There are a lot of things to do during a move--we even have a variety of guides here to help you remember everything that is necessary during a relocation. But there are also things you should not do during a move. What are some common moving mistakes that you should avoid on moving day?
Being unprepared
You need to plan, give notice, and prepare your home for a move. Not thinking about your move until moving day is a good way to forget details and put yourself in a mad rush trying to make up for your lack of preparation.
You should probably start planning and preparing for your move three to six months before your anticipated moving day.
Going with the first mover and estimate
Looking for movers? Chances are there are many possible moving companies who could do the job for you. If you find one, you can find a few more. If you only look at one company and one estimate, then you may be overcharged, under-serviced, and scammed.
Getting multiple quotes from multiple companies gives you the power to compare prices and services so you can choose the best company for you. Luckily, Topmoving.ca allows you to compare moving services and get quotes freely.
Accepting only a phone or e-mail estimate
Phone or e-mail moving estimates are almost never accurate. Even if the mover isn't trying to scam you, you will still invariably forget to mention some items or the company's representative will not know the job's extent based on the information you provide. This can happen even if you're very descriptive and keep a detailed moving inventory.
Estimates need to be on-site and to be trusted. Not only can the movers see the full load, but they can also assess what other hidden fees they may charge based on your home's layout and location. If a moving company is unwilling or unable to do an in-home estimate, then you may need to look for another moving company.
Attempting to move items yourself 
Some things are better left to the professionals. Whether it's due to size, complexity, fragility, or legal reasons, the following items should probably be moved by specialty movers rather than yourself:
- Extremely big or heavy furniture
- Appliances
- Pianos
- Artwork and antiques
- Fragile glassware and china
Additionally, you should not try to hide prohibited items in your shipment. This is illegal and will nullify any insurance you purchased for the move.
Letting your pets and kids run around during the move
Moving is work and anytime there's work to be done, pets and children become less cute and more annoying. Movers will not want to deal with them running underfoot while they are trying to carry heavy furniture. You won't want to deal with them either if you are moving your items yourself.
Pets and kids are dangerous to have around during a move because they can get stepped on or run away during all the chaos and confusion. You should probably send them all to Grandma's house on moving day.
Packing and loading without a plan
If you are packing and loading yourself, you may think that it can't be too difficult. But you can't just throw things in boxes and toss them in a moving truck without any regard for their safety or the truck's weight and space distribution.
Properly packing and labeling your belongings will keep them safe and organized. If you don't utilize your space in a moving truck correctly, you may not be able to fit all of your items. You'll want the items tightly packed to limit movement during transit.
Paying a large deposit before the move
Reputable moving companies will have you sign a contract before the move, but you will not have to pay the majority of your bill until it is time to unload your items. If a moving company asks for a large deposit upfront, then they are likely trying to scam you. Choose a different moving company.
Choosing the free movers' insurance
Movers are required by law to insure your belongings when they move them. You may be satisfied with this and choose to not pay for additional insurance, but this free insurance does not cover much. You only get paid 60 cents per pound for damaged items with free moving insurance. That's pretty awful, especially for light, expensive items like flat-screen TVs. You should opt to pay for replacement value protection, which is usually the default plan offered by most moving companies. |