The transition from one house to another is no easy feat, but avoiding these common mistakes can help ease the pain of moving.  Here are the 7 biggest mistakes people make during the moving process, and tips to help you avoid them.

1. Procrastinating

   There is no worse time to be a procrastinator than during the moving process.  Waiting until the last 48 hours to start planning the execution of your move can be disastrous.  As soon as you are aware of your move, start planning right away.  Begin packing one day at a time, start gathering moving quotes so you can secure your mover, and begin cleaning out your home.  By preparing in advance and taking one step at a time, you will be ready to go come moving day.

2. Failure to Purge

   Moving offers the perfect opportunity to get rid of any unused items so you can have a fresh start in your new home.  If you do not take the time to purge your home of all that extra junk, it will cost you more in moving expenses, it will be more to unpack, and it will just take up more space.  Take advantage of the chance to rid yourself of that extra weight.

3. Trying to Do it All Yourself

   Let’s be realistic…moving is a BIG job and it’s not easy to do by yourself.  Trying to do everything on your own will inflict a great deal of stress, not to mention the physical toll it takes.  Consider the fact that professionals can have the moving van packed and unloaded in a matter of hours.

4. Not Making Time to Clean

   It is easy to get so caught up the packing process that you forget about saving some time for cleaning your home.  This can be quite a tedious process, especially if you are rushing around.  When planning your move, plan for at least one extra day for cleaning. 

5. Not Packing Correctly

   It really pays off to take your time and pack the right way.  Make sure you pack the right items in the appropriate sized boxes.  Take the extra time to wrap fragile items, and label your boxes.  Also, make sure your items fit snugly in their boxes.  If there is a lot of extra room, they will slide around and could be damaged during the move. 

6. Not Choosing the Right Movers

   Everyone can appreciate a good deal but it’s not worth risking damage to your personal belongings by choosing an uninsured moving company.  Make sure the movers you choose are reputable and offer insurance for your items.  Chances are, if the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is.

7. Forgetting to Transfer Utilities

Another item that is commonly overlooked is the transfer of utilities.  Make sure you schedule a transfer date that does not precede your move-out date and likewise, that is ready for when you move into your new home.  There is nothing worse than trying to move into a home without electricity and water.

Moving to a new home can be a complicated, time-consuming, and stressful experience but this guide will help you to avoid some of the common mistakes that can add to your moving stress. Planning appropriately and being prudent will help the moving process to be smoother and more enjoyable.