Flash Moving Company is one of the best moving companies in Boston MA, and here we have gathered for you some important points about the mistakes people often make while moving. We see them happen year after year, making moving more stressful and unpredictable. Hope our guide will help you to avoid them and prepare better for your local move in Boston and the Greater Boston Area.
First of all, it is important to understand three key points:
1. Moving is not just about transport
Transportation is only one part of the local move, taking no more than 15–20% of the entire process. Other elements include pre-move preparations and post-move activities.
2. The better you are prepared, the better and easier the moving is
People often overlook preparation. Many people do not prepare well for moving, making it much more of a chore than it would have been with proper preparation.
3. Saving where you don’t need to
Many people understand the essence of the saying: “The miser pays twice.” Cutting back on important aspects of the move can result in higher costs down the road.
Common Moving Mistakes
Mistake #1: Poor preparation
Putting off important tasks until the last minute is a common problem. People often think that they can prepare for a move in just half a day, but this is far from reality. Some people even think they will be able to pack things, while the movers are loading the furniture, which is not true. As a result, they find themselves unprepared when the moving day arrives.
Tip: Start preparing at least two weeks in advance. Include points like buying materials, packing, planning moving locations, and communicating with neighbors and co-workers.To streamline the moving and make the move faster, make sure that all things are packed and the furniture is empty, when the movers arrive,
Mistake #2: Underestimating inventory
Many people underestimate the number of items they have, which leads to underestimates in time and insufficient manpower or even space in the truck, which make the move longer and more expensive.
Tip: Take a detailed inventory of all your belongings. Provide the movers with accurate descriptions and quantities so they can select the right resources for your move. Don’t forget to include heavy and bulky items, if you have some, cause additional charges might be applied, specifically if there are stairs.
Mistake #3: Packing too heavy boxes
Overloading containers can cause injury and damage to items. Heavy boxes are difficult to lift and transport safely.
Tip: Distribute the weight evenly and pack heavier items in a smaller box. For lighter items, use a larger box to make them easier to handle. Another option is to use professional packers and movers, who will save you a lot of time and make moving safer.
Mistake #4: Not packing miscellaneous items or packing them incorrectly
Leaving small or miscellaneous items loose can cause making the move longer or they can get lost or damaged during the move.
Tip: Pack small items in clearly labeled boxes. Use smaller bags or containers in larger boxes to keep everything organized and secure.
Mistake #5: Poor Labeling
A careless approach to labeling can create chaos. Without labeling , you won’t remember what goes where, leading to frustration and wasted time searching through boxes.
Tip: Carefully label each box with two appropriate sides (for example, front and top). This will help you define the boxes without having to move them.
Mistake #6: Not having a plan for a new location
Not having a plan for what will happen in a new location can lead to confusion and delays. Also failing to measure the new space can result in bringing furniture that doesn’t fit, causing unnecessary hassle. Without a clear plan, you will not be able to properly manage your movers.
Tip: Design the layout of your new home. Draw a plan on a piece of cardboard, label with colors and numbers, and match those labels to the boxes and bags.
Mistake #7: Saving on professional movers
Trying to save money, making the move either on your own or with the help of friends, can cause damage and increase stress. Hiring unqualified moving help or too cheap movers in Boston is also not recommended, which may result in damages and or no show on the day of the move.
Tip: Hire professional movers who are trained and experienced. They work quickly and handle your items with care to reduce the risk of damage to the furniture and property. And don’t use the moving companies which are significantly cheaper than others, they are potentially scammers and might have hidden fees.
Mistake #8: Renting a small truck
When you rent a truck to make the DIY move, you can underestimate the size of truck you will need. It can be really challenging, causing multiple trips or stacking of the thing inside of the truck. For example, if you need a 20 ft truck but choose a 16 ft truck, you will have to stack everything really well, which adds time, cost, potential damage and stress.
Tip: Order a slightly larger truck than the one you think you need or use professional Boston movers who will bring the truck of the right size based on your inventory.
Mistake #9: Large carry distances
When a vehicle cannot reach the entrance, movers must bring items over long distances, increasing costs and time.
Tip: Make sure there is a parking spot for a moving truck near the entrance. Check with your local authorities regarding parking permit requirements or reserve a loading dock with the management of your apartment complex. Make sure you get permits in advance so the truck can park near your front door.
If that’s not possible enter into an agreement with your neighbors or park your car at the needed place to keep the area clean.
Mistake #10: Not asking for a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A lot of buildings in Boston require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company before allowing the move. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in cancellation or delays.
Tip: Check to see if your building requires a COI and request one from your moving company in advance. This will help avoid problems that arise at the last minute on moving day.
Mistake #11: Parking restrictions
Parking restrictions in Boston can be strict and vary from street to street. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fine or evacuation.
Tip: Check the parking rules for both your current location and your new location. If necessary, provide temporary parking permits to avoid any problems on moving day. Flash Moving and Storage provides moving services in Boston and Massachusetts and we can help with advice on how to get a parking permit before the move.
Mistake #12: Not reserving the loading dock access or the use of an elevator
Many buildings in Boston have regulations regarding the use of elevators and access points during moves.
Tip: Coordinate with building management to reserve elevators and provide access points. This will help avoid delays and make the move smoother.
Mistake #13: Trying to pack and move a large house or office in one day
Usually such transfers are delayed and end late at night.
Tip: if you have a large volume of packing and moving, it is usually better to split the move into several days. In terms of money and time, it will be practically the same, but it will save a lot of nerves and effort.
By avoiding these mistakes and following our tips, your steps can be smooth and efficient. At Flash Moving & Storage, your most trusted Boston movers, we’re here to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
