5 Big Relocation Mistakes

While it's commonly said that making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn, when it comes to relocation, it's better to learn that lesson before the mistake occurs.

Every year some 40 million Americans move at least once, reports USA Today, often for a better job opportunity, a warmer climate or more affordable area.

For the least amount of bumps along that rocky road from purchasing that home among the Fort Worth houses for sale to the time you move in, avoid these five big relocation blunders.

1. Not Planning Ahead

Going with the flow may be good for some situations, but not when it comes to relocation as it results in tossing items in boxes without enough time to get them organized. That can make for a very unpleasant experience when it comes to finding something you need.

Once you know you'll be moving, create a schedule so you can break up packing into more organized chunks of time. Starting with a storage area like a garage or shed, which is typically one of the more challenging tasks, and then going room-by-room often makes the most sense.

2. Not Decluttering First

There are probably a lot of things in your home you haven't used for a long time - do you really want to pay to have them move, not to mention the hassle of unpacking them and finding a place to store them where they'll sit unused until you move again?

Go through everything you have and ask yourself if it's worth moving - if not, recycle, donate or sell. It will save you a ton of time and trouble in the long run.

3. Trying to Do It On Your Own

We probably don't have to tell you that moving isn't easy, still, a lot of people try to do it on their own, only to realize later that the cost of hiring a mover would have been well worth not having to endure the aches, pains, and pitfalls.

It almost always takes a lot longer than expected, and the costs of the rental truck, fuel, and supplies can really add up. Save the wear and tear on your body, the stress on your mind and the potential damage to household items by avoiding this regret.

4. Not Researching Your Mover

Don't simply choose the cheapest moving company out there. You want value, which comes with researching options thoroughly to make sure your furnishings and other goods are properly handled.

Ask friends and family for referrals, read through reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints, and if so, how they were handled.

Talk to the companies to find out how their process works, if they're insured and what is covered under their insurance as well as any potential excess fees to avoid surprises.

5. Overloading Boxes

Many people think it's best to load up boxes as full as they can, but heavy boxes are not only an injury risk, the weight of the items could cause boxes to break.

Aim to keep them under 50 pounds, packing heavier items like books in smaller boxes.