10 common interstate moving mistakes that people make

There are a few different types of moves. Some moves are short and are local moves. They tend to be the simpler and quicker type of relocation. Others are long-distance moves also known as interstate moves. In every relocation, there is a chance that you will make mistakes. The longer the distance you are supposed to travel the more chance for mistakes there is. However, while interstate relocations are riskier, you shouldn’t worry. With enough preparation and good planning, common interstate moving mistakes. This guide will help you plan a smooth and efficient relocation.

Booking a moving company too late is one of the common interstate moving mistakes

While there are some great cross country movers Seattle offers, there is no use booking the moving company if you don’t book them on time. People tend to focus on packing, planning, and many other areas but they forget the most important part – booking the company. Try to start searching for a good moving company as early as possible so you can schedule a relocation on time. Scheduling a relocation one month in advance is probably the best time but even three weeks ahead is good. Just don’t do it a few days before the relocation because they will probably be booked and you can’t get service if they are already booked.

Another one of the most common interstate moving mistakes is starting your research too late

There are many affordable movers Kirkland WA, you just need to find them. People tend to think picking the right moving company is easy. A 15-minute job tops. Well, that’s pretty far from the truth. Searching for the right movers sometimes takes weeks. You need to find movers that are quick, efficient, experienced but also affordable, suited for your needs, and willing to fulfill all your requests. Do you see how many components there are? So, start searching on time. For example, spend a month before the moving month researching. Each day review three or four companies. Eventually, you’ll be able to opt for the top two or three and book the one that suits you the most. Another great thing about searching for the right movers on time is that you can check if they are scammers or legitimate businesses.

Some people don’t do research at all

There are people who tend to spend approximately an hour or two searching for a company and think that’s enough. In that time they find some really good offers. Even too good to be true. That’s because they usually aren’t true. If you don’t do your research well you are at a big risk of getting scammed by some fraudulent moving company. That is why you should ask your friends and family for recommendations. If they can’t give you one because they never moved before, you should ask for the website of the company you’re interested in. One of the bigger red flags should be a lack of reviews from their customers. Legitimate businesses are more than happy to publish their customer’s reviews and there are usually lots of them. So, try to use these clues to make sure you are hiring a good relocation company.

Thinking that packing won’t take too much of your time

This is one of the most common mistakes people make during a relocation. They think packing a medium-sized household can be done in a few days. Well, if you have a team of five people experienced in packing it is possible. However, if you don’t have that luxury, your packing will take much more than a few days. First, you need to get all the moving supplies. Buy boxes, duct tape, wrapping paper, etc. Once you have all of that you need to label your boxes properly. Either write on them the rooms they will be carrying or separate them by colors.

Once that’s done, you should start packing. The best time to start is a month before the move. Make sure you spend an hour each day packing. You will have enough time for every room and it will reduce the risk of forgetting something. Within a week you will see great progress and since you aren’t in a hurry everything will be done with more attention and care.

Using old packing supplies is among common interstate moving mistakes

Sometimes people want to save money so they use old packing supplies. While not wasting any materials is good, you need to make sure it’s useable. Some people get old card boxes they used for the relocation they had years ago. They are usually dusty, moldy, and damaged. So, while recycling is great, sturdiness and reliability of the supplies should be your priority. If you aren’t sure your boxes will do the work, better don’t risk it. Go to a store and buy some nice plastic boxes that can be reused without the risk of getting damaged or moldy.

Don’t forget to book storage

There is a big number of people who are moving from a bigger place into a smaller one. So, since they can’t fit everything in the new place, they opt to rent storage units Lynnwood WA has to offer. It’s a great way to keep your stuff safe for a longer period of time without spending too much money. However, even storage units need to be booked in advance. Why risk it if you can pre-book a nice storage container you can use to store your belongings and make your relocation much easier? Book it in advance and avoid one of the most common interstate moving mistakes.

Think about what kind of storage you’ll need

There are people who book storage on time and find it at a very reasonable cost. However, they tend to forget what it is that they are storing. If you are just storing some old furniture or other sturdy objects, you shouldn’t worry. But if you are storing some valuable or fragile stuff, you should rent climate-controlled storage or at least make sure the storage is at the proper temperature. You don’t want your pottery or china damaged by extensive heat just because you missed this important detail. Talk to the storage company and ask them to tell you about their services before the relocation begins. That way you’ll know what you can expect.

