Planning for a move can be a lengthy and complicated process for anyone, but especially for those who don’t have experience in relocating or in looking for movers. If you’re a first-timer or someone who is maybe using professional movers for the first time after previously moving by yourself in the past, where are some common moving pitfalls you’ll want to avoid making to have the best moving experience possible, and to avoid possibly get scammed or overcharged for your moving packages.
First thing’s first: before we get into the most common moving mistakes, let’s discuss the importance of having the right moving company on your side for your transition. Whether embarking on a local or long-distance move, you need the right local moving company on your side to ensure that you’re getting the best deal and are receiving the best service and overall experience possible.
The best professional movers for you are Hollander Storage & Moving Co. We’re the best local Chicago moving company that will give you the best rates and who will take pains to ensure your items are safe and securely delivered within an extremely quick and efficient timeframe.
Now that you know the best moving company for you, let’s discuss how to avoid the most common moving mistakes.
Though this can apply to a number of things involved with your move, here we’re specifically talking about not researching your movers. If you’re using Hollander Storage & Moving Co., of course, you’ll be good to go, but there are a lot of moving scams or just moving companies out there that don’t have your best interests in mind. Thoroughly research your movers and check their licenses with the Department of Transportation and their reputation on the Better Business Bureau.
Try to source cheap or reused packing materials to save on your move. You’ll often be able to find free boxes and other materials from local stores, friends, and family, or even through Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re moving a lot of heavy items, never pack them in large boxes. You might think this would make it easier by having things in the same place, but you could wind up with ungainly boxes or a back injury if you’re not careful.
Always measure the rooms, doorways, and hallways of both your current and new home to ensure that furniture can fit through without any issue, or to see what needs to get disassembled.
This is an easy one to avoid, but you’d be surprised how many people completely forget to label their moving boxes when it comes down to it. To stay organized, never forget to label your boxes!
Not only is it illegal to move items that are flammable or corrosive, but you’ll be putting yourself and your movers in danger if you do.
Never lose the moving contract you’ll have with your company, also known as a bill of lading. Odds are your company will also email you a copy, but always keep it safe in case of issues later on.
If you qualify for certain move-related tax deductions, you could save a lot of money on your relocation. Look up the guidelines to see if you have tax-deductible aspects of your move to claim.
Always treat your moving crew with the same respect they treat you with! Remember, they’re working hard so you can have an easy moving experience – try to have water or refreshments ready for them on moving day, and always be kind.
Don’t forget to have your mail forwarded and your address changed through the US Postal System, as well as for your billing and shipping addresses on your bank, credit cards, and frequently used institutions.
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid when moving, you’ll be set up for relocation success! Plus, use Hollander Storage & Moving Co. to make your move an even more successful one. Happy moving!
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Great experience with Hollander’s crew: Dominic R, Alex P, and Chris C. They were contracted (military move) to deliver some of our things that had been packed up and stored for a year, in a different location. They were professional and worked without complaints in the heat, placing our items carefully where I requested. They maneuvered a large, deep freezer down a tight staircase easily. They were thorough in helping me check to make sure all our things were accounted for, since it had changed locations/companies a few times before making it here. They were so helpful and courteous – I am very happy with my experience and would definitely recommend them!
-Timm.
The driver was the head of the crew, and he was on top of everything. He made the experience working with Hollander Moving a pleasure. We have used others before but it was our first time using Hollander. Everything turned out great.
-Eric Y..
Every employee I worked with was courteous, professional, and exceedingly competent. I was nervous about the packing and long distance move (from Illinois to New Mexico, October 2009) and Hollander helped make the move as smooth as possible. Not a thing was damaged or broken
-Kay S..
I would recommend Hollander to any company thinking about switching vendors, and any family making a move. A Hollander rep even stopped by my new place when they were unloading just to check on things.
Wonderful service – first class!
-Julia C..
Everything Hollander has done was over the top. It was courteous people, polite, caring. Their friendliness was over the top. There was one member of the crew who’d been a friend for 30 years, and the rest was family. I couldn’t say enough about them.
-Jerry M..
I recently moved from Chicago to Tampa and expected a few road bumps along the way but was pleasantly surprised when everything from loading to delivery was flawless. Everyone I came in contact with was very professional and knowledgable. I highly recommend Hollander Moving and Storage as they are a class act.
-Sandy C..
This move envolved packing and delivery to four different destinations. Attention to detail and coordination were vital and effectively executed by Tony R driver and his crew. Ardene did a great job coordinating everything. The entire group were both extremely pleasant and efficient.
-Gary T..