Our team of experienced movers are dedicated to providing top-notch service from start to finish. We understand that every move is unique, and we work with our clients to create a personalized moving plan that fits their specific needs. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we have the equipment and expertise to get your belongings to their new home safely.

We offer a wide range of services including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. Our team of professionals handle your belongings with care, ensuring that everything is properly wrapped and protected during transport. We also use only the best moving equipment, including state-of-the-art moving trucks and dollies to ensure a safe and secure transport.

We also understand that cost is an important consideration when planning a move. That’s why we offer competitive and transparent pricing, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the best value for your money. We also offer flexible scheduling to work around your busy schedule and make the moving process as convenient for you as possible.

At Countrywide Moving & Storage, we’re committed to making your move as stress-free as possible. We are fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind, and we stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re looking for professional and reliable moving services, look no further than Countrywide Moving & Storage.

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Moving to a new home can be both an exciting and stressful experience. From planning and organizing to packing and transporting your belongings, there are many things to consider when moving to a new home. However, with a little bit of preparation and the right approach, you can make your move as stress-free as possible.

Here are some tips for a successful move to your new home:

Create a moving plan. Having a plan in place will help keep you organized and on track during the moving process. Make a checklist of tasks that need to be done, set a budget, and establish a timeline for when things need to be done.

Declutter before you move. Moving is a great opportunity to declutter your home and get rid of items that you no longer need. This will not only make packing easier, but it will also save you time and money during the move.

Pack smart. Pack your belongings in an organized and logical way, so it’s easy to unpack at your new home. Make sure to label all boxes and use packing materials to protect fragile items.

Hire professional movers. Professional movers have the experience and equipment needed to safely transport your belongings. They can also save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Notify necessary parties of your move. Don’t forget to notify important parties of your move, such as utility companies, the post office, and your bank. This will ensure that your services are disconnected and your mail is forwarded to your new address.

Take time to settle in. Once you’ve moved into your new home, take some time to settle in. Unpack your belongings, set up your furniture and make your new house feel like a home.

Moving to a new home can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach, it can also be a memorable and exciting one. By following these tips, you can make your move as stress-free as possible and get settled into your new home in no time.

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At Countrywide Moving & Storage, we offer comprehensive packing services that are designed to make your move as stress-free as possible. Our team of professional packers is experienced in packing all types of household items, from fragile china to large pieces of furniture. We use the highest quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes to ensure that your items are protected during transport.

One of the biggest advantages of using professional packing services is that it saves you time. Our packers work quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. Additionally, using professional packers minimizes the risk of damage to your belongings during transport. Our packers are trained to properly wrap and secure items to ensure that they stay safe during transit.

We also offer customized packing options, like fragile-only packing, partial packing, and self-packing. This allows you to choose the level of packing service that best suits your needs and budget.

Another advantage of using professional packing services is that it can be more cost-effective in the long run. While it may seem more expensive upfront, professional packers can save you money by reducing the risk of damage to your belongings. This can also save you money in the long run if you opt for packing insurance.

In conclusion, professional packing services can greatly simplify the moving process. From saving you time and energy to protecting your belongings, professional packing services are a smart investment. If you’re planning a move, consider hiring professional packers to make the process as stress-free as possible. Contact Countrywide Moving & Storage today for a free quote and let us take care of the packing for you.

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Prepare the house for the move

When moving a mobile home, securing all items from moving around during transportation is vital. Pack all of your belongings, such as clothes, souvenirs, books, dishes, toys, linen, etc. But you should also pack heavier items as well, such as furniture, and appliances. You need to transport these items separately, so there is no risk of damage during the transportation itself.

As far as the items that remain inside the house are concerned, it is important to secure them. For example, you need to make sure that the cabinet drawers will not fly open during transport. Or toilet tank lids, and light fixtures. If you have a shower instead of the bathtub, it is wise to secure the shower door from opening. And if possible, it is better to take the shower door off and relocate them separately for maximum safety.

