Thanks to www.walkmove.com.au for this guest blog about relocating home.
Congratulations on buying a new house. You are all set to move: the furniture is packed, the movers have been called in, and you are giddy and excited about relocating home. However, there are certain things that can always go wrong even when contracts and keys have been exchanged. These unfortunate circumstances can be quite stressful and nerve-wracking for you. Be prepared for these five things that may go wrong while moving and you can make sure your relocation goes as smoothly as possible, even in trying circumstances.
1. Last Minute Packing
This is actually one of the most common mistakes people make while moving. You might suddenly realise that a particular item is of a sentimental value and you don’t want to leave it behind, even though it is an unnecessary one. Now what will happen? You will need to purchase extra boxes or packing cartons from the movers at a higher price or you may be forced to utilise the existing packing materials. This may result in a haphazard and unsystematic packing since you will be in a hurry. Additionally, you will be charged for the amount of time the movers had to wait.
Top tip: Remember to organise and plan everything earlier so that every item you want to move is accounted for well in advance. Always give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.
2. Mother Nature’s Fury
Mother Nature has a tendency to follow Murphy’s Law; bad weather such as storms, hurricanes, or blizzards can damage your belongings and delay your moving plans.
Top tip: The best thing you can do to avoid such disastrous situations is to always keep yourself updated on the weather forecast on the days leading up towards your relocation. For example, if a storm is predicted, pack your valuables in a waterproof material and place non-slip mats on the front entrance of your old and new residence.
3. The Movers Don’t Arrive on Time
You booked a moving company and are waiting for them to arrive on the day of the relocation, but you keep on waiting and no one comes. Or even if they do, they might be very late resulting in loss of precious hours. In the worst-case scenario, the movers don’t show up at all and when you try to contact the company, you are unable to do so. In short, you have been scammed.
Top tip: Always make sure to hire a professional and a reliable moving company by conducting prior research. Do your friends, family or trusted colleagues have any recommendations? Look at Google and Facebook reviews and ask any questions you have before booking.
4. Your Furniture Cannot Make It
During a move, you might encounter the worst common nightmare: your old furniture is unable to fit through the doors or hallways of your new house. Or, in the worst situation, it cannot even be removed from your old home. This may force you to leave behind a valuable piece of furniture. The only thing you can do is to try to disassemble it, such as a table or a bed, or hire a service that will remove your favorite couch from one of the windows of your old residence.
Top tip: Always make sure to measure the space in your new home to avoid unnecessary moving costs and frustration.
5. You or Your Loved Ones Get Injured
This can spell a disaster for you on moving day. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of moving, someone is bound to get injured along the way. You or your family members can get a sprained back, twisted ankle, or a pulled hamstring.
Top tip: To prevent this from happening, take precautions and keep the pathways clear. Furthermore, teach everyone the proper method of lifting and ensure that the heaviest load is handled by professional movers.