- Underestimating the time, effort, energy and cost it will take to move
Plan a timeline with all the events that will occur around your move and a budget for the entirety of your move, including travel and hotels if your move is going out of state. Be generous when estimating the time and money it will take. It’s always better to overestimate these than it is to underestimate these things. You’ll be pleasantly surprised later in the process when you spend less than you thought you would, or it takes longer than you had anticipated, and you are rushing to get things done. Movers provide free estimates. Truck rental companies can help you calculate costs for pads, dollies, and fuel for the truck. Movers will provide a free quote, and many will bind the price. If one of your quotes seems low, dig deeper. Nobody likes a moving day surprise.
- Packing incorrectly
Don’t just throw everything you own into boxes. Start by decluttering and getting rid of as much as possible before packing. Doing your own packing can save money. Get good boxes! Don’t pack in trash bags or open containers. Be sure to fill every box to the top with something to make sure the boxes don’t crush when boxes are stacked on the truck during the move. Certain items need special packing procedures, such as electronics, which you can learn how to pack here. How things go into the box is also super important. If you’re looking for other pro packing tips and tricks, you can check that out here.
- Choosing the wrong mover
All moves are not the same. If you have a smaller amount to move, going with a mover focused on small shipments is likely to save you time and money in the long run. Large moving companies often charge a lot for small shipments and can have very long delivery times. Do-it-yourself truck or container rentals can have hidden costs and may not save you any money. MiniMoves does not have a minimum weight requirement and makes state-to-state moving for a few items, a room of furniture, or a full apartment, affordable and easy. Always be sure the mover you select is legit. There are rogue movers out there who offer a low price and then ask for more money, sometimes a lot more money, before they deliver. Check out any mover you’re considering here.
- Not getting a Binding Price Quote
A binding estimate or binding cost of service specifies in advance the precise cost of the move based on the items you plan to move, and the services identified at the time of the estimate. If additional services are needed at loading or delivery (such as storage or delivery via an elevator) your moving costs can increase. Binding estimates are usually valid for up to 30 days, so you have time to shop around and find the best moving option for you. Remember, even with a binding quote, if you add items on moving day or require additional services such as packing, and these items or services were not in your quote, there may be additional charges.
- Not getting the right coverage during your move
You probably have renter’s insurance or homeowner’s coverage to protect your goods while they are kept safely in your home. Moving involves all your belonging traveling down the street or on a highway across the country. Moving is not without its risks. You have an option to self-insure or select an amount of “replacement value protection” on a moving company’s household goods bill of lading. Replacement value protection comes at an additional cost and means if an item is lost, destroyed, or damaged during the move, the company will either repair the damaged article to the previously shipped condition or payout an amount equal to its replacement cost, up to the total amount you declare for your shipment. Movers also offer a no-cost option for coverage where the maximum liability for loss or damage to any item within the shipment is 60 cents per pound times the weight of the item regardless of its value. Check your renters or homeowner’s policy. If you are not covered during a move, it’s a good idea to select replacement value protection with your moving company. Some container and truck rental companies also offer coverage options. Ask about coverage before your move starts!
- Not packing an “Open Me First” carton of supplies
Make sure you put all the urgent things you might need on move-in day in one box so you can easily access the things you will need; toiletries, tools, Band-Aids, light bulbs, bathroom supplies and kitchen towels. Mark this box Open Me First or use some other obvious designation so the box stands out. Having these items gathered-up and packed together in advance will make your moving-in day so much easier!