Hire a professional moving company

When moving a mobile home, you really do not have the option for a DIY project. Moving this type of home requires obtaining permits. It also require plenty of experience with driving such a large load on the road. Due to safety considerations, hiring a professional moving and storage company is the only option, and they need to be licensed for moving a manufactured home. If you are in a hurry, opt for a same-day moving service, and find reliable professionals.

How to choose a reliable moving company?

There are several steps you need to undertake to make sure that your moving company is the right one for you.

Ask for referrals – Ask your moving company to provide referrals from the people who moved their houses on a similar route that you are planning to take. Feel free to phone them to ask additional questions if necessary.

Compare several moving companies – It is completely free to get a moving quote for your upcoming relocation. Compare at least three moving quotes and then it will be easier for you to decide which moving company fits your needs best. Use the internet and compare reviews, but be careful and learn how to spot fake moving reviews first.

Get third-party insurance as well

When you hire a moving company, they will offer you a certain insurance policy. Read it carefully to understand all the conditions, and determine whether you need or want additional third-party insurance. You should also check to see whether your current mobile home insurance covers any unlikely event in the case of transporting your home to a different location. We recommend getting additional insurance. This way you will get compensation in case of damage, loss, or another unlikely event.

How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

There are numerous factors that determine how much will the moving of a manufactured home cost. Here we will lay out some of the most important ones.

Hiring full-service movers or transport movers only – You will have the option to hire full-service movers who take care of disconnecting your home and utilities, and reconnecting everything again at your new destination. This is in addition to transport-only services, which include transporting your home, and obtaining all the necessary permits that the state(s) requires.

Size and weight of the house itself – Needless to say, moving a triple manufactured home will be more expensive than moving a single home. Also, the weight of the house, which can also depend on the furniture, will dictate the final bill as well.

Long-distance or short-distance relocation – This is an important factor as well in determining the cost. Due to the size of the house, it may not be possible to use all roads, so movers may need to choose longer routes. Also, due to safety concerns, the home may be transported under police surveillance, and some parts of the roads may need to be closed if necessary.

Obtain a moving permit before moving a mobile home

For this, you will need to get the right documentation regarding the house. For starters, you will need a certificate from the county treasurer. This is to prove that there are no taxes due to be paid for the house. If there are, you will first need to pay them off, and then continue with the procedure for moving your house.

The next thing you will need is a certificate of the title for the house. This is to prove the ownership of the house so that you can move it to the desired location.

Once you obtain these two documents, you need to check the state`s laws and obtain any permits necessary in your original state, the state you will be moving to, and the states you will be passing by on your way to your new home. Luckily, your movers can take care of most of these permits, so you will not have to worry too much about it.

Most common mistakes when moving a mobile home

We have seen that moving a mobile home requires plenty of planning, careful preparation, and obtaining the right documents, and all of this can be rather stressful. And mistakes happen when we are under stress.

Some of the most common mistakes when moving to a mobile home include not obtaining moving permits. This can not only prevent you from moving your home, but it can also result in an expensive fine. Furthermore, not securing items in your home during transport can lead to a destroyed interior of the house once it is relocated.

Finally, trying to do the entire relocation all by yourself can only cause additional stress and even a greater need for professional movers.

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What Kind of Move Qualifies as a Small One?

What defines a small move, then? The majority of moving services categorize shipments weighing under 2,000 lbs. as minor moves. Small transfers often involve the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Movers consider shipments weighing more than 2,000 lbs. as large transfers. The ideal example of a small move is a college dorm room move. A move into a studio or one-bedroom apartment is also often seen as a small move. Particularly if you want to buy furniture and have it delivered after moving in. Typically, all that is required to do this is to rent a small truck or cargo van.

You may consider the move as “small” if you are moving close by, even if you carry household items with you. Bear in mind that if there are more than 2,000 lbs. of possessions being moved, a moving company could not classify this as a small move. However, considering the close location, you might be able to complete the relocation by yourself with just a truck rental.

