Common moving day problems and how to fix them

Moving a home or office from one place to another is usually a frustrating and challenging endeavor. It is no wonder, then, that the moving day can be quite hectic. Even if you hire one of the best moving companies to help you relocate, you still have a good chance to encounter at least one of the common moving day problems. Luckily, there is something that you can do. The answer lies in the words of famous Chinese strategist Sun Tzu “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”. In this article, we will provide you with all the knowledge you might need to overcome any moving challenge that stands in your way!

Common moving day problems

There are literally countless problems that may occur on a moving day. Some problems, however, are more common than others and can be bundled into the following categories:

1. Weather problems
2. Mover problems
3. Missing/Damaged items
4. New house problems
5. Traffic problems
6. Injury/Illness problems

Aside from these six categories, it is also important to note that you may encounter storage issues when moving, especially if you are downsizing. Luckily, the solution to this particular problem is quite easy, as all you need to do is research different types of storage and when you need them before the moving day. As you will soon see, most of the common moving day problems can be solved with a bit of forethought and preparation.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the first category of problems.

Weather problems and how to fix them

One of the most unpredictable issues you may encounter on a moving day is bad weather. Even if you keep track of the weather forecast on a daily basis, you can never be certain that your moving day will not feature a storm, fog, rain, or extreme temperatures. The best way to deal with any of these conditions is to be prepared and have a set plan in place. You may already know how to move house in the rain, but you may not be prepared for heavy fog. Here’s what you can do to ensure a smooth moving day in bad weather:

Moving in the fog

If you encounter heavy fog on a moving day, your first course of action should be to try and set up an alternate moving date. Alternatively, you may want to try and wait for the fog to clear out. Driving in low visibility conditions is extremely dangerous, and you should never attempt it. However, if you absolutely have to move in foggy conditions, here’s what you will want to do:

• Drive very slowly and very carefully
• Be very patient
• Wrap your belongings to prevent moisture damage
• Avoid areas of dense fog
• Make sure there is extra space between your car and the car in front of you

When moving in the fog, slow and steady is the way to go. The fog will test your patience to the limit, so be prepared for that.

Moving in extreme temperatures

If your moving day happens to be either extremely hot or extremely cold, you will want to take a few precautions. For moving in intense heat, you will want to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, keep any temperature-sensitive items in a climate-controlled vehicle, take regular breaks, and stay out of the sun when possible.

For moving in freezing cold temperatures, you will want to ensure that your car battery is fully charged, dress in layers, have warm drinks in hand, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Of course, you will still want to keep your sensitive items in climate-controlled vehicles.

If you encounter ice and snow, you will want to shovel and salt the driveway and any walkways prior to moving. Make sure that your ears, feet, and hands are always covered and kept warm.

How to fix mover problems

One of the most common moving day problems is having to deal with bad movers. Your movers may be inexperienced, inconsiderate, or might even try to scam you. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do after your movers arrive at your doorstep. Instead, what you want to do is ensure that you hire reputable movers in the first place. To do so, you will want to be hiring moving companies based on reviews and be skeptical of any low bids. When looking at the company’s reviews, you will want to get your information from as many sources as possible. Ideally, you will already have good references before you even start looking at the reviews.

Do not check one site only, as some moving companies may pay for favorable reviews. The more sites you check, the greater the chance of getting complete information. Even if you conduct thorough research, it is always a good idea to get moving insurance, just in case.

If you happen to fall victim to a moving scam, you will want to notify the authorities as soon as possible.

Missing/Damaged items

Even if you go through all the trouble to find a reliable and reputable moving company, there is still a chance that you may end up with missing or damaged items. If this happens, you will want to report any such item directly to your movers or your insurance company. If you are braving the risks of moving by yourself, you will want to be extremely careful when preparing your items for the move.

In case of damaged items, you will want to take photos of them, ideally showing the cause of damage. If your movers are to blame for the damage, they will cover the cost of repairing or replacing the item in question.

For missing items, you will want to double-check whether you haven’t misplaced the item while unpacking before contacting your movers/insurance company. If the items are still missing, you will want to create a detailed description, including images if you have them, and file a claim.

