If you're contemplating a relocation, whether locally, nationally, or even internationally, you no doubt want the process to move along as smoothly as possible. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we see a wide variety of easily preventable issues crop up when it comes time to pack and move. And, unfortunately, those issues often put a kink in the moving process, sometimes slowing down the relocation by several days or even weeks. So, to help you plan the most seamless relocation possible, here are five of the most common issues we see, and a few tips on how to overcome them. Good luck planning!
Issue #1: Winging a DIY Relocation
If you’re just moving down the street, you can probably swing a do-it-yourself move. If, however, you’re relocating across town, to another city, or to another state, moving an entire dwelling almost always requires professional assistance. Moving an entire home full of stuff can be very taxing physically, mentally, and even emotionally taxing, and managing the logistics on your own makes the process even more stressful.
Worse, should you inadvertently damage any of your belongings, the added stress of replacing those possessions can put you over the edge. Your best bet? Consult with a qualified, experienced moving company that can take care of the heavy lifting (pun intended) for you. Oh, and don’t forget to research insurance to cover accidental damages!
Issue #2: Forgetting to Request an Estimate
You wouldn’t buy a house without first knowing exactly how much you’d pay, right? The same idea applies when hiring a moving company—know before it’s time to go! Most moving companies offer two different types of estimates: non-binding quotes and binding quotes, so make sure you know which one you’re getting.
A non-binding quote provides an estimate based on the size of your home, its contents, and the distance of your move. The moving company provides the estimate in writing, and in most cases, they can only charge you 10% more than their estimated cost. A binding estimate, on the other hand, is a legally binding agreement that describes the services to be performed in full detail. Unless you request add-on services that the company charges for, the total cost detailed in the agreement will not change.
Before you ever commit to a specific moving company, make sure you request written estimates, and ideally, shop around at a few different places. Just make sure you don’t go with the option that’s significantly cheaper than the others, because in most cases, super cheap usually equals sub-par.
Issue #3: Not Opting for Insurance
It’s a sad reality, but any relocation subjects your most precious possessions to potential damage. That’s why moving insurance is so critical. Your great grandmother’s china is priceless, and even if you’re just moving two blocks down the street, you need to insure it against damage! While no amount of money can replace a broken keepsake, at least you’ll receive financial compensation for the accident.
That said, there is a caveat when it comes to moving insurance: The moving company’s policy may not cover the full value of your possessions. Before you ever pack a box, make sure you review the moving company’s insurance policy, and if it’s not comprehensive enough, check with your home insurance provider to determine if your existing policy covers moving and in-transit items.
If you require additional insurance, most moving companies can score you a deal on additional coverage. And, just to be extra safe, verify the moving company’s worker’s compensation policy. You never know when an employee may sustain an injury while working within your home, and you certainly don’t want to be financially responsible for that individual’s medical bills.
Issue #4: Failure to Read the Moving Contract
Always read your moving contract carefully! Most moving companies forego responsibility for expensive items such as jewelry, simply because there’s significant financial risk involved when transporting those types of items. Before your move, review the moving contact, and if it clearly states that your movers won’t be held liable for your expensive possessions, you’ll need to plan how you’ll transport those items yourself. Other common no-go items frequently include:
● Firearms
● Alcohol
● Propane grills
● Hazardous materials, such as flammable items, aerosols, batteries, corrosive substances, fire extinguishers, etc.
● Perishables
● Important personal documents
Always check with your moving company for a full list of items that won’t make the movers’ cut. And, once you’ve determined what you’ll be responsible for, make sure you acquire the appropriate packing materials to protect your possessions while in transit.
Issue #5: Poor Timing
Have you researched the best time of year to move? It’s true—there really is an “ideal” time of year to move, and in most cases, it’s when the other 40 million relocating Americans aren’t moving, too. If you’re not facing an unexpected relocation, take the time to plan your move so that you’ll have access to the most reputable moving companies in your area.
Ideally, you’ll want to begin planning your relocation three to four months ahead of time, so you’ll have plenty of time to scope out movers and hire the best fit for your needs. Late spring and summer tend to be the busiest times of the year for relocations, so if you can schedule your move during a different season, you’ll likely have a more seamless relocation experience.
Issue #6: Neglecting to Inventory
Last but not least, one of the most inconvenient issues relocators experience are long-forgotten possessions they didn’t plan to move. If you have a backyard shed that’s housing a bunch of stuff you forgot you had, make sure you set aside time to inventory its contents. The same idea applies to any storage units you may have forgotten about over the last few years.
Many people forget how much stuff they actually own, and unfortunately, when it comes time to move, they suddenly remember at the last minute. Nothing will slow down your move faster than a forgotten load of items you suddenly must find a home for, so make sure you inventory ALL your possessions before you begin packing.
Contemplating Relocation? Let Ace Moving & Warehousing Help
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, it’s our goal to make your Twin Cities move as seamless as possible. Whether you need full packing services, storage solutions, or even international logistics assistance, our team is ready to serve you. To learn more about our full list of services and how we can help you make your move as smooth as possible, give our team a call at 763-755-2045. Or, you can always reach out to us on our contact page or request your quick moving quote online.