One of the great things about moving is that so many other people have been through it before you. In fact, the U.S. Census reports that about 1 in every 9 households moved in 2008, and that was the lowest rate ever recorded.
Many of those "moving survivors" are more than happy to share their stories. Unfortunately, that can lead to a number of "old wives' tales" about moving that simply aren't accurate. This article attempts to set the record straight on 5 of those moving myths.
The 5 Biggest Moving Myths
1. "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."
2. "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"
3. "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."
4. "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."
5. "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."
Myths vs. Realities
Moving Myth 1: "I don't have to pay the movers until after my belongings are unpacked."
Moving Reality 1: Moving companies require payment in full before they unload a single box from the truck.
Moving companies work differently than most other businesses. Because their "product" is primarily the labor and service they provide in loading and unloading furniture and boxes, they are at great risk of not being paid once everything is unloaded. Therefore, they usually insist on payment in full as soon as they arrive onsite for delivery. Always check days in advance with your moving company so you don't get stuck.
Moving Myth 2: "Any boxes will work just as well as 'moving boxes.'"
Moving Reality 2: Moving boxes are specifically designed to carry more weight and resist more crushing and tearing than regular boxes.
There are still some good free moving box options, however. Rather than just going to the grocery store to pick up lower quality boxes, try these alternatives:
· local office buildings for copy paper boxes
· liquor stores for heavy duty boxes used to transport bottles
· loading docks of libraries and bookstores for book boxes
Moving Myth 3: "The standard moving insurance will pay to replace any items that are lost or damaged in the move."
Moving Reality 3: Most movers provide coverage only amounting to 30 cents per $100 of goods for local moves and 60 cents per $100 of goods for interstate moves.
Also be certain to find out if additional insurance reimburses you for declared value, replacement value or some other amount. And keep in mind that most moving insurance does not cover any items that were not packed by professional movers.
Moving Myth 4: "Labeling and inventorying boxes is a waste of time."
Moving Reality 4: While skipping labeling and inventorying will save money in the immediate term, it will cost you much more time when you try to unpack and settle in.
It is almost always worthwhile to mark each box with the room it is to be moved to and a brief description of the contents. It doesn't have to be an elaborate system, so long as it is clear and consistent.
Moving Myth 5: "Packing for a move is a great opportunity for reminiscing."
Moving Reality 5: Moving is a terrible time to sit down with cherished items and "walk down memory lane."
Because moving is so time-pressured, and because reminiscing should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience, combining the two is rarely successful. One good alternative is to create 1-3 memory boxes and mark them with a big "M." That way you can savor time with those items when you have a little more time at your new place.
And there you have our list of 5 major moving myths and their realities.
Please visit our website for more, FREE moving tips, moving advice and articles on your upcoming relocation. Two of our most popular articles are:· Moving checklist: The Ultimate Moving Checklist, filled with a carefully planned, 4-week guide on all the details you need to take care of for your move.
· Moving tips: 101 Best Moving Tips, gathered and ranked from scores of moving handbooks, websites and articles.
You may also want to visit our blogroll of top moving blogs:
Good luck on your move!
