Moving Mistakes DIY 2- Coastal Furniture Delivery & Moving

moving In the first part of this blog, we discussed common DIY moving mistakes, including cost misconceptions, time management issues, truck size concerns, driving precautions, and the importance of quality packing materials. To discover more tips and insights, continue reading in Part Two of the post.

More Moving Mistakes You Should Avoid

6. Assuming You’re a Packing Pro:

Packing up your entire household is a complex and time-consuming task. Many people choose to handle it themselves to save money, but unless you’re well-versed in the art of packing for a move, you might face unexpected challenges. Here’s a closer look at the essential packing rules to follow:

Rule #1: Inventory and Declutter

Before packing, take stock of everything you own and consider what you truly need in your new home. The more items you transport, the more time and money you’ll spend on packing and moving them. Reducing unnecessary belongings can streamline the process.

Rule #2: Start Early

Procrastination often leads to last-minute chaos. Begin packing well in advance, even if it seems like you have ample time before moving day. Packing a few boxes each day can prevent overwhelming stress and ensure a smoother transition.

Rule #3: Seek Help When Needed

If time runs short or you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask friends for assistance. In some cases, hiring professional packers is a wise investment. They can efficiently and securely pack your belongings.

Rule #4: Create a Packing Schedule

Develop a plan for packing your home, starting with the most challenging rooms or areas, such as the garage or basement. Gradually work your way towards easier spaces, like the bedroom and bathroom. This organized approach prevents chaos and ensures a systematic process.

Rule #5: Prioritize Safety

When packing, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of your belongings. Double-tape the bottoms of cardboard boxes to prevent them from breaking. Avoid overloading boxes, keeping their weight under 50 pounds to prevent accidents. Place clean sheets of paper inside boxes before packing to protect fragile items.

7. Believing You Can Protect Your Items Better Than Pros

While you may have a deep attachment to your belongings, fragile or valuable items require specialized care during a move. It’s essential to understand that professional movers have extensive experience in handling delicate household items. Here’s why:

Fragile Items

Delicate items like china, glassware, electronics, and artwork demand meticulous packing techniques. Professionals know where to add extra padding and how to use bubble wrap effectively to safeguard these items throughout the move.

Special Items

Items like pianos, grandfather clocks, pool tables, and hot tubs are unique and require expertise to disassemble and move safely. Professional movers have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle such specialized items without causing damage.

While you can save money by packing less fragile items yourself, it’s crucial to recognize when professional movers in Myrtle Beach are essential for the protection of your cherished possessions.

8. Ignoring Safety

Ensuring safety during a DIY move is paramount, both for yourself and those helping you, including pets. Here’s a more in-depth look at the safety principles to follow:

Principle #1: Avoiding Personal Injuries

Many people mistakenly believe they can handle heavy household items without risk. To prevent injuries, use common sense and plan your actions carefully before lifting anything. Prioritize safety throughout the entire moving process to avoid accidents.

Principle #2: Using Proper Equipment

While proper lifting techniques are essential, having the right equipment is equally crucial. Even if you’re physically strong, renting an appliance dolly and moving straps can significantly reduce the risk of injury during heavy lifting tasks. These tools make moving large appliances and furniture safer and more efficient.

Principle #3: Preventing Property Damage

Protect your soon-to-be-old home from damage during the move. Invest in protective materials such as furniture blankets, moving pads, carpet film protectors, and plywood sheets. Additionally, consider disassembling larger furniture pieces to make them easier to transport without causing harm to your property.

By prioritizing safety, you can ensure a smooth and injury-free DIY move.

9. Assuming Friends Are Obligated to Help

While friends can be invaluable during a move, it’s essential to approach their assistance with consideration and respect. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Early Communication

Reach out to your friends as soon as you’ve decided to move by yourself. Early notice allows them to plan accordingly.

Effective Communication

Clearly communicate your needs and expectations when asking for help. Be honest about the scope of your move and the duration you’ll require their assistance.

Understanding Their Constraints

Understand that your friends may have their own commitments, schedules, or family responsibilities that prevent them from helping as much as you’d like. Show understanding and flexibility.

Personal Contribution

While you can rely on friends for support, don’t solely depend on them. Contribute as much as you can to speed up the moving process.

Task Distribution

When enlisting your friends’ help, allocate tasks based on their strengths and abilities. This ensures an efficient and fair distribution of work.

Remember to show your appreciation and gratitude for their assistance, whether through small thank-you gestures, homemade cards, or promises of assistance when they need it in the future.

10. Thinking Finding a Mover Is Too Difficult

Choosing between a DIY move and hiring residential movers can be a tough decision. Here’s a closer look at the process of finding a reputable moving company:

Use a Moving Cost Calculator

To simplify the search, use a Moving Cost Calculator to connect with moving companies that are properly licensed and insured by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

In-House Surveys

Request in-house estimates from these movers to obtain accurate written cost estimates. This step allows you to compare prices and conditions effectively.

Customer Reviews

To gain insights into the experiences of previous customers, read moving company reviews. This information can help you make an informed decision.

These are the common DIY moving mistakes to avoid. By understanding these pitfalls and following the recommended guidelines, you can have a smoother and more successful self-move. If you missed the first part of this blog, you can check it out here.