Moving is a process that few of us find relaxing and stress-free. But it's a part of life, and there's no getting around it. So the question becomes how we can make moving a less stressful experience.
When you move in or out of Albuquerque, the way to keep stress at a minimum is to plan and avoid predictable mistakes. Every step in the moving process has the potential for mistake that can make your move a nightmare.
If you're buying or selling a home in Albuquerque, avoiding these mistakes will help you prepare for your move and make it a more bearable experience.
1. Hiring a dishonest mover
Moving scams are an unfortunate reality and something that you need to be on the lookout for when hiring a mover. As with hiring any professional, you need to do your homework. resources such as The Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, the New Mexico transportation regulator, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, along with relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues are all good sources of information. And make sure to read online reviews.
Of course you can skip hiring movers and do it yourself. Just make sure you can handle it and have enough help.
2. Messing up the quotes
A good moving company will send someone out to your home to give you an estimate. It makes good business sense for both parties, so if they don't offer to come out, then look for another mover.
And don't just get one quote, get several. You can use these quotes to find the most affordable option, or negotiate for a lower price from a mover you prefer. Always make sure to get a moving estimate in writing.
3. Packing too much stuff
The longer you've lived in a home, the more stuff you're likely to accumulate. Now is the time to go through everything and get rid of the things you just don't need. Separate them by items you can donate, sell, or just need to throw away or recycle. You can have friends and relative go through your donate pile or throw a garage sale if you have the time (and patience). Use the one-year rule and you'll be surprised how much stuff you don't need.
4. Failing to schedule your move well in advance
Moving companies can get booked up fast, especially in Spring and Summer. Try to schedule your move as far in advance as you can, preferably weeks or months. You don't want to be scrambling to find a mover the day before you're supposed to head out. Moving already is stressful enough without adding that frustration.
5. Ignoring the need to pack ahead of time
Packing is another task that you should start as soon as you can, instead of at the last minute. After you've got rid of unneeded items, you can box the things you don't use every day or won't need until after you move, such as seasonal clothes.
See if you can enlist help from friends and family. If that's not an option, perhaps you can hire help.