Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Whether you’re moving across town or to a neighboring state, there are many things that can go wrong. At Melroy Movers, a family-owned business based in Springfield, VA, with over 10 years of experience, we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped families relocate throughout the DMV area and surrounding states, and we understand the challenges that come with moving. In this blog, we’ll cover 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them to ensure your next move goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Poor Planning
The first of the 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them is poor planning. Many families underestimate the time and effort it takes to organize a move. This often leads to last-minute scrambling, which can result in delays, stress, and forgotten items.
How to Avoid It: Start planning your move at least six weeks in advance. Make a checklist of tasks like packing, arranging utilities, and scheduling movers. Prioritize the most critical tasks first. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider consulting professional movers like Melroy Movers, who can help guide you through the process with ease.
2. Underestimating Moving Costs
Another common issue is underestimating the costs associated with moving. Many people only account for the cost of hiring movers but forget about other expenses like packing supplies, temporary storage, or the cost of transporting special items.
How to Avoid It: Always ask for a detailed quote from your moving company. At Melroy Movers, we provide transparent pricing so you can budget accordingly. We also offer discounts, such as $100 off for same-day bookings or early reservations, to help you save money.
3. Choosing the Wrong Moving Company
Choosing an unreliable or inexperienced moving company can lead to a host of problems, including damaged belongings, delays, or even hidden fees. This is one of the most frustrating of the 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them.
How to Avoid It: Do your research before hiring a moving company. Look for companies with a solid reputation, years of experience, and positive reviews. At Melroy Movers, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service, and our decade-long experience ensures that your move will be handled with care and professionalism.
4. Inadequate Packing
Packing is more than just tossing items into boxes. Improper packing can lead to damaged or broken belongings, especially if fragile items are not packed securely.
How to Avoid It: Use quality packing materials like sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones at the top. For more fragile items, wrap them individually and label the boxes as “fragile.” Consider hiring professional packing services, which Melroy Movers offers, to ensure your belongings are packed securely and efficiently.
5. Overlooking Insurance Options
One of the 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them is failing to understand your moving insurance options. Many people assume their items are fully covered by the moving company, only to find out too late that they aren’t.
How to Avoid It: Familiarize yourself with the difference between basic and full liability coverage. Basic coverage may not cover the full value of your belongings. At Melroy Movers, we help you understand your options so you can choose the right coverage for your needs.
6. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Moving items you no longer need or want is a waste of time and money. This is one of the more avoidable of the 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them but often overlooked.
How to Avoid It: Before you pack, go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Decluttering makes packing easier and reduces moving costs. You’ll also save space in your new home.
7. Ignoring the Importance of Labeling
Failing to label boxes is a small mistake that can create big headaches. When you arrive at your new home, not knowing where anything is can turn unpacking into a frustrating ordeal.
How to Avoid It: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This simple step can save you time and energy on moving day. At Melroy Movers, we recommend labeling not only the contents but also marking boxes as “fragile” when needed.
8. Forgetting to Prepare for Moving Day
The final of the 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them is neglecting to prepare for the actual moving day. Failing to have essentials like water, snacks, or a plan for the kids or pets can make moving day much more chaotic than it needs to be.
How to Avoid It: Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arriving at your new home—things like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, and snacks. Keep kids and pets occupied with activities or arrange for them to stay with family or friends during the move.
Our Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By addressing these 8 Common Issues with Moving and How to Avoid Them, you can ensure a smoother, less stressful experience. At Melroy Movers, we’re committed to making your move as easy as possible. Contact us today at (571) 427-0180 to schedule your move or learn more about how we can help you avoid these common moving problems.
