It’s no secret that moving is stressful. Even with a plan in place, hiccups can happen that can throw off your groove when you least expect it. However, there’s a difference between a hiccup and a disaster waiting to happen. Here are a few things that can completely ruin your moving day and what you can do to keep them from happening in the first place.

Bad Weather

One of the most common problems that people deal with when moving is unexpected weather. It’s actually for this reason that movers often prefer to move during the summer when weather conditions are mild. Approximately 50% of all moves take place during the summer months between the beginning of May and Labor Day. If you’re looking to avoid bad weather during your move, it’s recommended to move during the summer months if at all possible. Of course, this may not necessarily be possible.

If you know that you’re going to be moving when the weather isn’t so great, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time for that situation. For instance, if you’re going to be moving during the winter months or early spring when snow may be a risk, make sure to have a shovel and road salt on hand to keep walkways and parking spots clear. Use waterproof covers for furniture and boxes, too.

Damaged Furniture

Another common problem that people deal with when moving is the risk of damaging their furniture. There are a variety of things that can damage your furniture. First, you may have chosen to hire your friends rather than moving professionals. Unfortunately, paying your friends with pizza doesn’t automatically put insurance coverage on your belongings. Moving professionals understand how to properly wrap your furniture while you’re moving and how to securely stack belongings in a moving truck so they don’t fall or damage other furniture pieces.

Second, you may not be wrapping your furniture correctly. As we just mentioned, moving professionals have the experience you need to wrap your furniture the right way to avoid damage. Movers are also more likely to have the packing supplies you need. These packing supplies include bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard sheets to keep items secure during the moving process. Sofa covers, mattress covers, saran wrap, and sealable plastic bags for small parts are also typically recommended packing supplies to protect your furniture.

Injuries

Accidents can happen when you’re moving. You’re carrying heavy furniture, doing a lot of bending and lifting, and you’re often carrying heavy boxes up and down sets of stairs. Depending on the weather forecast on your moving day, there might be an even greater risk of injury because of slips, trips, and falls. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can reduce the risk of anyone getting injured while moving:

Lift with your knees. It’s crucial to use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injuries. Bend your knees and hips in a squat over the heavy box or piece of furniture you’re lifting. Keep the object close to your body and gradually straighten your legs as you lift up the object. Don’t twist your body while holding the object and don’t lift it above your shoulders.
Wear the right shoes. This is especially worth noting during the summer months when you might be more likely to wear open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals. Make sure you’re wearing non-slip sneakers or work boots that give you a good grip on the ground.
Put down non-slip grips on rugs. If you know that it’s going to be slippery when you’re moving, whether due to snow or rain, make sure to place rugs and mats at the entryway of your home. Place non-slip grips under them to keep them from getting kicked up and tripping people or your moving professionals as they come in and out of the house.

Bad Movers

Unfortunately, not all moving professionals are created equal. There are some movers that may raise a few red flags or might not be licensed and insured. Or, even if they are insured, they may not be recommended by the Better Business Bureau. It’s important to make sure you do your research before you choose a moving company. After all, you’re hiring a team to help move furniture and belongings that mean a lot to you.

Craig Van Lines is the moving assistance service you can count. Not only are we licensed and insured, but we also have the reviews to prove our quality customer service. In fact, we’re proud to say we even have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We understand that moving can be stressful, which is why our team goes above and beyond to help make your moving day go as smoothly as possible. To learn more about our moving services, contact Craig Van Lines today.

Fred Craig

Fred C. Craig III is the owner of Craig Van Lines, a Northern Virginia moving company his family has run for more than a century. The business began in 1918 when J.H. Craig hauled cattle, feed, and hay from Virginia’s rural farms to the markets of the DC area. As the region shifted from farmland to residential communities in the 1940s, the family started moving households after hours and on weekends, eventually building the full-service moving company Craig Van Lines is today. Fred carries on that tradition, providing the same quality and care his family has brought to this community for over 100 years.

4 Awful Things Can Ruin Your Moving Day