Many companies have minimums

A minimum is the smallest amount of items that movers will charge you for. Local moving companies typically charge by the hour and have minimums to cover their costs. You must pay the hourly fee for the minimum number of hours. You’ll have to pay the hourly fee even if your relocation requires less time than the minimum. The weight of the package determines the cost of long-distance transport. Many full-service movers have a 2,000 lb. minimum weight requirement for shipments. This implies that you will still pay the minimum even if your home cargo weighs less than 2,000 lbs. Thus, it’s more convenient to choose a moving service that specializes in small moves. This is ideal if you are, for instance, just relocating a few pieces of furniture.

Here are a few popular options for moving small loads:

Hiring labor-only movers

Hiring professional movers to undertake the heavy lifting is the quickest (though most expensive) way to manage small removals. Local moves, transfers involving studios and small apartments, and specific moves may all be completed more quickly with the help of a reputable moving company. Try engaging labor-only movers to help with the loading if hiring a full-service moving firm seems unneeded for your small relocation but you still want to hire assistance. If you need help relocating only one or two heavy things, hire movers specializing in transporting that type of item. This way is better if you’re moving a piano, heavy household appliances, etc.

Renting a trailer, cargo van, or truck

Usually, a cargo van, trailer attachment, or small truck can handle small transfers. You can usually move a small apartment by a small truck rental. For studio and college dorm transfers, which normally don’t entail significant furniture items, trailer rentals, and cargo vans are excellent. Also, moving equipment is usually available when renting a truck, van, or trailer.

Moving on your own, with your car

A carload (or two) is commonly enough to move a college dorm room or a small apartment. We advise using this way initially if a short transfer can be completed by just packing stuff into your car. This kind of moving allows you the most freedom with regard to your relocation schedule and is also the least expensive. When you move with your own car, you have complete control over the process from start to finish and may proceed at your own pace. You’ll also save a lot of cash if you do the relocation yourself.

How to Reduce the Cost of Small Moves?

• Self-pack – Hiring movers to perform the packing is undoubtedly convenient, but it’s also rather expensive. Packing your own items will save you money. Fortunately, small moves shouldn’t need much packing because there won’t be much to pack.
• Self-organized move – It will help you to save money. And, it will go more quickly if you can get your pals to pitch in.
• Eliminate everything you don’t need before packing – The purging of goods is one of the finest strategies to save money and time on a small interstate move. Anything you won’t be using in your new house should be donated, sold, or thrown away.
• Pick less pricey moving dates – Prices for everything from moving services to rental trucks are often higher from May through September. The off-season is the best time to relocate if you want to get a better deal.
• Compare prices – Before hiring a company for the task, check and compare rates from several providers. Even better, some businesses provide price match guarantees, promising to beat prices from other businesses.
• Utilize discounts – Last but not least, don’t forget to utilize discounts. Military personnel, teachers, and students all frequently receive discounts from moving service companies. Check about the company’s discounts when requesting an estimate.

Is Hiring Movers for a Small Interstate Move Worth It?

You would likely make the best choice by using a moving container, renting a truck, hiring labor-only movers, or doing the move yourself for minor transfers like a dorm room, studio apartment, or one-bedroom apartment. No matter how small your interstate move is, you’ll still have to pay the minimum fee to most full-service movers. Hiring full-service movers for a small relocation is not the best choice if you’re trying to save money. On the other hand, hiring a professional moving and storage company specializing in small moves could be the best option for your relocation if you have a budget and choose convenience over all else. And that’s not all. A reliable Conshohocken local movers will save you time and money, and help avoid moving injuries as well.

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Weather

Weather in Pennsylvania can be unpredictable. The warmest period of the year is in June, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. On the other hand, January comes with plenty of snow and with an average temperature of 28 degrees. You will be happy to learn that there are over 179 days of sunshine in this state. All four seasons are present, with plenty of rainfall, snow, and humidity. However, there is a low risk of tornadoes, hurricanes, heavy floods, or earthquakes.

Public transport

Do you drive a car or want to navigate the state by public transport? If you don’t have a car, don’t worry, SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) will get you where you need to go. It operates subway, trolleys, and buses at a wide range of places. It is an affordable, safe, and efficient way to reach your destination.

