Techniques for Avoiding Moving Day Disasters

Posted on 17/12/2023

Moving day is an exciting yet daunting time. Moving home, whether it is a short distance or overseas, can be stressful and often leads to unexpected disasters. To ensure the moving day runs as smoothly as possible, here are some essential techniques for avoiding moving day disasters.

1. Start planning early

One of the best ways to avoid disaster on a moving day is to plan ahead and start as early as possible. Make sure to have at least two months of preparation and planning for the big move. This will allow for any unforeseen issues that may crop up during the process. Consider creating a timeline with tasks and deadlines that will be met over that period. Additionally, pre-pack your items, if possible and create a list of the items you will need when you arrive at the new property, so everything is accounted for.

2. Use professional movers

It can be tempting to ask friends and family members to help with the move, but this often leads to unnecessary stress, disagreements and potential injuries. Even if they volunteer their services, consider hiring a professional moving company that can provide equipment and staff who are experienced in handling large items safely. Professionals can also help ensure all of your valuable items are packed securely and labelled correctly before they're loaded onto the truck, so there's less risk of breakages or losses.

3. De-clutter before packing up

When preparing for a move, you will likely go through all the belongings stored away in closets, cupboards and drawers, which may uncover items you no longer need or use. Sorting through your belongings can be time-consuming but helps reduce costs as it will mean fewer boxes/items need to be moved along with taking up valuable space in the new home. It's also beneficial from a safety point of view as it reduces incidents such as boxes bursting open due to being overweight or full beyond capacity.

4. Purge anything that can't make the trip

In addition to de-cluttering prior to packing up, there may be some items that just cannot make it into your new home due to space restrictions or other unforeseeable circumstances such as quarantine laws for plants and animals in certain countries etc. Take some time before moving day to purge anything that needs disposal prior to packing it away in boxes. Additionally, research what the restrictions are for sending goods via post/air freight, so you know what you are dealing with prior to packing away these goods in boxes if required - this way you won't have any unwelcome surprises when goods fail inspection at customs/airports etc.

5. Create an inventory list

Creating an inventory list is incredibly useful for avoiding disaster on a moving day; it ensures your belongings are accounted for throughout the journey, including when they arrive at their destination address - thus reducing time wasted looking for misplaced items on arrival! An inventory list should include a description of each item (where possible), along with any serial numbers - consider labelling boxes numerically based on this list too, so it makes locating each box easier on arrival at its destination address where boxes will be held temporarily at self-storage company, friend's house, etc.

Once all of your items have been securely packed away into their designated boxes and placed into containers such as trucks or trailers, having an inventory list means you will have a record of every item, thus reducing stress levels significantly if something goes missing en route or upon arrival at its destination address!

6. Ensure insurance cover - just in case

Unfortunately, things can go wrong during transit, despite everyone's best efforts; fires, floods, theft, etc. can happen without warning, but luckily many insurers now offer additional cover specifically geared towards providing peace of mind during moves either domestically or overseas. However, do bear in mind whatever listed exclusions might apply to war zones/natural disasters, etc. so always check with policy providers prior to purchasing cover and ensure cover is adequate enough and remains valid while goods are in transit! Also, remember unexpected complications (such as delays) could result in extra costs accruing - ensure appropriate funds are set aside before departure and purchase extra insurance if necessary (for example, additional storage fees).

7. Label everything

Finally, label everything; often overlooked yet extremely important when ensuring smooth transitions from A-B! Label each piece of furniture along with its contents which typically accelerates the unpacking process significantly because then know exactly what goes where once arrive at the destination address! Labelling also helps minimize the risks of goods missing or ending up at the wrong address when multiple addresses are involved.

In conclusion, by following these tips for avoiding moving day disasters, the whole process should run a lot smoother - from de-cluttering before packing and labelling goods effectively to hiring professional movers & researching quarantine regulations prior to packing up - this way can rest assured any holidays shorter distances longer journeys alike remain stress-free experiences!