HOW TO OVERCOME MOVING CHALLENGES

A move to a new home is an opportunity for a clean slate. It can be invigorating, but it's also demanding. Everything from finding the right house to becoming accustomed to the neighborhood requires careful consideration and planning if you want the transition to go smoothly.

It's only natural to feel a range of intense emotions during a move, but it's what you do to rise above the challenge that really counts. To give you a boost, here are four common frustrations you can expect during a move and how to overcome them:

1. Having Too Many Belongings To Move

Having too many possessions can be a burden, both physically and emotionally. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with your belongings, it may be time to declutter your home. Not only will this make your life easier, but it can also help you feel lighter and more free.

Packing is one of the most difficult aspects of moving, which gets complicated with unnecessary belongings. For families, it's very common to have lots to pack when changing residences--even though it may be a challenge fitting everything into one truck.

The Solution:

One solution to this common issue is easy: get rid of some of your stuff! You don't need to bring everything with you, and it'll only take up space in your new home.

Before your big move, set aside some time to go through everything you own. Sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and trash. If you have more time on your hands, separate the items that can still be used from those that can't. You may even be able to make some money by selling them in a garage sale!

If you're attached to items but can't bring them with you to your new home, don't worry! You can always put them in a self-storage or mobile storage unit. This is perfect for holiday decorations or clothing you only need sometimes, as well as things that hold sentimental value.

2. An Unexpected Move

If you don't plan your relocation ahead of time, you may run into a lot of problems later on.

If you're short on time, it's likely you won't be able to pack and unpack efficiently, which can lead to hidden costs from holding onto items you should've gotten rid of or donated.

The Solution:

Once you have finally decided to move and chosen a date, start making preparations right away.

Creating a timeline and checklist of all the things you need to do before moving day will be extremely helpful. This should include packing, decluttering your home, finding reliable movers, etc.

3. Lost or Damaged Items

All too often, people who move find that some of their belongings are either damaged or missing when they reach their destination. Depending on the circumstances, this can be due to packing and transport negligence.

You might forget to consider items that require special packaging when you have a lot of belongings. Common examples include flat-screen TVs, mirrors, dishes, lamps, computers, chandeliers, and even pieces of art.

The Solution:

You can lower the risk of your items being damaged by:

- Making an inventory list that details which items require special care.

- Labelling boxes with instructions on how to handle them (for example, writing "Fragile" or "This side up").

Additionally, letting the movers know how many large pieces of furniture and appliances need to be moved will help them come prepared with adequate supplies and gear.

Ensure your items arrive in one piece by wrapping breakables in bubble wrap and securely sealing the boxes.

Commercial Moving Maple Ridge

If you're moving big pieces of furniture, make sure the edges are covered to avoid damage. Also, keep heavy objects away from breakables inside the truck. As for missing items, you can reduce the risk by hiring a reliable moving company with a good track record. Ask past customers for references and look for recommendations from people you trust.

While packing your belongings, it is helpful to maintain an organizational system for keeping track of your things. This inventory will save you time from rummaging through every box when unpacking. To create this system, start by labeling the boxes with their contents. You can also color-code or number-code these containers based on where they are supposed to go in your new home.

It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the boxes. While you can trust the movers with your belongings, you wouldn't want to risk strangers or suspicious people stealing your stuff while no one is looking. This will also help you prevent cleaners from mistaking boxes for trash.

When packing fragrant items like paint and aerosols, keep them in one box to isolate the smell. This way, you can put the container in the corner of the moving van and keep yourself and your other belongings away from the odor.

4. Not Enough Packing Material

This is a common packaging mistake that can result in damaged goods. Make sure to use enough packing material, such as bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts, so that your items are well-protected during shipping.

A moving miscalculation leaves many families scrambling at the last minute. The source of this problem is generally underestimating both the time required to finish packing and the amount of stuff that needs to be packed.

The Solution:

A significant number of professional moving companies will come to your former home to get an estimate for packing based on the volume of items in your possession. Whenever this occurs, take their professional opinion into account about how many packing materials you'll need.

Another helpful tip is to plan and organize your boxes based on size, category, and other specifications. This way, you can easily find what you need instead of rummaging through a pile of miscellaneous items.

To avoid any mishaps, buy more than the estimate and use existing containers for storage purposes. You can also inquire with the movers to see if they provide packing materials such as boxes and moving blankets.

Avoid the Frustration, Plan Ahead

The best way to avoid the frustration that comes with moving is to plan and prepare ahead of time. If possible, stay organized throughout the process to make sure your belongings arrive safely and on schedule.