Moving is stressful because, well, there are a lot of moving parts. Many things need to happen seamlessly within a compressed period. As a result, careful planning or working with experienced professional movers in Westchester County is recommended. In another article, we offer some pointers to help you decide between hiring a professional moving firm or attempting to move yourself.

This post will focus more on “don’ts” than “do’s.” Here is our brief list of Don’ts:

  • Do not Work with Untrustworthy Help
  • Do not Pack with Having Unpacking in Mind
  • Do not Move without Measuring
  • Do Not Underinsure
  • Do Not Fail to Account for the Attention Span of Pets or Children
  • Do not Ignore the Rules
  • Do not Ignore Timing

All Dressed Up, But Not Ready to Go

It is a terrible feeling to be packed and ready to go, but to lack the labor to load the truck. A worse feeling would be to have the movers hold your furniture for ransom. If you are going the DIY route, don’t count on unreliable friends who may cancel at the last moment. Do not hire inexperienced or unethical movers who will show up with improper equipment or deploy strong-arm tactics at the worst time.

Have the End in Mind

Whether you are working with professional movers or friendly volunteers, you will want to minimize heavy boxes. When you arrive at your new home, it would be best to have your keys handy and your belongings intact. Even better, having the right boxes in the correct rooms makes unpacking easier.

Packing well starts with sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, permanent markers, labels, and proper weight distribution within boxes. You want fragile items to be well padded so they will not break. You do not want to over-pack too many heavy items into one box that could strain someone’s back.

Grouping boxes by color or label color will facilitate routing to the proper room and easier unpacking. For more packing tips, read here. Be sure to know where the keys to your new home will be upon arrival. Also, have essential items – such as a change of clothes or cleaning supplies – easy to retrieve to make move-in easier.

Measure Twice, Move Once

With apparel or home improvement projects, the saying is “measure twice, cut once.”

Your move could derail if furniture is too heavy to lift or too big to fit through stairways. If disassembly is required, it is better to know in advance to have the correct tools handy while keeping timing on track. Your security deposit could be dinged if your move damages floors or walls. If your furniture is damaged, the pain will be diminished if you are insured.

To Insure or Not to Insure

No need for a Shakespearian tragedy. Insure. A professional mover in Westchester County will be insured. Be aware that a mover’s standard insurance may not cover highly priced items, such as artwork. If your move will be DIY, call your insurer. Better to check than to assume you are covered.

Reduce Diversions

A move could be stressful for younger kids or pets. They may act out. They may become bored or get in the way. Account for the shorter attention span of children. Ideally, get a sitter. Failing that, have planned activities or make it easy to retrieve needed items.

Learn the Rules

Find out ahead of time if your HOA (Homeowner Association) has certain restrictions based on the time of day. Talk to your new building about move-in times or service-elevator availability. A professional mover will consider these matters. If you are moving on your own, then ask questions and plan.

Timing is Everything – Or at Least the Final Ingredient

Moving can be expensive. Ideally, you want to time shutting off utilities the day after moving while activating telecommunications in your new home. A house without air conditioning could make a challenging move-in more difficult. Lack of working wi-fi could result in your teenager having a meltdown. If you can avoid inclement weather, do so.

Moving Soon?

To move within budget while under a time constraint requires careful planning. Hopefully, these tips will set you on the right path.

If you have other matters that require your attention, then hire a professional moving company. Look for one that is licensed, insured, experienced, and can provide numerous recommendations. Remember, to move the right way, call McAvey. To get a quote or to set up an appointment, call us at (914) 747-1533.