If you've ever moved house, then you don't need us to tell you just how stressful it can be.
Not only do you have to deal with the financial strain of down payments, security deposits and movers and truck rentals, but there are all of the logistical issues that come into play as well: From decluttering your stuff and packing box after box to remembering to change your address, there's no doubt your stress levels will be high.
Not only do you have to deal with the financial strain of down payments, security deposits and movers and truck rentals, but there are all of the logistical issues that come into play as well: From decluttering your stuff and packing box after box to remembering to change your address, there's no doubt your stress levels will be high.
Advice For Three Of Moving Day's Worst Case Scenarios
In this article, we are going to focus on moving day itself. This should be a day of excitement and exhilaration, as, in theory, you should finally be ready to move out of your home after putting many of your stresses behind you. What could possibly go wrong? Erm… quite a lot, actually. Here are just a few examples.
1. Your Children May Get Into An AccidentWith boxes everywhere, and people to-ing and fro-ing from the moving truck, your children may be at risk of an injury. Very young children might venture outside through an open door and put themselves in the path of danger. Older children eager to help might lift something too heavy for them. Your children might trip over a box, or get entangled in somebody else's feet when boxes are being carried. In short, moving day might be perilous for your children.
Our advice: For very young children and infants, consider hiring a babysitter for the day, or ask a friend or neighbor to look after the kids. This will keep them out of harm's way. You might also ask everyone who's helping out to keep pathways clear of boxes so the chances of an accident are reduced. If you have baby gates, don't remove them until absolutely necessary, no matter how much of a pain it might be And you might also have a first-aid kit on standby, just in case! This will make moving day safer not just for kids, but for everyone involved. |
2. Your Pets Might EscapeYour goldfish is unlikely to escape on moving day, but if you have a cat or a dog, they can easily slip out of the house if doors are left open. Additionally, because your attention will be on moving, there is also the possibility of forgetting all about your pet altogether, especially if they aren't in view. Can you imagine moving house and forgetting all about your fur baby? Our advice: As with your children, ask somebody to care for your pets on moving day. You might ask a friend or neighbor to look after them, or you might board them for the day. Alternatively, you can always purchase a pet crate, so there is no chance of them escaping at all.
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3. Your Belongings Could Get DamagedYour belongings might get damaged because you have hired a less than reputable moving firm who have been reckless when loading your goods (there--we said it!). On the flip side, you might be to blame, especially if you have used flimsy cardboard boxes and packing materials, which could collapse under the weight of any heavy items being carried. Maybe you have packed your belongings incorrectly, and during the hustle and bustle of the move, they got chipped or worse, broken altogether. NOT fun, especially with valuables, collectibles or family heirlooms.
Our advice: Shop around for a decent moving company, and find a firm that offers valuation coverage in the event that your goods are damaged en route. You can get an idea of the types of coverage offered from this moving company. Ensure you pack your items correctly, with extra layers of protection for valuable items, using bubble wrap and newspaper to secure them. And while cardboard boxes are undeniably useful, remember to double tape the boxes to strengthen them. You might also want to purchase storage boxes from your local moving store (think: Uhaul), as these will be stronger than their flimsy cardboard counterparts. |
Infographic and moving checklists courtesy of Grace Worldwide
Lastly...
To ensure your moving day goes by without any major problems, remember our advice. And let us know if you have any further tips for our readers. Moving house is stressful, but with planning and forethought, you can no doubt make moving day a easier on yourself, and everyone involved.
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