Visit the most famous sites in Pennsylvania

With a plethora of historic landmarks, there is no shortage of sites you should visit in Pennsylvania.

• Independence National Historical Park – Located in Philadelphia, it is a place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. While you are here, visit the Ben Franklin Museum, Old City Hall, as well as the National Museum of American Jewish History.
• Hershey Park – The park is located in Hershey and it is an ideal place to spend a day or a few days with your family. It has a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, a carousel, and even a zoo with over 200 animals.
• Presque Isle State Park – It has 11 miles of beach, which means you would be able to enjoy swimming and all other outdoor summer activities. Kite-flying is the best in this area due to the open space. There are often free public concerts organized.
• The Liberty Bell – An iconic symbol of independence, located in Philadelphia, was commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly and was cast with the lettering Proclaim Liberty.

Pennsylvania is close to NYC

It is not a secret that NYC is among the most expensive cities in the US. The city that never sleeps is welcoming and appealing, but living there can simply be too much. If you want to avoid congestion in traffic, an expensive lifestyle, and high rents, living in Pennsylvania is the right decision. On the other hand, since it is close to NYC, you would be able to quickly arrive in NYC for a great weekend of exploring the city.

Excellent education

Pennsylvania ranks really well when it comes to both public and private education. Furthermore, it has over 500 public school districts, and 14 state-owned colleges and universities. So, if you are moving to Pennsylvania for education, we are certain that it is a step in the right direction.

Low cost of living and low-income tax

One of the benefits of moving to Pennsylvania is the low cost of living. Namely, you would spend 10,5% less in this state, than elsewhere. Groceries, gas, healthcare, and transportation cost less here and you will be able to save more money or afford a bigger house, for example.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania has a low-income tax which is only 3,07%. This is the state with one of the lowest income taxes in the US. Apart from this, retirees don’t have to pay for their retirement income. This makes Pennsylvania a perfect country to retire in.

Pennsylvania has a low crime rate

With a property crime 33,3% lower than the national average, Pennsylvania is a safe country. There are even cities with 0 reported violent crimes, and it is common that there are less than five crimes per one thousand people. Crime rate should be among the first features of a certain neighborhood and city that you look for, as living in a safe neighborhood means a stress-free life. And this state boasts of safe cities with crime rates going lower and lower with each passing year.

Hire movers when moving to Pennsylvania

Moving to Pennsylvania has plenty of benefits, and we are certain you will enjoy your life there. If you find that moving is too stressful and organizing a relocation comes with too many tasks, make it easy on yourself and hire reliable movers. An experienced moving and storage service will pack, store, and transport your belongings in no time. This leaves you with enough free time to coordinate your relocation and manage your first days in a new state. Relocation is never easy, but with the right team on your side, you may even enjoy it.

Don’t forget to change your address and mail before moving to Pennsylvania

Change your address at the DMV in Pennsylvania right after the relocation. Notify your friends and family members of your new address as well. Cancel any magazine subscriptions that you have or redirect them to your new address if possible. Inform your bank about the change as well, and check whether you need to open a new bank account in Pennsylvania.

Change your driver’s license

When you move to Pennsylvania, if you are a driver you need to register your driver’s license within 60 days of relocation. You can do this in person by heading over to the PennDOT driver’s license center. Once you do this, your new driver’s license will be valid for four years.

Set up utilities

Choose your new water, gas, and electricity providers when you move to Pennsylvania, or even before that. You don’t want to relocate and arrive at your new home, just to realize that you don’t have any running water or electricity.

Summary

Moving to Pennsylvania does not have to be stressful. So, plan everything well in advance, so that you don’t need to hurry and feel anxious. Find a reliable local moving company and enjoy your stress-free relocation. Good luck!