Trying to move on your own without experience

While moving on your own isn’t a mistake by itself, a lot of people lose or damage their belongings during such relocations. They think that hiring reliable movers Seattle is just wasting money so they rent a truck and load it with their stuff. While trying to move locally by yourself isn’t such a bad idea, trying to move by yourself at the interstate level is a really bad decision. If you have no experience with driving trucks, with relocation, or with transportation, you are at a big risk of losing money, belongings, or in most cases both.

Interstate moves require very skilled people. Movers with experience will handle your stuff like furniture and fragile items with care. They will know how to load and unload big stuff and how to control the vehicle so they can properly approach your house without damaging anything. Don’t make the mistake of being stingy when you can have your belongings in safe hands for an affordable price.

A checklist is a must if you want to avoid mistakes

People tend to forget how useful checklists can be. If you are in a hurry, a checklist will make things much esier. If you have a big bunch of stuff to remember, a checklist can help you avoid forgetting anything. Basically, checklists are the best way to make your relocation look organized. Take some time before the relocation begins. Take a pen and paper and you are ready to make a checklist that will help you make relocation easier to do. Here are some great reasons you should make a checklist:

• Try making a list of freight companies Seattle has to offer so you can make your choice easier
• You can make a list of moving supplies you are supposed to buy
• Also, make a checklist of the most essential things you have to pack and avoid forgetting them
• Create a list of things that will go to storage
• Make a list of tasks you are supposed to do

Checklists really make things go easier and help people avoid common interstate moving mistakes. Once you start using them, you’ll see their benefits. Whenever you finish a task you can cross it off the list. A lot of people say it gives them a great boost because they can see progress when they have a checklist.

Don’t forget to pack an essentials box before the move starts

This isn’t something you would need for a local move. It takes a few hours to pack and unpack if you are moving from one side of town to another. However, if you are moving interstate you should have an essentials box. It will make your relocation with long distance movers Seattle much easier. An Essentials box is basically a box for the road. You put in it everything you might need during the trip. A first aid kit is something you should always have in your essentials box. Also, water bottles for the road, some towels and blankets, and some basic medicine for stuff like headaches. An essentials box makes a move much safer. If you are traveling with kids or your pet, you will add snacks to it. Maybe a book you’ll read during the road and a few other things to kill the time during the relocation.

Pay special attention to safety and you will avoid a lot of common interstate moving mistakes

People easily forget that there are some safety risks when you are moving. For example, lifting heavy objects can cause serious injuries. There are people who try to lift a couch or a fridge by themselves. Sometimes even the boxes are too heavy for an inexperienced person. So, instead of risking your spine and muscles, you should leave the heavy lifting to professionals. They know the proper techniques how to lift, loading, and unload big pieces of furniture and heavy boxes.

Also, wear some working shoes during the relocation. Lifting boxes and furniture can be a risk for your feet. To avoid hurting them, get some sturdy shoes that can properly protect you. So, even if a box falls on your toes, it will be well protected! Old clothes with long sleeves are also a good way to protect yourself. Boxes can be dusty and might leave your clothes dirty so old clothes are good protection.

Forgetting to declutter is a common interstate moving mistake

Relocations are pretty pricy projects. If you have to move, try to reduce your expenses as much as you can. One of the best ways to do that is by decluttering your home before the move begins. You might ask how that makes the move cheaper. Well, the relocation costs are in correlation with the amount of stuff you are transporting. The more stuff you are moving to your new place, the more it will cost. So, you should try to get rid of all the stuff you won’t need. Here are some ways you can do that.

Sell, donate, or discard

Here are three ways to declutter. You will earn a few bucks for your relocation if you sell your stuff. It can come in handy to buy supplies and pay any additional costs.  For example, you can make a yard sale and put prices on all the stuff you are about to sell.

However, if you already have enough money and want to help other people, you can donate to a nearby charity or red cross. Even the smallest contribution can help people. Canned food, old clothes, and even furniture can make other people’s lives nicer and more comfortable.

Why Choose Us

History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.