Common Moving Problems and Solutions

It's no secret that moving is one of the most challenging tasks that an individual or family can come across in their lives. And most of you already know that it takes a lot of planning, coordination and execution in order to complete a smooth moving process without any hiccups. So to help you prepare for the inevitable, we'll tell you some of the most common moving problems and their corresponding solutions.

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1. 1. Packing Efficiently

      When people think about packing, the first thing that comes to mind is throwing everything they own into boxes. Thanks to limited knowledge about the proper ways to pack combined with a pace that's often hurried and last-minute, people are often faced with the lack of space and damaged goods.

      SOLUTION:

      There are several things that you need to remember before you begin packing. These include the following:
      • The first thing you need to remember is that you don't need to bring everything with you. Throw out all of the junk and figure out which things should be sold or donated to charity instead.
      • Another important factor to consider is this: Wouldn't it be more practical and cheaper to buy a new one instead of having this item shipped?‚ This is especially true for big pieces of furniture and appliances.
      • Plan it out and don't do everything at the last minute. Start packing at least a month before the actual moving day and work your way at a steady pace. Begin with the things that you rarely use (off-season clothes, special dinnerware, etc.)
      • Prepare your packing materials ahead of time: boxes, scissors, tape, tape dispensers, packing peanuts, fillers, and so on.
      • If you don't have the time to do some proper packing, you might be better off outsourcing the task to your professional movers.

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1. 1. Streamlining Moving Procedures

      Conflicts often arise between the clients and the movers. Sometimes the customer will expect a certain service to be done which is actually not stated in the contract. Other times, the moving company will arrive at a date that is different from what the customer expects. Even within families, conflicts are a common problem too before, during, and after moving day.

      SOLUTION:

      • Read the quotations thoroughly before you make a decision. Or better yet, make sure that you have a quote from more than just one company. That way, you'll get to compare their prices and services, as well as get a preview of what to expect.
      • Clarify all of the dates. Not just with the company (pickup and delivery dates) but also with your family. This is very important so everyone can be on the same page and follow the same schedule.
      • Don't hesitate to ask questions. If there's something that you don't understand, call the company right away and have them clarify any terminologies or policies that seem unclear to you. It's better to be safe than sorry.
      • Look and ask for any possible additional charges. Sometimes, long carries, flight charges, shuttle fees, and other extra fees can pop up in your final bill so it's best to know about them ahead of time.

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1. 1. Taking Advantage of Storage Units

      Space is something that we all need a lot of especially when you're moving to a new home. However sometimes the new space isn't ready for occupancy yet, or upon arrival customers may realize that they actually don't have enough space for their things.

      SOLUTION:

      A lot of people don't know that they can actually take advantage of storage units from moving companies. Most moving companies offer free storage ranging from 14 to 30 days, with a specific allotted volume. Some long distance moving companies even offer free storage for up to 60 days. Remember, they don't always tell their customers about this service so you have to ask for yourself. Take note however that this service is only free for a limited time. If you exceed the set amount of days given by the carrier, you'll have additional charges or extension premiums charged together with warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

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1. Protecting Your Valuables

   One of the biggest concerns that people have prior to moving day is the protection of their goods. This is also one of the reasons why people second-guess hiring professional movers. They don't want their things to be mishandled by other people. However, the dilemma arises when people try to do the move themselves and end up denting or scratching their possessions anyway.

   SOLUTION:

   Thankfully, there's a way for you to get peace of mind when hiring moving companies. Aside from the fact that movers will provide manpower and experience to your move, they can also provide you with insurance for any possible damages or loss. You can ask moving companies about the types of insurance they carry or you can also opt to have your own third-party insurance provider. Either way, you'll need to pay extra for the added protection.

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   Two of the most common packages include:
   • Basic Carrier Liability - Carriers are required by the law to offer insurance but they can only offer a package of ($0.60) sixty cents per pound per article when moving things out of state.
   • Declared Value Protection - For this type of coverage, your mover will be liable for the entire shipment at an agreed amount that is usually $1.25 per pound times the weight.
   • Full Value Insurance - A comprehensive insurance package that involves deductibles. Often provided by third-parties like Baker International Insurance.

Moving is indeed challenging but there are tried and tested ways on how to go about it. For more information about the most common moving problems or to speak to a moving expert, contact 9Kilo.com today!