Storing Your Belongings in a Small Bedroom

To err is human, but making mistakes before, during and even after moving day can prove costly in terms of time, money, and effort. Nevertheless, many homeowners and apartment dwellers make mistakes when moving from one place to another. The following offers a brief list of common moving mistakes you should avoid, as well as a few tips on how you can avoid these mistakes.

Mistake #1: Blowing Part of Your Moving Budget on Packing Supplies

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a whole lot of money on boxes and other packing supplies. In many cases, you can economize this particular part of your moving experience with these simple actions:

• Reuse any existing boxes you have for certain belongings back when they were purchased new. If you still have the box and cellophane packing your flat-screen TV came in, then you can reuse that instead of spending money on a brand-new box.
• Use old newspaper or discarded magazines as packing material for your belongings. If you don't have any newspaper on hand, you can also use shirts and other clothes as temporary packing material.
• Use recycled cardboard boxes, including any boxes you've used for your previous move. However, make sure they're not damaged or weakened in any way before reusing them.

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Label Your Boxes

It can be rather tempting and all-too-easy to simply put your belongings in a box and seal it up without labeling it. However, there's a good chance you won't know exactly what's in which box. For this reason, you should always add clear and concise labels to every box you pack. This way, you'll know exactly what to look for and you won't spend minutes or even hours looking for it during your move.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Properly Wrap and Pack Fragile Items

Vases, chandeliers, fine crystal, and fragile electronics like flat-screen TVs need a little extra TLC. Unfortunately, it's easy to overlook the importance of keeping your fragile items under wraps, especially when you're on a tight moving schedule. You should always take time to give your fragile items the extra padding and bubble wrap they deserve. Don't forget to make a note of any special moving instructions that should be followed to better protect your fragile items.

Mistake #4: Packing Materials on Your Moving Company's Non-Allowables List

Every moving company has a list of materials it would rather not see in its moving equipment. These materials include pesticides, batteries of most sizes, flammable items like gasoline, and even certain household cleaning products. Including these and other non-allowable materials into your shipment will violate your moving agreement, not to mention that it could put the rest of your belongings at risk.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Get a Change of Address

When you decide to move, you'll want to be sure your friends and family can reach you by mail at your new place. You'll also want to be sure that any bills mailed out to you arrive at the right place. Before you leave, you should apply for a change of address at your local U.S. Postal Service office. In addition to applying for a change of address, you should also make sure any of your old mail that's addressed to you or another housemate is being forwarded to your new place.

Mistake #6: Losing the Bill of Lading

Think of the bill of lading as not just an inventory of all of your belongings, but also your contract between yourself and the moving company. Losing it can create a big headache for both you and your movers, especially if everything has to be inventoried once more in anticipation of a new bill of lading.

Make sure you always have this important document on hand throughout the moving process. You may want to keep it in a safe and secure spot during the move, such as your car or overnight bag.

Mistake #7: Not Packing an Overnight Bag Full of Essentials

Speaking of overnight bag, it's always a good idea to put one together with a couple of days' worth of clothing, toiletries, and other items you can't be without during the move. An overnight bag can come in handy during long cross-country moves, as well as local moves that go on for more than a day due to extenuating circumstances.

For more information and help with your move, contact a local moving company.