Everyone makes mistakes while moving—but most moving mistakes are preventable with a little preparation. Especially when planning a long-distance move, research and expert guidance can help you avoid emotional and financial traps.
We put together this guide to share what we’ve learned from decades of out-of-state moving. We’ll outline the common mistakes we’ve seen and show you how to navigate them.
Common Moving Mistakes
Underestimating the Complexity of a Long-Distance Move
Moving out of state is one of the most complex moves you can make. Logistics can vary from state to state, from regulations to prices to climates and more. Not being prepared can mean adding to day-of confusion and stress, and possibly being in violation of local laws.
How to avoid: Choosing an experienced out-of-state moving company like Bekins can make the move seamless. Researching local pet regulations, vehicle permits and acceptable moving times can help you stay in compliance with your new community. Try to anticipate every step of your move to plan for every potential snag in advance.
Skipping a Moving Checklist
A detailed moving checklist is not negotiable. When you don’t use a checklist, you can forget essential tasks like utility transfers and vehicle registration for your new state.
How to avoid: Bekins offers a comprehensive long-distance moving checklist to help you stay organized. Just print it off and check items off as you go!
Not Getting Accurate Moving Quotes
Many consumers look for the cheapest way to move without realizing that out-of-state moving companies that charge bargain prices often offer bargain services, or don’t accurately estimate their final prices. Scammers—sometimes known as “rogue movers”—offer low moving prices to reel you in. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How to avoid: Thoroughly vet your moving company to ensure it’s the real deal. Choose a trusted van line like Bekins with decades of experience under its belt. Don’t automatically accept the lowest offer you receive, and always check for hidden fees.
Packing Without a Plan
When you pack without a plan, you risk forgetting important items, or worse, damaging them. You’ll also find the unpacking process more difficult and disorganized when you’ve arrived at your new home.
How to avoid: Read up on how to pack and prep for your move in advance, and use online tools like Bekins’ moving resources videos. Don’t skip steps like protecting your fragile items with bubble wrap and packing paper. Clearly label your boxes by contents and room, and pack an overnight box with all the essentials for your first night at the new place.
Or just make the entire move stress-free by taking advantage of Bekins’ packing services and adding on boxes and supplies.
Not Considering Storage Needs
Many people forget that they may need a storage unit during their out-of-state move. Relocating to another state often involves a gap in housing. If your move date is uncertain, you’re not ready to move all items at once or you’d like extra time to unpack, a storage service may be necessary.
How to avoid: Bekins offers both short-term and long-term storage options. Just give 24-hours notice when you’re ready for your items, and they’ll be returned to you in pristine condition.
Moving Without Insurance or Inventory Tracking
Completing your long-distance move without insurance or inventory tracking is risky, especially when you’re traveling with valuable or fragile items. Many people miss this step in their moving preparation, but without them, your belongings won’t be protected if they’re misplaced or broken.
How to avoid: Always hire a moving company with certified protection, like the valuation protection offered by Bekins. It may also be a good idea to purchase additional insurance, especially for valuable items. Photograph your items before your move, and review any applicable insurance policies.
Poor Timing or Lack of Coordination
It’s no secret that moving across the country takes loads of preparation. But one consideration many people miss is the timing of their move. It takes real coordination to time your move-out date and your move-in date, let alone factoring in schools and work.
How to avoid: Coordinate ahead of time with schools, employers and your real estate agents. Avoid moving during peak season or during times when there’s likely to be inclement weather. And work with your moving company to have a plan for every step of your move, from your movers’ arrival to day-of travel to when you’ve received your last box.
Make Your Interstate Move Stress-Free With Bekins
Trust us—even the best-planned move can hit some snags. But by following our guide and avoiding these common moving mistakes, you can save yourself time, money and hassle during your out-of-state move.
Ready for a seamless relocation? Get a free, no-obligation quote with Bekins today. We’re here to make your move a breeze.
