9 Local Moving Mistakes to Avoid in Doral FL
If you’re a homeowner, moving probably isn’t something you do very often. It can be a relatively stressful process, and takes several months of planning ahead of time. These common local moving mistakes could turn your move in sunny Doral into a nightmare.
1.) You’re a packrat.
Keeping too much useless stuff will definitely complicate things when you need to move to a different house. Old clothes, cabinets full of single-use kitchen appliances, old magazines, and various knick-knacks are a hassle to move. This is why it’s a good idea to sort through all of your belongings before you move, and get rid of anything you’re not really using. It’s okay to keep things that are genuinely valuable, or that hold real sentimental value for you. But those pants that have been five sizes too big since you lost weight in 2008 can definitely go. Not only can this save you time on packing, but it can also save money, as local movers bill based on the weight of your belongings.
2.) You wait too long to start getting ready for your move.
Packing takes a surprising amount of time, and paying movers to do it for you is an expense you might not want to pay for. Also, moving companies in Doral are generally booked solid for at least a few weeks to a month in advance, so you will need to make arrangements ahead of time and get your estimate. In summer, the busiest time of year for movers, this is even more of a problem.
For a typical local residential move, you should probably start planning and packing at least six to eight weeks in advance. For commercial moving or interstate moving, you’ll need even more leeway.
3) You try to do everything yourself to save money.
Doing everything by yourself isn’t always cheaper, and even if it is, it might not be worth the hassle. If you rent a truck or van yourself, rather than hiring a local moving company, you’ll need to load it yourself. Furniture is heavy and unwieldy, and can be very difficult to move. Moving companies also offer valuation, liability coverage, insurance options, and arbitration programs. If you break something yourself trying to load it into a U-Haul, the onus is on you to replace it. Full service movers also provide optional packing services, so you don’t even have to do that part yourself if you don’t really want to.
4) You’re too trusting and don’t look far enough into moving companies before hiring them.
Moving scams are incredibly common. Some are outright fraud, or involve theft. Others involve being misled by an online household goods moving broker into thinking that you’re hiring a local moving company. It’s important to check a mover’s credentials and reviews before hiring them. If the company provides interstate moving services, they will be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA)’s website. This will have their contact information, their registration and insurance status, and in some cases, a history of previous consumer complaints. You can also look up companies on the Better Business Bureau, RipoffReport, and other third party websites.
5) You don’t cushion things enough when you pack them.
Don’t skimp on the bubble wrap. Things that don’t seem particularly fragile can still break during your move. It’s recommended that you use plenty of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other cushioning materials in your boxes.
6) You forget to label your boxes.
Boxes all start looking the same if you don’t remember what’s in them. While you’re packing, be sure to label each box with its contents, so you know where things are when you unpack at your new home.
7) You forget to set aside essentials that you’ll need immediately.
Pack a separate suitcase or duffle bag with essential items that you’ll need almost immediately after you move. This can include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, bed linens, and pet supplies.
8) You forgot to change your address.
You can fill out a change of address form in person at the post office, or you can do it online. You may also need to inform your utility companies, your bank, your employer, and other relevant parties about your new address. When you change your address with the USPS, mail will be forwarded to you.
9) You forgot about your houseplants.
In most cases, local moving companies won’t handle houseplants. You’ll need to move them on your own.
Local Moving Company in Doral, Florida
Need local movers in Doral? Call us anytime at Orange Movers to arrange to get an estimate for your local move.