Packing your entire home and moving to another location is no easy affair. Even with the best moving companies in Oklahoma City, you have to decide what to keep and throw out, how to transport your belongings, change your address in important documents, and more. These tasks can be even more difficult and stressful if you make a packing mistake.
Packing without a strategy can lead to many negative outcomes, such as losing important documents or having to donate something you love due to lack of space. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when packing.
5 Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Packing Mistake 1: Starting at the Last Minute
We always recommend clients start packing as soon as they decide to move—it is better to do so two months in advance. This will allow you to throw your belongings away, determine what you want to keep and what to dispose of, and figure out what type of packing you’ll need for delicate or large objects.
You may think there are other, more crucial things you need to do, but do not underestimate how long packing and organizing your belongings for a move will take!
Packing Mistake 2: Packing without a Plan
Even if you do not have many things, packing them up without a plan will likely lead to a lot of time lost and missing items. Before moving day, you might pack something you will need or think you packed something and then unintentionally forget it.
Having a clear packing strategy and following it to the letter will help you avoid this common packing error. Make a thorough packing schedule that is tailored to your particular requirements. We advise sorting items into boxes and going room by room.
Additionally, begin packing rarely used items, working your way up to the most basic ones as moving day approaches.
Packing Mistake 3: Not Making a Moving Inventory
Not making a moving inventory is one of the most common mistakes people make when packing up their homes. Many people choose not to make an inventory list because they do not believe the time and effort will be worth it.
However, without a comprehensive moving inventory, organizing your belongings practically and systematically and determining what packing materials you need could be difficult.
Additionally, you can estimate the cost of your move by creating a packing inventory. You can estimate the weight of the items you need to move and get a precise estimate of the total cost if you know what they are.
Packing Mistake 4: Not Keeping an Essentials Box
Another big mistake you should avoid when packing for a move is forgetting to bring a survival kit. Once your personal belongings and household goods are loaded onto the moving truck, you cannot access them until the shipment has been successfully delivered to your new residence.
As a result, you must have some life-saving items in an “open-first box,” a separate box that will travel with you. It should include everything you need to live for a few days without the rest of your belongings, including chargers, prescription drugs, bottled water, and basic toiletries.
Additionally, ensure your box of necessities does not inadvertently get loaded onto the moving truck, and keep your documents and valuables (jewelry, family heirlooms, collector items, etc.) with you.
Packing Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Packing Materials
Packing materials are the most crucial factor in ensuring the safety of your belongings during a move, so do not settle for inferior packing materials or improvised alternatives. Your belongings may be damaged if you pack them in shabby or outdated boxes that are not sturdy enough to survive stacking.
Additionally, avoid using newsprint to wrap your items because it can leave ink stains on delicate surfaces. Purchase specialized packing materials for expensive and unique items (pianos, artwork, antiques, etc.).
Pack with Ease Thanks to Moving Companies in Oklahoma City
Mistakes can happen, but being well-prepared is the only way to avoid them. While there’s no foolproof plan of action during a move, understanding some common packing mistakes can help you know what to do, no matter what happens.
If you want to be even more prepared, hiring a moving company that offers packing services like Pink Zebra Moving can be key. Find a location near you and contact us today to know how we can help you!