Moving can be difficult to navigate if you don’t know what you’re getting into. Fortunately, our expert Southern California movers at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage have put together a list of six things you should know before moving. When you plan properly and know what to expect, you can avoid moving emergencies and reduce a great deal of your moving-related stress.
Here’s what you should know before you move:
1. Moving Day Could Cost Thousands of Dollars
According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the cost of an interstate move exceeds a few thousand dollars on average. Unless you already have a great deal of savings, it's a good idea to start saving money months before moving. There are often hidden costs that arise during a move, and it is good to have money on the side to cover unexpected expenses. Keeping a close eye on your spending will help your move be stress-free and financially feasible.
2. Decluttering Your Home Before Moving Saves Money
We recommend decluttering your home before you start packing because it will cost you more money to move items you no longer need or want. One of the things we recommend you to do is go through your belongings and make piles of items you want to throw out or donate. This may include items in your storage unit, old kitchenware, or things you plan on repurchasing for your new home.
The main reasons to get rid of unwanted items include:
- Lower Transportation Costs: The more items you pack, the higher the shipment weight you will have. This will result in higher transportation fees.
- Less Time Spent Packing: You’ll be able to pack your things much faster when there are fewer items to pack (and you know you want what you're packing).
- Free Up Storage Space: You will have more storage space in your new home.
3. Moving Checklists Make Life Easier
Organizing your time is the key to having a successful move from start to finish. A great way to organize your time and your moving tasks is by following a moving checklist. An excellent moving checklist will not only list the essential things you need to do for your move, but it will also remind you of tasks you are likely to forget. The team at the Affordable Quality Moving & Storage created the ultimate moving list that will make your moving process an easy one.
4. It’s Impossible to Move Without Help
Moving is an impossible task for one person. You’ll most likely need assistance with packing, carrying heavy items, transportation, and unloading. For that reason, it is vital to figure out who will help you move. Asking friends and family for help is an option, but if you want to save yourself and your friends from the stress of moving, you should contact our team. The licensed and professional movers at Affordable Quality Moving & Storage can help you pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. We have the knowledge and tools to protect your belongings and have them arrive safely to your new home. Because our services are customizable, you decide what you need and only pay for the services you use.
5. Moving Can Cause Serious Injuries
When you don’t have the right equipment, knowledge of heavy lifting, or manpower, moving day can lead you and the people helping you to suffer serious injuries. Without the right tools, experience, or number of helpers, it is easy for people to get hurt when carrying bulky items, delicate objects, appliances, and furniture. Since moving day can be hazardous, you may wish to arrange care for your children and pets, if you have any. This can not only keep them from harm’s way, but it can also help you focus on the task at hand.
6. Small Mistakes Can Cost You Big-Time
Making mistakes is never fun, especially when you are moving. Making a moving mistake can be costly and time-consuming—leading you to feel more stressed and overwhelmed. Common moving mistakes include not decluttering before you move out, not getting enough boxes, and not organizing your boxes by room.
7. You Need to Find a Reputable Moving Company
If you are thinking about hiring movers, make sure you do your research and find a reputable business. Too many moving scams have cost homeowners thousands of dollars or have resulted in them losing property altogether. A common scam includes charging up-front, loading the truck, raising the price, and then refusing to deliver a customer’s belongings before they pay the higher price. Holding belongings hostage in this way is unethical and illegal, and you do not have to fall prey to this type of scam.
Talk to Our Southern California Movers
Moving is tough enough without taking all of the responsibility – and work – on your shoulders. If you’re planning a move, Affordable Quality Moving and Storage is here to help. We are professional movers who have been helping customers in Santa Clarita and across Southern California since 1996, providing trusted packing/unpacking, moving, and storage services for every individual, family, or business we serve. In addition to handling the heavy lifting, we can safely pack and transport your belongings so you don’t have to. Our movers are friendly and experienced, and we have the tools and equipment to get the job done right. Because we also offer free estimates, you can get the information you need to set your moving budget without any obligation.
Interested in getting more moving tips? Check out the following blogs:
- How to Organize Before Your Move: 8 Tips from Our Southern CA Movers
- Moving with Children: 10 Helpful Moving Tips for Families
- How to Set Your Moving Budget: Financially Plan for a Move the Smart Way
- How to Pack Your Kitchen When Moving