If you want to avoid items from being damaged or going missing in the first place, there are a few things you can do, such as:

• Wrap your belongings in protective bubble wrap
• Create a full inventory list (Most movers will do this for you)
• Take pictures of any important/fragile items before you move
• Before you leave your old place, make sure that nothing is left behind

New house problems and how to fix them

One of the most frustrating moving day problems is when your new house is simply not ready yet. Your utilities might not be on; your furniture might not fit through the door, you might not have a good parking spot, etc. The solution to almost all of these problems is to have a backup plan ready. When planning your long distance moving process, you will want to account for the possibility that you may need alternate lodgings for a few days. You may also want to create an “emergency kit” in case your gas or electricity is not on yet. The kit needs to include anything you need to survive a few days, such as flashlights, non-perishable food, candles, water, etc.

You will also want to make sure that you have the contact information of your utility providers on hand before you arrive at your new place. Additionally, you will want to have the number of a local handyman, just in case. You never know whether you might need their services in a pinch.

Traffic problems and how to fix them

If your move is time-sensitive, traffic can pose a huge problem. In fact, one of the main reasons to hire professional movers is that they can help you avoid traffic jams. Simply talk to your movers and have them tell you which routes to take and which to avoid. If you are moving on your own, you will want to take a look at the GPS traffic data before planning a route. Make sure to plan for several routes, just in case one of them encounters heavy traffic.

To avoid most of the traffic issues, you will want to avoid moving on a Friday, especially in the summer. While it can be quite convenient to move on a Friday, the traffic will be at its highest.

Fixing injury/illness problems

If you happen to get sick or injured on a moving day, the best thing you can do is to take care of yourself. Allow someone else to make the big decisions while you rest and recover. Many people try to “power through” their injuries just so they can get the moving over with. This is an extremely bad idea. Most of the time, you do not know how serious an injury might be from the get-go. Something that might look like a simple cold can be pneumonia!

Of course, the best thing to do is to make sure you do not get sick or injured on a moving day. To do this, you will want to take the necessary safety precautions. Pad the floors with a cushioning material, install corner guards, clear the walkways, etc. Of course, keep a first-aid kit handy at all times.

If you notice that you are feeling a bit under the weather, take action immediately. Get some additional help from either your movers or your friends/family members, and take it easy. This is especially important if you are planning a nationwide family relocation, as you might not have the opportunity to reschedule it on short notice. Basically, you will want to have a second person who can take charge if you happen to get injured or sick. The more people you have helping you, however, the easier it will be.

Other moving day problems and how to fix them

Aside from the abovementioned common moving day issues, there are several other issues that are common enough to warrant a mention. For example, what happens if a moving truck breaks down? Or what happens if the former residents don’t want to leave? Here are a few more issues you may encounter and how to solve them:

Previous residents do not want to leave

If you are purchasing a home from previous owners, there is always a chance that they are still there when you arrive. If the previous residents do not want to leave, all you need to do is call the police and settle the dispute. You will want to have the pertinent documents at hand, of course. Under no condition will you want to settle things physically, as that may end up very badly for both parties. The fact of the matter is that if the previous tenants sold you the house, they are illegally residing there, and the police will take care of them.

Moving truck breaks down

While not one of the most common moving day problems, moving truck breakdown happens from time to time. The best way to avoid this issue altogether is to find movers that diligently maintain their moving trucks. If an accident does happen, however, you will want to file a complaint and get reimbursement.

You don’t have keys to your new home

Not having keys to your new home can be extremely vexing. While rare, this can happen due to numerous circumstances. For example, the previous owner might be irresponsible, or you might have lost your keys on the way. The best way to “fix” this issue is not to allow it to happen in the first place. Collect your keys well before the moving day, and always have at least two sets of keys in different places. Make duplicates if needed.

Knowing about the common moving day problems is only one piece of the moving “puzzle”. If you want to know all there is to know about relocating from one place to another and finding the best moving companies in your area, all you need to do is browse and explore the Consumer Opinion Guide. Our expert knowledge will help you move to your new place without any issues!