Moving to a new home can be an exciting new chapter in life. But it can also quickly turn into a nightmare if things go wrong on the big moving day. From lost boxes to damaged furniture, relocation disasters can happen at any moment and derail your entire plan.

As a professional mover in India, we’ve seen my fair share of moving day mishaps over the years. By learning from those experiences, we’ve figured out some key strategies to help home movers avoid common blunders and ensure their move goes smoothly.

In this blog, we’ll share the top 10 biggest moving day disasters that happen and actionable tips to steer clear of them for a seamless relocation.

 

Miscommunication About Moving Day Logistics

One of the most common moving day issues stems from simple miscommunication and lack of planning about logistics. Things like unclear timing, mix-up over locations, no contact numbers exchanged, or last-minute address changes often lead to problems like teams not arriving on time, going to wrong addresses, getting stuck, etc.

To avoid logistics issues, be sure to:

• Discuss and finalize all details with your movers well in advance.
• Exchange phone numbers and confirm the time of arrival a day before.
• Send your new address on Google Maps to avoid any location mix-ups.
• Inform about any complex access issues like narrow lanes, low clearances, etc.
• Keep all communication clear and transparent to align with movers.

 

Inadequate Packing By Homeowners

Many homeowners try to cut costs by packing everything themselves but use poor-quality materials, don’t label boxes, overload cartons, or don’t pack items securely. This invariably causes damage during transit – especially for fragile items.

Some packing tips to avoid this include:

• Use high-quality bubble wrap and packing paper to wrap all fragile items.
• Label every box clearly with the destination room.
• Load boxes evenly, and don’t overstuff them to bursting points.
• Seal cartons properly with wide packing tape.
• Let professional packers handle delicate antiques, glassware, etc.

 

Not Declaring Valuables to Movers

Not informing movers about high-value items like jewelry, artifacts, cash, and documents and not packing them separately can be disastrous if they get misplaced or stolen.

To prevent issues, you must:

• Make a detailed inventory of high-value articles being moved.
• Keep small valuables and documents with you during the move.
• Alert movers about any high-value items needing special care.
• Pack such items separately in sealed boxes and label them as ‘Fragile’ and ‘High Value.’

 

Inadequate Protection of Furniture

Lack of padding, covering, and secure tying down of furniture often leads to dents, scratches, and breakage during loading and transit. Heavy furniture items are also prone to damage if improperly carried.

To avoid furniture damage:

• Cover all furniture with thick blankets or bubble wrap.
• Use foam or thermocol padding on edges and joints.
• Tie-down appliances and heavy items with straps so they don’t move.
• Ensure furniture legs are securely fixed and glass tops protected.
• Let professionals handle dismantling and carrying heavy furniture.

 

Poor Planning for Appliance Handling

Electrical appliances need special care while shifting, or components can get displaced and functionality impaired. But many homeowners don’t prepare ahead of time.

To avoid appliance issues:

• Drain out water from washing machines to prevent leakage.
• Secure fridge parts like shelves and drawers to prevent dismantling.
• Let appliances sit for 24 hours after moving before plugging them in.
• Handle gas connections and installations professionally.
• Hire specialized carriers with trolleys for safe appliance transport.

 

Unexpected Issues With Large Furniture

Trying to move bulky beds, wardrobes, pianos, and other oversized items through narrow stairwells, tiny doorways, or lifts often ends badly unless planned right.

To move large items smoothly:

• Measure all access routes and doors to gauge feasibility.
• Check if the item needs to be dismantled or lifted through balconies/windows.
• See if a crane/specialized stair-climbing trolley is needed.
• Have professionals experienced with such handling carry out the moving?
• Get engineering works done if any structural changes are needed.

 

Carrying More Than What Fits in the Moving Vehicle

Trying to shift your entire household in a small van inevitably means items won’t fit and get left behind. This disrupts plans and causes much anguish.

To avoid this common mistake:

• Do an audit of all items being moved and their sizes.
• Measure the dimensions of your moving vehicle.
• Account for odd-shaped items needing more space.
• Plan your loading correctly to optimize fit.
• Opt for a larger vehicle or make two trips if needed.

 

Inadequate Insurance Coverage for Valuables

Discovering that your valuables get damaged during transit only to find your insurance won’t cover it can leave you stranded.

To prevent this, be sure to:

• Make a detailed inventory of items being moved.
• Calculate the total value of all your household goods.
• Opt for full-value protection transit insurance.
• Understand policy exclusions like acts of God, wear and tear.
• Clarify claims processes and documentation needed.

 

Forgetting To Change Address for Utilities and Services

Amidst the moving madness, forgetting to intimate your address change to utility companies, banks, schools, etc., can wreak administrative havoc later.

To avoid this nuisance:

• Make a list of all services, contacts to notify about relocation.
• Fill address change forms 2-3 weeks prior to move.
• Set up mail forwarding with the postal service.
• Notify contacts about changed address via email/calls.
• Carry address proof, like rental agreements, for quick updates.

 

Damage Due to Improper Loading/Unloading

How the moving truck is loaded and unloaded makes a huge difference in preventing goods damage. Improper loading balance and order will cause items to topple and break.

Some key pointers on safe loading/unloading:

• Load heavy items first, then lighter ones on top.
• Use straps, supports, and tie-downs to secure cargo.
• Fill any empty spaces with packing filler to prevent shifting.
• Provide ramps/trolleys for smooth loading of appliances.
• Unload top-loaded lighter items first and heavy ones last.
• Always have 2 people minimum to assist with loading/unloading.

By planning meticulously and avoiding the common moving day pitfalls listed here, you can sit back and enjoy a smooth, stress-free relocation. Follow these pro tips for a move that’s disaster-free!

 

Conclusion

 

At Packers India, we have over a decade of experience in seamlessly moving families, businesses, and more within India or abroad. Our professionally trained teams, customized services, and expertise in local logistics help ensure zero hassles or headaches for your big move. Get in touch with us for reliable guidance and execution for all your relocation needs.