Planning a move or relocation? While it can be exciting, moving houses can quickly become stressful if things go wrong. From underestimated costs to poor packing, these mistakes can turn your move into a nightmare. With the right planning and the help of Two Brothers Removals, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your move is smooth and stress-free.
Mistakes to Avoid Before Your Move
- Underestimating the Costs of Moving
Many people forget to factor in all the costs when budgeting for a move. Beyond removalist fees, there are expenses like packing supplies, temporary accommodation, insurance, and utility reconnections, which can quickly add up.
How to Avoid It:
- Create a Budget: Account for all expenses, including removalist fees (typically $100–$200 per hour in Sydney) and packing materials.
- Factor in Extra Costs: Don’t overlook utility reconnection fees and insurance for fragile items.
- Compare Quotes: Get quotes from at least three removalist companies to avoid overspending. Booking early or moving midweek can also help save money. Two Brothers Removals provides transparent, competitive pricing to help you stay within budget.
- Skipping the Decluttering Process
Packing everything you own without sorting through it first can lead to wasted time and money. You’ll end up transporting items you no longer need, which not only increases costs but also creates unnecessary clutter in your new home, making the unpacking process overwhelming.
How to Avoid It:
- Sort and Simplify: Go room by room and divide items into three categories: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Throw Away.
- Sell Items: Use platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to sell furniture, electronics, or other items in good condition.
- Donate: Give unwanted clothes or household items to local Sydney charities.
- Cut Costs: Decluttering reduces the size of your move, potentially lowering costs. For example, trimming your belongings could reduce a 2-bedroom move from $800 to $600.
- Booking Movers at the Last Minute
Booking a removalist company last minute can lead to higher fee, limited availability, or even the stress of not securing a mover at all. Peak times, such as weekends or the end of the month, are especially busy in Sydney.
How to Avoid It:
- Book Movers 4–6 Weeks in Advance: This gives you time to compare quotes and secure your preferred mover.
- Schedule Your Move on a Weekday: Weekday rates are typically cheaper than weekend rates.
- Confirm the Details Early: Double-check the arrival time, services included, and any extra fees with your removalist.
Planning ahead ensures you’ll secure reliable movers at a reasonable price, without the stress of last-minute decisions.
- Not Measuring Doorways and Furniture
It’s easy to forget whether your furniture will fit into your new home. Many people arrive on moving day only to discover that their sofa, fridge, or bed won’t fit through the doors, hallways, or staircases.
How to Avoid It:
- Measure Large Furniture: Take measurements of sofas, beds, refrigerators, and other large items before moving day.
- Check Doorway and Hallway Dimensions: Compare the dimensions of your furniture with the doorways, hallways, and staircases in your new home.
- Disassemble Furniture: If possible, dismantle large furniture to make it easier to transport.
Some removalists in Sydney offer dismantling and reassembly services for an additional fee, typically $50–$100 per item, to help make the process smoother.
- Not Hiring Professional Removalists
Doing it yourself may seem like a god and affordable idea, but be aware that many problems and issues can arise. While it might be tempting to save money by handling everything yourself or relying on friends, skipping professional removalists can result in damaged belongings, injuries, or an inefficient moving process.
How to Avoid It:
- Do Your Research: Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find reliable removalists in your area.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure your removalist is licensed, insured, and experienced in handling moves like yours.
- Consider Additional Services: Many removalists offer packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly services that can save you time and stress.
Common Moving Mistakes
- Overpacking Boxes
Overpacking boxes can also seem like a good way to save space, but it can cause massive problems. Boxes that are too heavy can break, lead to injuries, and slow down the moving process. To avoid this, pack boxes securely without exceeding 20 kilograms. Use sturdy packaging and reinforced boxes that ensure weight is distributed evenly to keep your belongings safe and easy to handle.
- Skipping an Inventory List
Preparing a move Without an inventory list, is a common mistake as its easy to lose track of what you’ve packed and whether anything goes missing during the move.
How to Avoid It:
- Create a Checklist: Write down everything you’re moving and which box it’s in. This is especially important for valuable or fragile items.
- Use Apps: Moving apps can help you organise your inventory digitally, making it easier to access and update.
- Cross-Check During Unpacking: Check off items on your list as you unpack to ensure nothing is missing.
- Neglecting to Measure Doorways and Furniture
There’s nothing more frustrating than realising your sofa or fridge won’t fit through the doorway of your new home.
How to Avoid It:
- Measure Everything: Take measurements of your furniture, appliances, and doorways in both your current and new homes.
- Plan: Disassemble bulky furniture when possible and pack hardware in labelled bags.
- Get Help: Professional removalists can advise on how to manoeuvre large items safely.
- Overlooking Insurance for Your Belongings
Moving can be risky, with items potentially getting damaged or lost in transit. Many people assume their home insurance covers the move, only to find out it doesn’t. To avoid surprises, check your policy and consider transit insurance. Two Brothers Removals offers insurance options to protect your belongings during the move, ensuring peace of mind. Additionally, photographing valuable items before the move can help with any potential claims.
- Forgetting to Plan for the First Night
A common mistake on moving day is not having your essentials easily accessible. The last thing you want is to be going through boxes to find important items like clothes, toiletries, or phone chargers.
How to Avoid It:
- Pack an Essentials Box: Include everything you’ll need for the first night in your new home, such as bedding, basic kitchen supplies, clothes, and medications.
- Label It Clearly: Mark this box as “Open First” and keep it easily accessible.
- Think of Comfort: Include small comforts like snacks, a kettle, and tea or coffee to help you settle in.
The Importance of Planning Ahead
When relocating, it’s not just a one-day event, it’s a process that requires careful management, organisation, and planning. By identifying common moving mistakes and knowing what to do and what to avoid, you can minimise last-minute stress and avoid unexpected costs. Moving also offers the opportunity to start fresh. With a proactive and organised approach, your move should be smooth and hassle-free.
If you’re relocating in Sydney or even across state lines, we at Two Brothers Removals are here to help. We specialise in providing reliable removalists services for local and interstate relocations. While we deliver to other states, our operations are based exclusively in Sydney, ensuring a professional and efficient service for all your moving needs.
Ready to make your move as smooth as possible? Contact Two Brothers Removal for a personalised quote or to enquire about our services. Whether you’re moving your home or office, we’ll take the hassle out of your relocation so you can focus on settling into your new space.
