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Motivated Movers / New Latitude / Waypoint Investments / Birming — (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, moving is one task we all have to face at one point or another. While moving is never easy, the process can get even harder as you accumulate more things over the years. However, there are a few common mistakes that are easy to avoid.

We spoke with the experienced staff at Motivated Movers and New Latitude Movers to get their advice on moving in Birmingham.

1. Don’t underestimate the time, effort and energy it takes to move

Have you ever tried to knock out a move over the weekend by bribing your friends with pizza? It’s not as fun as they make it seem in the movies!

“Moving yourself can seem very doable—until you actually start doing it! You can get overwhelmed very quickly once the moving or packing starts. Make sure you have given yourself plenty of time and have plenty of manpower because oftentimes, by the time you realize you’re in over your head, it’s too late to hire a moving company.”
New Latitude Movers

Before you settle on do-it-yourself moving, consider the volume of your belongings. How many sofas, beds, chairs, tables, dressers and other large furniture items will you be moving? How many boxes of books, electronics, toys, kitchen utensils and more will you be packing? How much will it cost to purchase moving boxes and rent a moving van for the weekend?

“If you are going the DIY route, don’t skimp on supplies (moving boxes, packing paper and moving pads—we suggest 60 pads per 12 feet of truck). All of these supplies will ensure the efficiency of loading your items and the safety of their transportation.”
Motivated Movers

2. Prep and Plan ahead

Whether you’re DIY moving or hiring a moving company, the moving process will always go smoother if you do some prep before moving day. The better prepared you are, the faster and more efficient your move will be.

“When hiring a moving company, we recommend you call at least two or three weeks ahead of your moving day to make sure we can get you on our schedule—especially during our busy summer months!”
Motivated Movers

Pro Tip: Moving is a fantastic time to donate or discard unneeded items or anything that you don’t use. Plus, it’ll help decrease packing and unpacking when moving!

Click here for more packing tips and a 30-day moving checklist!

3. Do your research when hiring a moving company

So you’ve decided to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Point A to Point B—a smart decision! However, it’s important to remember that not all moving companies are built the same, and you’d be wise to do some research before committing to the first company you see.

“When hiring a moving company, don’t base your decision solely on the price of the move. The adage, ‘you get what you pay for’ is very relevant to the moving industry. Oftentimes, the cheapest quote is the cheapest quote for a reason. You are about to put all of your belongings in the hands of a moving company, so make sure you are using a reputable company and that you are comfortable not just with the price but with who you are hiring.”
Motivated Movers

When weighing your options, prioritize reputable moving companies with a website, active social media and a local telephone number. Read reviews before booking a company, and beware of moving companies with no physical address and no one to do an in-person, in-home survey.

4. Pack intelligently and carefully

Proper packing is the best way to ensure that your belongings get to their destination unharmed. When packing items into moving boxes, make sure they are completely full with no empty space. This will help to avoid the load shifting in your vehicle, prevent damage and make unloading into your new house a lot easier.

Use pads to protect your furniture and load the truck correctly to protect your items from getting damaged. You can never have too many rental pads, but old comforters, blankets and towels can help protect items from damage, as well.

“Make sure any fragile items are packed carefully and properly labeled. Moving boxes should never weigh more than 40 pounds, and shouldn’t bulge after being sealed—if you overload large boxes with heavy items, it could cause the bottom to fall out. Finally, label all boxes according by room (ie. kitchen or bedroom) and create an ‘essentials’ box for your new home and make sure its loaded last!”
Motivated Movers

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the prospect of moving, don’t fret. Moving companies excel at taking on the hardest parts of the process—packing, loading and moving.

To learn more about moving within, to or from Birmingham, or to schedule your next move, reach out to these two respected local moving companies: