Table of Contents
As a senior moving out of your home, it is stressful enough having to part ways with your cherished home and the memories it holds for you. Whether you are moving to downsize or be closer to family, minimize unnecessary stress by avoiding some of the most common moving mistakes.
Underestimating the Time
Maybe you’ve never moved before or it’s been a while. One of the most common moving mistakes is underestimating how long it will take to get everything organized. With a big event like a move, it’s a good idea to work backwards. Start by determining your move-out date. Is it dependent on your home sale or do you have the means necessary to go ahead and purchase a home while your old home stays on the market? Once you’ve got some sort of grasp on your move-out date, count back eight weeks (two months) to allot enough time to get organized. Consider using a two-month moving timeline as a step-by-step guide as to what tasks you should complete and when as the big day fast approaches.
The key is to avoid having to rush. Being in a hurry will not only raise your stress levels, but it will increase the chance of skipping an important step. You don’t want to be one month into living in your new home and realize you forgot to change your address or pack up the garage.
Not Vetting Your Moving Company
You likely have a lot of stuff in your home, including heavy furniture, and moving it on your own might not be the safest option. Hiring moving help lessens the stress on you and ensures that your move is done professionally. However, not every moving company is created equal. Check references for at least three moving companies, if not more. As you research moving companies, make sure you check their reputation to save yourself time and money. Lots of experience and a good track record shows their ability to successfully deliver every time, and checking out their reviews online will let you see other people’s experience with them.
A good moving company will have the right numbers. If you are moving across state lines, the company must have a US DOT number, which is a unique number given to them by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Moves within your state require a state license. When discussing numbers, don’t forget pricing.
Not Sorting Before Packing
In your current home everything has a place, even if that place is in the back shelf of a closet, but purchasing and moving into a new home means a completely different layout. As is the case with many seniors who are purchasing a home, you are likely downsizing to accommodate your changing needs. That upstairs climb is becoming less feasible and all that unused space is a waste of money. Even if you are moving into a bigger home, a move is a good time to downsize your belongings.
Start going through your belongings as soon as you make the decision to move, and work in concentric circles. Go room by room, starting with rooms far away from the heart of the home such as the attic or basement, as this is where most items that aren’t being used are stored. Next move into the main rooms, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. Separate items into piles to keep, sell, donate, or give to friends or relatives. If you are having trouble deciding whether or not to part with an item, think about the last time you used it, how often you use it, and the condition it is in. Remember, downsizing doesn’t mean getting rid of everything you hold near and dear. If an item holds significant sentimental value, keep it!
Moving into a new home is an interesting endeavor, and it can quickly turn into a nightmare due to simple mistakes. Plan ahead, research your moving options, and sort your stuff to avoid becoming another person who falls victim to a moving mishap.
