The Worst Moving Advice We’ve Ever Heard! (And Better Alternatives)

There are plenty of things to remember when moving, but not all ideas are good ones. In this post, Camelot Moving & Storage in Santa Clarita covers what not to do during a move, and offers alternatives that will keep you on the right track.

Worst Moving Advice #1: Go Ahead and Wing It

In a lot of situations, a DIY approach is effective. However, moving isn’t one of them. Failing to prepare for a move, even one that’s just across town, could make your move longer and more stressful, not to mention harder on your body. We all want to save money, but not if the outcome is less-than-efficient loading (i.e., your truck is full but you still have a bunch of stuff in the driveway) or personal injury (trying and failing to carry that too-heavy television).

One of the most important things to remember when moving is that instead of winging it, you need to spend time planning your move: how many boxes you need, how much truck space, what you’re taking/throwing away, etc. Also, talk to friends who’ve accomplished a “self-move,” and speak with movers about the number of things you need to move and whether it might be more practical (and safer) to hire a moving company.

Worst Moving Advice #2: There’s No Rush To Hire a Mover

Nearly 40 million Americans move each year, and the majority relocate during the spring and summer. This means that the most experienced movers will be in high demand. If you think you can wait until the last minute to hire an experienced mover, you’re in for an unwelcome surprise. Not hiring the right moving company could result in you winding up with an inexperienced mover—or, equally problematic—a moving company that overbooks in order to guarantee they have enough work, then calls you on moving day and drops your appointment because they’re too busy.

Realistically, the best moving advice is to start planning 3–4 months before your move date. This provides an ample amount of time to plan the move, get your family excited about moving to a new home, and research moving companies (several, ideally). This means getting referrals and estimates so you can make an informed, stress-free choice.

Worst Moving Advice #3: The Movers Will Handle Anything You Ask Them To

Perhaps you have a variety of expensive items—for example, jewelry, watches, and a safe—that you’ve packed up and are ready for the movers to take. You also have your rare coin collection, expensive camera, grill, guns, and an entire wet bar’s worth of alcohol, all boxed/bagged/covered and ready to be moved. Alas, most moving companies won’t move these things—so if you didn’t check your contract beforehand, it’s up to you to find the time and space required for moving expensive, fragile, and/or dangerous belongings.

The best moving advice is to read through your contract well before the move so you understand what the mover can and can’t take. This is one of the most important things to remember when moving, as it will allow you to separate the “cans” from the “can’ts” and be prepared to transport some of these items yourself if necessary.

Why You Should Work with Professional Movers

For sound moving advice and to work with a team of experienced movers in Santa Clarita, contact Camelot Moving & Storage. Our high level of professionalism and extensive knowledge of all types of moves will help make your own move quicker, safer, and cheaper.