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Declutter

Moving to a different location means that you would need to physically relocate every single item you own. You will have to carefully pack the items in high-quality material, organize transportation, and hire people to help you, just so you can use them in your new house. The question is, are all items worth the effort and money? Decluttering is one of the best moving tips for your local or long-distance move. Think of your relocation as a perfect opportunity to surround yourself only with the highest-quality items you have, only with the items you use frequently, and that function properly. The rest of the items you can throw away, donate, or even sell and earn some money along the way.

Create an inventory list

Once you have removed all the items you don`t want to relocate, you should proceed to create an inventory checklist. This checklist will be useful to your moving and storage service as well. It will give you an idea of what to pack first when moving house. Also, it’ll give you an idea of what to pack last.

Attic

When it comes to the question of what to pack first when moving house, it is important to start from the rooms that you don`t use as often. If you live in a house with an attic, chances are your attic is full of dusty items you’ll have to pack. Usually, items of sentimental value are placed in the attic. Old photos, toys, and souvenirs have no use in your daily, practical life. So, you should pack them first. You will not need to use them during relocation. But they still have a sentimental value and you want to keep them with you no matter where you live.

Garage

The garage is also one of the first rooms you should pack when moving. In the garage people usually keep car-related products that are not used on an everyday base. So, they are safe to be packed first. Also, if you keep your gardening tools and equipment here, you can pack them as well.

Art

Admiring art in one`s own house is invaluable. Paintings, figurines, sculptures, and other pieces of artwork give a whole different dimension to your home. When packing artwork for relocation you must be well-rested and still enthusiastic about packing. That is why it is better to pack your art first when moving house. You won`t need those items until you move into your new home, and you can store them with other packed belongings in a safe place at your home.

Fine china

If you have plenty of fine china, delicate glasses, and dishes, we highly suggest that you pack them early in the moving process. Obtain enough cushioning material such as bubble wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, and painter`s tape. Also, if possible, use a moving box with cell dividers inside, so that you can safely pack dishes and glasses of the finest material. Don`t forget to label these boxes as fragile and mention which side goes up and which side goes down.

Seasonal items

Seasonal items such as tools, clothes, swimming or skiing equipment, etc. are high on the list of items you need to pack first when moving. Since you do not use them frequently, you can simply pack them inside moving boxes and they will remain at the same spot until the moving day arrives. You can decide to pack all those items well before the moving day and store them in the attic, basement, garage, or any other spare room that you have.

Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the most beautiful ways to express your personality and complement your outfit. Once you relocate to your new house, you will be able to wear your favorite jewelry pieces with renewed joy. Until then, jewelry, apart from a few pieces you will wear daily, can be packed among the first things when moving house.

Books

If you love books and have plenty of books in your house, we know that you plan to relocate most, if not all of them. It is hard to part with books. If you have enough space to accommodate them at your new destination, nothing will stop you from it. Pick two or three books that you will read during the moving period, and you can pack the rest of them in moving boxes. Always choose small or medium-sized moving boxes for books. The reason for this is that books are quite heavy and can easily tear the moving box apart if there are too many books inside of one box.

Extra bedding

We usually have plenty of linen, towels, sheets, and bedding. So much that we store them in a closet and even forget about some pieces. Luckily, you can pack all of these items first now, as you won`t need them during your relocation. And once you arrive at your new home, you will be able to unpack perfectly clean bedding and use it as soon as you relocate.

Games and toys

You should leave your kids` favorite games and toys unpacked until the very last day. But, you can pack a majority of these items early in the moving process. No one plays with all games and toys during the day. On the contrary, when you remove more than half of these items from your kids’ surroundings, they may focus better on the toys and games that are left. As the moving day approaches, pack the rest of the items in moving boxes.

What to pack last when moving house?

We have answered the question about what to pack first on a moving day. But you should also know what to pack last when moving house. It is all a part of professional packing tips for your local or long-distance move. Pack your essentials bag the night before the moving day. This bag should contain your phone chargers, important documents, and clothes and toiletries you will be using for the first 24 hours upon relocation. This bag is a game-changer and will make moving short-distance and long-distance moving so much easier.

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Is it a must to tip movers in 2022?

