Getting Ready to Move: 6 Common Problems and How to Solve Them

1. Illness & Injury

Unexpected illness or injury can derail your moving plans. If you find yourself unwell, prioritize your well-being instead of pushing through serious conditions. Consider rescheduling your move if needed. Having a clear-headed person coordinate paperwork and logistics is also advisable when you're not at your best.

Here are a few things you can do to mitigate the effects of illness or injury:

• Get ample rest and fluids, and consult a doctor if you feel unwell before the move.
• Keep your environment clean to avoid spreading germs, and pack gradually to avoid overexertion.
• Secure your pets, clear pathways of tripping hazards, and wear appropriate clothing, work gloves, and protective footwear.
• Always keep an essentials box or suitcase with immediate necessities.
• Start packing early and in small increments.
• Delegate tasks to others so you don't wear yourself out.
• Let professionals handle the heavy lifting and coordination.

If your kids are sick, arrange for a friend or family member to care for them. If no one is available, create a comfortable, safe space away from the moving activity.

In either case, it’s a good idea to keep a suitcase or a box of things you will need within the first 24 hours of moving, so that if you’re unable to unpack, you will still have quick access to the essentials. And, when in doubt, stay out of the way and let the professionals handle things.

2. Inclement & Inconvenient Weather

Unpredictable weather can significantly complicate your moving day. Here are tips for handling weather events:

• Fog: Early morning fog often burns off. If it's persistent, consider rescheduling with your movers. If you choose to proceed, wrap your items for moisture protection, drive slowly with appropriate lights, and maintain extra space on the road.

• Intense heat: Try to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, wear light clothing, take frequent breaks, and move heavy items first. Consider protecting sensitive items in a climate-controlled vehicle.

• Freezing temperatures: Make sure to dress in layers, cover your extremities, and check that your car's battery is charged. Keep an emergency kit handy and have hot drinks on hand to stay warm.

• Ice and snow: Clear all walkways and driveways, dress warmly, drive slowly, maintain distance from other vehicles, and check weather and traffic reports before departing. Keep an emergency kit (items such as blankets, first-aid supplies, nonperishable food, and a shovel) in your vehicle.

• Rainstorms: While inconvenient, moving in light rain is manageable. Wear nonslip shoes, protect floors with tarps, and cover boxes and items with plastic. For thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, or lightning, either wait until the storm passes or reschedule.

You'll want to understand your moving company's weather policies and have a contingency plan in place. Reschedule during extreme weather advisories, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, or when temperatures pose immediate health risks.

3. Terrible Traffic

Traffic is an almost inevitable part of moving. Thus, professional movers often use GPS to navigate efficiently. If you plan to move yourself, use a GPS and have alternative routes ready. Expect some delays, but keep in mind that traffic usually clears. Pro tip — avoid moving on Fridays, especially in summer, because traffic is typically heavier.

Should your moving truck break down or be involved in an accident, be prepared for delays, as items may need to be transferred to a new vehicle. To mitigate negative impacts, choose a reputable moving company with established protocols for such incidents.

4. Issues with Your New House

Arriving at a new home can bring unexpected problems, many with simple solutions:

• Utility issues: Keep your utility provider and landlord contacts handy. When connections are delayed, it's helpful to have an emergency kit with essentials like water, nonperishable food, and flashlights.
• Furniture fit: When you start planning a move, measure all entryways and furniture. If an item doesn't fit, see if it can be dismantled. If not, consider an alternative entry point (like a window) or temporary storage.
• Limited parking: Research parking availability at your new residence. If there's no dedicated space, reserve a nearby spot or coordinate with your neighbors.

5. Bad Movers

Bad movers, whether incompetent or scam artists, can cause delays, damage, and added stress. The best strategy is prevention. Follow these tips for finding a credible, trusted moving partner:

• Research moving companies: Before making your selection, make sure your movers are licensed, experienced professionals.
• Read reviews: It's easy to get a sense of how well a company performs from other customers' experiences, but remember to check multiple sites and read with a critical eye. Some disreputable moving companies pay for fake positive reviews.
• Beware of scams: Be cautious with estimates based only on cubic footage, especially if the mover can’t clearly explain how volume converts to weight or refuses to provide a written estimate. For interstate moves, compare written estimates, verify credentials, and ask how final charges will be calculated.
• Get insurance: Even after you've done the research, it never hurts to have a backup plan.

If you fall victim to a moving scam, contact local law enforcement. 

6. Damaged or Missing Items

Discovering damaged or missing items after a move can be frustrating, especially for long-distance moves. Proactive steps before, during, and after your move can simplify resolution:

• Inventory and packing: Before moving, create a detailed inventory of all items, especially if you're getting rid of anything. Keep notes and photos of existing damage for fragile or valuable items. Wrap fragile items carefully and conduct thorough sweeps of your home. Pack one room at a time, labeling boxes with contents and location.
• Personal documents and verification: During the move, keep vital documents and valuables with you. Verify that the movers unload all boxes from the truck. Number your boxes and don't sign delivery receipts until you've confirmed their arrival.
• Damaged or missing items: After your move, photograph and document any damage or missing items. Your moving company should assist with recovery or compensation per your agreement and insurance. Contact independent insurers directly and double-check all boxes and rooms. Provide your moving service (or friends and family who helped) with a detailed description and images to file a claim or aid in their search.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid during a Cross-Country Move?

A cross-country move can amplify the challenges of a local relocation. To ensure a smoother, more secure transition, avoid these common cross-country moving mistakes:

• Underestimating logistics: Long distances call for careful planning. Without a detailed, itemized inventory for packing and unpacking, you may run into common interstate moving errors, such as lost items or delays.
• Neglecting comprehensive insurance: With increased handling and transit time, the risk of damage rises. Basic liability coverage might not be enough for a cross-country move.
• Choosing unqualified movers: Many movers lack experience with long-distance relocations. Find a company with a proven track record and verify credentials and references.
• Overlooking personal preparation: Transfer medical records and set up utility services before you arrive. Check your destination state's DMV requirements and plan to update your driver's license accordingly.
• Failing to declutter: You should move only what you truly need. Bringing unnecessary items can significantly increase costs and packing time. Be sure to declutter to save money and effort.
• Miscalculating costs: Cross-country moves involve expenses beyond the movers themselves, including gas, lodging, meals, and storage. Make a detailed budget and add a buffer for unexpected costs.
• Packing hazardous items: Certain items, such as aerosols, paints, and propane tanks, are prohibited by movers because of safety regulations. Dispose of these properly before your move to prevent fines or delays.
• Forgetting essentials: Medications, valuables, and vital documents (like birth certificates, passports, and medical records) should always travel with you, not in moving boxes. Keep a separate essentials bag easily accessible.

Download our Printable Moving Day Checklists

Be prepared for anything on your moving day. Download and print off our moving day checklists and make sure you have everything handy: