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Moving is naturally a stressful process, but it can be made easier by avoiding some common moving out mistakes. Moving anywhere new is a transition that means significant life changes. Being in a process of change triggers different feelings for every mover that may include uncertainty and excitement. With a good deal of logistics in play, movers can also feel daunted at the number of tasks at hand to keep the process moving. To help your move go smoothly, here are 6 common moving mistakes to avoid:

1. Not doing your research.
2. Not keeping all receipts for taxes.
3. Packing items improperly
4. Not selling unwanted items before moving.
5. Not managing utilities correctly.
6. Using expensive moving company storage.

1. Not Doing Your Research

Before you agree to work with a moving company, thoroughly check its ratings and stats before signing a contract. Check for important factors such as:

• If they are licensed by the Department of Transportation.
• Better Business Bureau ratings and reviews.
• References from former clients. Google and Yelp are good places to start.

When you look before you leap, you'll choose a reputable company that is on time, reliable, and professional.

2. Not Keeping All Relevant Receipts for Taxes & Paperwork

Moving is expensive, but it can be less impactful on your finances if you can write off some costs on taxes. Check the IRS to find out which moving-related items are tax-deductible. Know these items before you move so that you can keep all the receipts related to these expenses. Overall, you should save receipts for:

• Costs of moving personal property
• If moving by car, gas, tolls, and parking.
• Hotels and lodging during travel.
• Costs for storing belongings in a storage unit

Meals and food are not included in moving expenses, nor any other recreational activity that you do to relieve stress during your move.

Pro Tip:Among all the paperwork that you must keep, the bill of lading is the most important. This contract between you and the movers has all the answers to any problems that can happen during the moving process. Losing it can weaken any bargaining power you have.

3. Packing Items Improperly

Damaging your property while moving is another way to lose money. Keep your valuables safe by following standard moving practices that protect all types of items. Whether you need to individually bubble wrap delicate china or wrap a couch with a moving blanket, these extra steps will spare a trip to the store to replace these goods. Here are some other tips to follow:

• Don’t pack heavy items in large boxes.
• Always place lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.
• Label everything clearly.
• Include handling instructions on each box and to which room it belongs.

By taking this extra step to be organized, you can protect your items from damage and save time when you move into your new place.

4. Not Getting Rid of Unwanted Items Before Moving

For many moving companies, the cost of moving is calculated per pound of moving items and distance traveled. When you get rid of unwanted items, you can save a lot on moving. Not only can you potentially downsize to a smaller truck, but you can also reduce the time it takes for the movers to get your items in the vehicle.

For the most convenient junk drop off, hire a junk company that drops off a large container on your property. You have a set time to fill it up with all your unwanted items before they pick it up. If you want a greener approach, host a yard sale or make several trips to the consignment store.

5. Not Managing Utilities Correctly

When you arrive at your new home, you don’t want to spend half a day calling utility companies to set up services. To reduce stress, research what companies you want at your new location and switch services to your name to line up with your moving day.

If you need to set up new services such as phone or internet, schedule a day for the tech to come that isn’t when the movers are there to reduce stress. At the same time, be sure to contact your current utility companies and determine a convenientshut-off date. Not taking these steps seriously will leave you without power, water, and internet for an extended stretch of days.

6. Using Expensive Moving Company Storage

If you end up not timing your moving correctly, you can end up spending some time in a hotel or friend’s house until things are worked out. Though moving companies can keep your items for a daily fee, this costs a lot and can end up being a sneaky expense. To save money, time your move right or use a storage rental unit for your belongings to avoid bigger fees.

Storage Units to Time Move-Ins Just Right

If you need to store anything for a short time, don’t use the expensive moving company. Store your belongings in a tax-deductible storage unit until you can get everything into your new home at the right time. It’s also a great place to keep seasonal items to reduce clutter in your new home! To find a storage unit near you, contact us.

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Storage Rentals of America is your convenient self-storage solution. So come into our office or give our storage experts a call at 1-800-457-5678. Our call center is available 7 days a week and can help determine which storage unit size best fits your storage needs.