Tips were never required but they are customary. While tipping a mover for doing a good job is not compulsory, most people choose to offer a tip when they receive good service. In case your moving crew went above and beyond, go ahead and tip them. It’s just polite to show you appreciate their extra efforts by giving a tip. But not all movers are equal. In case you had a bad experience and you had to deal with a rude or unprofessional crew, feel free to withhold the tips.

Do keep in mind that movers have a demanding job. If they help you move house without any trouble, they deserve fair compensation. Everyone could use a bonus so most movers will be more than glad to receive a tip from you. You are, by now, probably heard a lot about hidden moving costs and how to avoid them. Don’t worry about the tips. Will you tip movers or not, it’s up to you.

When do you tip movers?

Besides wondering whether tipping is a must, you may also be unsure about when to tip. You wouldn’t, of course, tip your waiter before you ordered a meal. The same goes for moving services. After the relocation, if you’re happy with the service, go ahead and tip each member of the moving crew. Naturally, poor service shouldn’t be rewarded with extra tips. In case you’re moving to another country, ask beforehand how many teams will be handling your goods. You may want to tip one team at your current home and another team once you arrive at your new home. If that’s the case, tip the first time after they load the truck.

How much to tip movers in 2022?

Different moves require a different amount of time and effort. Local moves take less time than cross-country ones and moving a 3-bedroom house is nothing like moving a small studio. Depending on the complexity of the move and the level of service you receive, decide what an appropriate tip is. There are some general guidelines for tipping but you are free to make your own calculation. For small and short moves, somewhere in the vicinity of 5%-10% of the total cost is appropriate. For long-distance moves and transporting large or heavy items, you’ll want to go for 15%-20% of the cost of the move. You can always adjust this amount depending on the situation.

For example, you may want to tip more than 20% in case your Conshohocken local movers did an outstanding job and took really good care of awkward or valuable items. On the other hand, you may want to stay around 5% if the level of service was just fine but nothing to write home about. So is there a simple formula you can follow in case you’re still not sure how much to tip? Yes, there is! Tip $5 per hour your helper worked – that’s usually enough for a mover to be a happy camper.

When is it ok not to tip movers?

Hopefully, you’ll choose one of the top-rated movers and get exceptional service. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, it’s fine to withhold the tip. For example, if movers are late or take too long to finish the job without any reason, you don’t have to tip them. If some of your items are lost, broken, or stolen, feel free to withhold your tip. If you happen to deal with rude or unprofessional movers, there is no reason for you to spend extra. Any of these scenarios is a valid reason not to tip because the service you’re tipping for wasn’t actually received. However, don’t make excuses or skip tips for no reason. Forgetting to tip is never cool so make sure you remember to show appreciation when it’s well deserved.

Do you give separate tips to all movers?

Tipping each member of the crew individually is the safest way for everyone to get their fair share. However, you don’t really have to tip each helper separately. Sometimes, you could just give out the amount you want to tip and let movers share among themselves. In this case scenario, you must make sure you communicate to the person you’re handing the money to that it’s intended for the entire crew. You can let the supervisor know that cash is supposed to be equally shared among all movers. Otherwise, one person may end up with hundred dollars while the rest of the team will go empty-handed. Another thing to keep in mind is that moving companies have nothing to do with tips. They pay their employees and tips are a bonus – they’re entirely up to you. So, you’re responsible for the compensation to end up in the right hands.

As you can see, moving service jobs are not black and white. The amount of cash you give for a tip depends on several factors. You must consider the distance, the complexity of the move, and the level of customer service you received. You can decide to increase, decrease, or completely withhold the tip depending on how the job was performed. Hopefully, this guide helped you learn everything you wanted to know about tipping the workers of a moving and storage company. Now that you’ve learned how much to tip movers in 2022, it’s time to get a free quote! Go ahead and contact your movers and packers at Countrywide Moving & Storage – our moving estimates are complimentary so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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Thinking you’ll do it quickly

The mistake that’s seen too often is fooling yourself about the time you need to complete moving tasks. Everything requires time and that includes research about movers, getting estimates, gathering packing supplies, packing, and everything else you must take care of when planning relocation. Packing is certainly your most time-consuming task. And let’s not forget it can be downright boring too. Still, it needs to be done but you must make sure you plan properly. Don’t think you’ll do it quickly and leave everything for the last minute. Start planning a few months before you actually move so you’d have enough time. By progressing little by little and on time, you’ll avoid one of the most common moving mistakes.

Dealing with untrusted movers

Unfortunately, this mistake can cost you much more than being late on moving day. Hiring an unreliable moving company is something that happens more often than one would like to believe. Rogue movers can hold your items hostage until you pay the amount they require. They could also fail to deliver your shipment completely. These are only a few horrible scenarios but there are all sorts of horror stories around us related to rogue businesses. That’s why you must be careful when choosing a mover you’ll trust with your goods. It has to be a licensed company that’s allowed to do business in your area. Do your homework and research thoroughly before signing a contract with your mover.

Going for the first moving company you come across

While dealing with fraudulent movers is scary, you may feel that you should hire the first licensed professional mover you find. But this is actually one of the most common mistakes when moving. You will want to request at least three different quotes from trusted movers. You will compare their prices and the services you’re getting for your money. Only after comparing several estimates, you’ll be able to make the best decision based on these factors.

Not asking the right questions

The next common mistake when you’re moving is not asking all the important questions. Some information is crucial, such as which services you’re getting, what’s the cancellation policy, is deposit needed, and so on. There’s no other way for you to know these things than to ask so be sure to reach out to your mover and inquire about all the important things regarding your cooperation.

Poor packing methods

Not following correct packing methods leaves you exposed to all sorts of issues. For example, overpacking cardboard boxes will most certainly lead to breaking and damaging your items. Using poor-quality materials to pack valuable items is also something you should avoid. These are only a few examples but there are many extremely important moving and packing tips you could follow. In case you don’t think you’re up to the task, it’s better you leave the job to professionals.

Not labeling boxes

Another common moving mistake is forgetting to label your moving labels. Knowing how to label boxes for moving is crucial for a smooth relocation. A huge pile of boxes without labels will leave you clueless once you reach your new home. You’ll have to dig through every single box in order to find a single item. That’s why you should always label each moving box. You can do so either by using ready-made labels or simply using a sharpie and writing “fragile” on several sides of the box.

Forgetting about insurance

Regardless of what type of moving service you choose, you must remember to get coverage too. Although you’ll receive basic coverage if you hire professional movers, you should consider getting additional insurance. The reason is that limited liability will not be sufficient when you’re moving valuable items so always check out all insurance options when moving house.

Canceling services too late

The mistake you’ll definitely want to avoid is waiting to cancel services and subscriptions until it’s too late. You should reach out to all the providers you’re getting services from so you’d arrange for them to be transferred to your new home. In some cases, you’ll have to cancel and find a new provider after you move.

Leaving the mess behind you

The last common mistake when moving has to do with your current home’s condition. Leaving the mess behind you leaves a very bad impression and is not something the next person should handle. After all, you’ll also want your new home to be nice and tidy upon your arrival. In case you don’t have the time to clean yourself, go ahead and schedule professional cleaning services. They’ll come after you take all the belongings out and tidy up your home so that’s it’s nice and fresh for the next person.

Summary

Hopefully, this simple guide will teach you how to identify and avoid common moving mistakes. Most of those come from not being informed enough. Luckily, now you have the knowledge necessary to carry out a successful move. As always, the best way to avoid moving mistakes is to hire a trusted mover. The Countrywide Movers are at your service. Our moving estimates are complimentary so don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Let’s get connected and start planning your relocation together.

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Never do it completely alone

Having a DIY move doesn’t mean you should actually do all the work completely alone. Before you start loading and transporting your belongings, you’ll need to find a few helping hands. The reason is that lifting, carrying, and loading heavy and bulky items by yourself it’s almost certain you’ll end up with injuries. So a few willing friends or family members will make all the difference and help you have an injury-free relocation. In case you can’t find anyone near you available on your moving day, there’s no reason to panic.

