If you are planning to move this spring, you probably have high hopes that everything will go smoothly. Most of the time, they do. But sometimes even the best laid plans can go astray, especially when dealing with a complex residential relocation. Putting the right precautions in place can help prevent most mishaps.
Check out some of the most common moving mistakes that people make and what you can do to make sure they don’t happen to you.

Misplaced Paperwork

It’s very easy to misplace important documents in the shuffle, some of which can be impossible to replace, or at least very difficult. This is why one of the first things you should do is gather all your important papers and documents, including your driver’s license, birth certificate, passport and social security card. Keep these all with you as you travel from one place to the next.

Mystery Boxes and Lost Items

Packing up your entire household can be stressful, and we know how tempting it can be to cut corners so you can be finished sooner. But when it comes time to unpack, you will wish you had taken more time and care to organize your belongings. To ensure a smoother transition, organize your boxes by room, grouping similar items together.
Label each box with detailed contents, such as “Kitchen. Pots and Pans.” You may also want to pack a Day One box that includes all immediate-need essentials in one place such as prescriptions, paper plates and utensils, cleaning products and a couple days’ worth of clothing.

Missed Deliveries

Particularly if you’re planning a long-distance move, be sure to ask your moving company for an accurate delivery window. Then, pay attention to that window! Keep in mind some moves come with windows up to 20 business days, and you want to be home when your belongings show up. On the other hand, you don’t want to be waiting around for days or a week without the stuff you need. Reputable, experienced movers keep you informed throughout your move and give you as accurate a delivery date as possible. Some even offer online shipment tracking so you’re always in the loop.

Expensive Property Damage

The possibility for lost or damaged valuables is always there. It’s rare, but unfortunately, a lot can take place during all the loading, unloading, and delivering. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, 20 percent of all moves have claims filed, so it’s wise to protect yourself with additional moving insurance. Moving companies are only required to insure $.60 per pound, but you are free to buy extended coverage for more peace of mind.

Bad Customer Service

Moving is stressful enough without dealing with poor customer service. No one has time to spend an hour on the phone trying to get information or fix bad service. This is where choosing a reliable, experienced mover in the first place comes in.