Between packing boxes, changing your address, moving furniture and last-minute hiccups, relocating to a new home requires a great deal of organization and patience.
In fact, people tend to make the same mistakes time and time again… Poor planning that can turn this important milestone into a negative experience (unless you’re the sort who can easily let things go!).
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
This is probably the most common mistake. Many people underestimate the time it takes to pack their belongings and organize a move. As a result, the final few days are complete mayhem.
To avoid this:
- Start preparing several weeks in advance.
- Draw up a list of what needs to get done and work through it gradually.
- Pack one or two boxes per day—it can make a significant difference!
- Schedule the truck, the moving company, and your helpers several weeks before the big day.
2. Holding On to Things We Don’t Use
It’s when preparing for a move that we tend to see how much stuff we’ve accumulated over the years. Transporting superfluous belongings costs time, energy, and sometimes even money (by having to pay extra for a larger moving van, for example).
Before you start packing, sort through your clothes, accessories, decor items, and old appliances. Donate, sell, or recycle anything you no longer use.
You’ll give yourself the housewarming gift of less clutter!
3. Underestimating What You Need
Many people assume they have enough packing supplies… until the day before the move. That’s when they realize they’re short of boxes, tape, or bubble wrap.
Always make sure you have more packing materials than you believe you’ll need. Fragile items, books, and kitchenware often take up much more space than you expect.
It’s also important to choose sturdy boxes whose bottoms won’t drop out under the slightest weight!
Moreover, think about getting your hands on:
- a dolly to move boxes;
- lifting straps for furniture and appliances;
- a toolbox for minor, quick repairs.
4. Not Precisely Identifying Boxes
Labelling a box as “kitchen” or “bedroom” may not adequately describe what it holds. Once you’re in your new home, you may quickly become frustrated trying to find certain items.
Take a few seconds to write out the contents of each box on the top. You could also use a colour-coding system to make unpacking easier. This simple habit can save you a lot of time.
5. Forgetting Address Changes
There are several services you need to notify when you move house.
Make a comprehensive list of all necessary address changes to avoid any unpleasant surprises, lost accounts, or mail being sent to the wrong address.
Here’s a starting list you can customize:
- Hydro-Québec;
- Banks and credit cards;
- Auto, life, and home insurance;
- Employer;
- School and daycare ;
- Service providers ;
- Government services (driver’s licence, health card, income taxes, etc.) ;
- Magazine and other subscriptions.
Here’s a tip: For a small fee, Canada Post can forward your mail from one address to another for a set period of time.
6. Neglecting to Measure Furniture
Many people discover too late that their sofa won’t fit through the stairwell or that their fridge is too wide for the door.
Before the move, measure your furniture and check your new home’s access points. This can save you a lot of stress on moving day.
7. Not Preparing a Bag of Essentials
No one wants to have to rummage through stacks of boxes for toilet paper at the end of a long moving day.
Pack a bag with all the essentials: prescriptions, a change of clothes in case of rain or dirt, toiletries, snacks, important documents, and electronic chargers.
You’ll be happy to have everything you need on hand!
8. Poorly Wrapping Fragile Items
Glasses, frames, mirrors, and electronic devices are particularly vulnerable during transportation. Inadequate protection can lead to costly damage. The same goes for large, expensive pieces of furniture: they can easily get scratched!
9. Wanting to Go It Alone
Some people choose to forgo help from their friends and family and try to do everything themselves to save money. However, moving house is very physically and mentally demanding.
Asking for help can make the whole process much more enjoyable and efficient. If your budget allows, hiring professional movers can also dramatically decrease stress levels.
10. Forgetting to Get the New House Ready
Sometimes people focus all their efforts on leaving… and not on what happens when you get there. And yet, ensuring your new home is ready to receive you is just as important.
Before moving day, ensure that the electricity is working, the rooms are clean, and that certain essentials are already in place. This will make settling in much easier.
11. Not Planning for Your Pets
Finally, having to watch open doors all day to prevent pets from escaping is exhausting! Ask a friend or family member to look after them, or take them straight away to a designated room in the new house you won’t be coming in or out of too frequently throughout the day.
Moving house often marks the start of a new chapter… and nobody wants to begin it chaotically!