You can still have a DIY move with just a tiny bit of professional help. Going for moving labor is a quick fix in this case. You can hire any number of helpers to help you out with any tasks and only pay for the time they spend assisting you. Since you’ll be paying an hourly rate, you’ll get an inexpensive and efficient way to handle your bulky or heavy items.

Professional moving equipment

When you’re doing all the work on your own, you’ll want to get all the help you can. But this section doesn’t actually relate to the help you‘ve just read about. It has to do with handy professional moving equipment and packing supplies. There are so many tools out there that will make your move safer and let alone efficient. The choice of equipment depends entirely on your preference and what kind of items you’re moving but you’ll want to check out some movers’ favorite tools. To start with, a moving dolly aka furniture dolly is definitely worth checking out.

This is arguably the most important piece of any mover’s equipment. The moving dolly will help you push large and heavy items instead of carrying them, making the process so much safer and easier. Then you may want to get furniture sliders, moving straps, and other items to make the job faster and easier on your back. Hiring moving equipment can also be easy on your wallet, just rent it out instead of purchasing.

Accident-free lifting and carrying

Another important thing to pay attention to in order to avoid moving injuries is the way you lift and carry your belongings. It is one of the most important packing tips for your local or long-distance move. Safety lifting techniques are an absolute must for accident-free relocation. To start with, keep your back straight and bend your knees when picking up a moving box from the floor. You’ll use the strength of your legs instead of putting pressure on your back. Then, keep the box close to your chest and get up slowly and carefully.

It is also a good idea to follow this technique but to get down on one knee while you’re picking up the box. Always keep the box close to your body while you’re carrying it. Also, make sure you don’t twist the upper part of the body, rather turn the entire body if necessary while carrying the box.

Sturdy containers

Whether you’re going for traditional moving boxes or plastic moving containers, makes sure they’re in good condition. Boxes must be sturdy enough to hold the items inside without breaking from the weight. In case the box is worn out and not sturdy enough, it can break and all the content will end up on your feet. This is a sure recipe for injuries so check each container before you use it to pack your items. In case you have some old boxes you’d still like to use, go ahead and pack soft goods inside them. That can be your bedding, clothing, or anything else that’s made of fabric and won’t cause an injury in case of breaking and falling on your feet.

Check the weight

Before you lift the box, try to get a feel of its weight. If it seems too heavy, don’t attempt to lift it and hurt your back. Instead, find another person to help you or break it down into two smaller boxes. You could also use a moving dolly for your heavy containers. Not overpacking your boxes is the best way to avoid moving injuries. It’s also important you don’t overpack the box because this is likely to cause it to break and you’ll have your items on the floor and damaged. Or even worse, you’ll have an item falling on your feet. For this reason, you must pay attention not to make the box too heavy. In case you’re packing heavy items like books, go for smaller boxes.

Have a clear exit path

The next important thing to do for an accident-free move is to clear the path from your starting point to the moving truck. Create an exit plan in advance and make sure it’s completely free of obstacles. That means you must remove any pieces of furniture standing in your way as well as home décor. Miscellaneous items should also be removed and your patio and front yard should not be overlooked. There may be some fallen leaves you could trip over or there may be snow or ice you must clean before passing. You should have enough space to pass through all the doors with your items and have a completely obstruction-free exit path.

Have a first-aid kit on hand

Eventually, you must keep in mind that accidents are possible even with the best preparation and careful approach. That’s why you should have the first-aid kit on hand, just in case.

Hire a moving company

As always, getting a professional moving and storage company to do the job for you is the best way to avoid moving injuries. After all, you won’t be taking part in any physical work so you’d be absolutely sure that you won’t get injured. Moving crew can pack and transport all of your household items, and provide the same day moving service, so you can just sit back and relax, enjoying a stress-free relocation. If you’re looking for a trusted mover to help you with your local moving or commercial moving, check out Countrywide Moving and Storage. At CWMAS, we provide complimentary in-house estimates! Go ahead and contact us to receive your free moving quote.

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