Moving house is an exciting and transformative time. But it’s no secret that the process of packing up your life and then ensuring that everything arrives safely at your new abode can be testing.
That’s we come in. At Saint Removals, we’re all about ensuring your house move goes ahead flawlessly, whether that’s through our helpful advice or trusted removal services! With 25 years of combined industry experience, we’ve seen a lot of removal mistakes. In this guide, we’ll outline the most common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
11 Packing Mistakes
It's safe to say during our time in the packing and removal industry, we've seen our fair share of packing nightmares. Here are the most common packing disasters you can make:
1. The procrastination pitfall
A usual packing mistake we see people make is procrastinating until the last minute. There's no shame here as we’re certainly all guilty of it. However, packing up an entire home is a substantial undertaking and leaving it until the eleventh hour is likely to end in utter chaos.
So start early, create a packing timeline and break the process down into manageable steps. By pacing yourself, you'll reduce stress and ensure an organised move. Need a little help with the planning? Our ultimate guide to moving house has got you covered.
2. Packing too much
As you go to pack your belongings, it's very easy to fall into the trap of overpacking. Remember, a house move is an ideal opportunity to declutter and start fresh. Packing items you no longer use or need will only add unnecessary weight and clutter to your new space. Be selective and donate, sell, or discard items that are no longer serving you. Your new home will thank you for it!
3. Chaotic labelling
Labelling your boxes might seem like an obvious task, but it's surprisingly easy to overlook. Failing to label your boxes can at best, lead to confusion and frustration when unpacking and at worst, lead to accidents or breakages.
Take the time to clearly mark each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This simple step will save you from scrambling through countless boxes to find what you need when you arrive at your new home. Our handy guide, how to label boxes like an expert, has some top tips on that front!
4. Insufficient supplies
Running out of packing supplies mid-way through the process is another common packing mistake. To avoid this, make sure you have an ample supply of sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other necessary materials. It's better to have a few extra supplies on hand than to run out just when you need them the most.
5. Not preparing fragile items properly
Delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics require extra care. Many people make the mistake of not properly protecting these items, leading to breakages during transit. Take the time to wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap, use plenty of cushioning materials and clearly mark the boxes as "fragile." This way, not only can you ensure your beloved china set arrives in one piece but your removal firm will appreciate your efforts, too.
6. Disregarding important documents
In all the mayhem of moving, it's easy to misplace or forget about essential documents. Keep important paperwork, such as contracts, medical records, and financial documents, in a secure and easily accessible folder. Carry this folder with you instead of packing it away to ensure peace of mind throughout the moving process.
7. Forgetting an essentials box
Packing an essentials box is a game-changer during a move. This box should contain all the items you'll need immediately upon arriving at your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents. This way, you won't find yourself frantically searching through boxes to find your toothbrush or a clean pair of socks. It’s also particularly helpful when moving with children or pets!
8. Neglecting to take an inventory
Keeping track of all your belongings is essential for a flawless transition. Create an inventory list of all the items you're packing, especially if you're some of your items are going to storage or being moved using multiple vehicles. This will help you make sure that everything arrives safely at your new home and can serve as a reference in case any items go missing.
9. Failing to prepare furniture
When it comes to disassembling furniture, many people overlook the importance of proper preparation. Take the time to dismantle larger furniture pieces, such as beds or tables, and secure all of the loose components. Keep screws, bolts, and other hardware in labelled bags to make reassembly easier. This will protect your furniture from damage and make it easier for the removal team to handle.
Want to master moving heavy furniture? Our useful guide has all the info you need.
10. Overlooking perishable items
Moving companies usually have restrictions on transporting perishable items such as food, plants, and open liquids. Avoid the mistake of packing these items, as they can spoil, leak, or cause damage during transit.
Consume or donate perishable food items,
and properly dispose of hazardous materials well before your moving day. Plus, if you’re transporting plants, make sure you wrap their base up adequately as to ensure no soil spillage.
11. Forgetting to notify important parties
Before the big move, you need to make sure you've updated your address with all the relevant parties such as utility companies, banks, subscriptions, and any other important service providers. Failing to do so can result in missed mail or interrupted services. Take the time to inform them of your new address to avoid any inconvenience or delays.
Let Saint Removals take care of your removal needs
Packing for a move doesn't have to be a stressful endeavour if you avoid these common mistakes. And do you know what can ensure an ever smoother move? You guessed it, hiring a top-class removal firm, such as ourselves. You offer a range of home removal and storage services that you can mix and match to suit your needs.
So what are you waiting for, get in touch with us today and let’s get started. And if you still need a little persuading, here are 11 reasons why we’re the right fit for the job.