The Big Move! Don’t Make These Mistakes

Throughout college, you will most likely do a fair share of moving to different off-campus housing locations. Just FYI: It will always be stressful. Even with the perfect moving plan, situations are going to come up to force you to improvise. Between the weather, the moving truck, the boxes, the furniture, the help – the list goes on and on surmounting to a rush of headaches.

Even with the most preparation, issues will present themselves. Here are five common mistakes you should try to avoid the next time you move so you can cut back on a few of the oncoming head pain.

Hiring a sketchy mover.

If you’re lucky – or have some parental financial support – you could hire movers. BE CAREFUL and research the movers. Just because they are online and cheap, doesn’t make them the best choice. Often times they are not only sloppy and accident-prone, but they could also gauge you on the price, or find other ways to rip you off. To keep it from happening to you, look for a licensed and reputable moving company.

Utilities Transfer

With all the physical activity involved with moving, it’s easy to forget the little things – that are actually pretty major – such as transfer your utilities to the new apartment. There’s not much worse than getting all of you stuff lugged into the new place only to realize that the lights and water don’t work. Most companies will allow you to schedule a transfer date. Book it early so when the big day comes, you don’t have to worry about it.

Procrastination Games

You might have pulled off waiting to the last minute to study and aced a few tests, but procrastination will only bring failure when it comes to moving. There are many facets involved when you are uprooting to a new pad. You don’t have to be anal about it, but once you’ve decided you’re going to move, start packing! Otherwise, if you wait until the last minute, you will find yourself short on time and helpers. You’ll also be surprised to find how quickly the day goes by when you have to move an entire apartment’s worth of goods.

To Get Insurance or Not to Get Insurance

This pertains more to the “hiring movers” situation. If something gets broken, who is going to cough up the dough?  Unless you planned ahead and took out an insurance policy on the finer of your goods, you might end up having to replace a lot of your stuff. For example, the policy might reimburse you for 50 cents per pound of damaged goods, meaning your expensive but lightweight TV won’t be fully covered. If the mover’s liability policy won’t cover your stuff, check your rental or homeowners insurance policy; many cover moves, too, so you’ll be protected. If not, don’t wait until moving day and hope for the best.

Organization is Everything

it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll just sort out the boxes later, but arriving at your new home with a truckload of unorganized boxes will add a lot of stress to your first night in your new place. Instead, make sure each box is well-packed, fragile items are wrapped carefully, and the outside is clearly labeled with the room the box should go in.