros.
Last minute packing
We can't fault those last minute packers. Right before a weekend getaway, you pack up a few items in a couple hours. Moving is a different beast entirely. Even if you move a one bedroom apartment, the amount of time needed to pack and organize is significantly more than you may expect. If you leave packing for the last minute, you may find yourself overburdened and tired. If asking for professional help at the last minute, you may see expenses rise as well.
Comparison-shopping
Comparison-shopping is definitely a tool to utilize when doing any shopping in today's digital world. But Andry Kroll, general manager of North American Van Lines, suggests that the only way to get a truly accurate quote is to have the movers come and conduct a physical survey of your space and stuff. This will provide a quote that is much closer to your actual bill on moving day.
Positive feedback
When searching for a moving company, we may often be distracted by low prices. Though it is good to be conscientious of pricing, it is also important to make sure that the company is also well reviewed. If the person or company has none or negative reviews, it may be best to spend a little more money on a reputable company to avoid any mishaps during the move.
Cheap supplies
Like cheap movers, cheap supplies can be trouble when you're packing up your belongings. Many stores offer free moving boxes for moving. Before you begin to stuff your items in boxes, give the box a thorough look over to make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the weight you need it to carry. If you can, invest in professional packing materials to give you added insurance that your stuff arrives to your new home in the same condition it left your old home.
Recycle trash
Experts all agree that if you're moving, you should be thinking about what
doesn't need to go with you just as much as what does. This should be one of the first thoughts when beginning your packing. Take some consideration on the items that you can recycle,
donate, or throw away. The less stuff you have to move, the less expensive your move shall be.
Let movers know
No one knows about your stuff more than you do. One of the most common complaints against moving companies is that they somehow damaged an item. If you are aware that any of your furnishings have weak points that should be avoided as much as possible, the best way to mitigate that risk is to simply let the movers know. The more
knowledgeable they are, the less likely something will go wrong.