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Avoid These 6 Mistakes When Your Hire Movers

If you are moving this year, there are several things you can do right from the start to ensure a smooth move for your household AND your movers. A lot of times, families hire movers hoping to make their moves easier, only to find that a series of missteps of overlooked tasks only made the move more stressful for themselves and the movers.

But don’t worry — in this article, we’re detailing the top 6 mistakes you need to avoid when you hire movers. In Gresham and elsewhere in the Portland metro area, we have nearly 100 years of moving experience working with local families and businesses. We have seen our fair share of problems, and know what it takes to make your move successful and as stress-free as possible.

Keep reading to discover the top 6 mistakes you should avoid when you hire movers. Also, be sure to check out our Blog Page for more great tips and tricks!

If you are ready to hire movers in Gresham or elsewhere in the metro area, call now: (503) 661-7920

Red storage unit

Mistakes You Need to Avoid When You Hire Movers

We guarantee if you take the steps to avoid the common mistakes described below, your next move is sure to go off without a hitch. 

Not Doing Research

A lot of families get so caught up in the details of their move, or experience so much stress, that they hire the first person to pop up on Google without much thought. Thoughtless hiring can make your current move stress even worse. It is best to take the time to sit down and research multiple moving companies in your area before you decide. A little bit of time spent now to hire movers you know you can trust will save you a lot of heartache down the road!

Not Giving Yourself Enough Time to Pack

If you are a typical procrastinator, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure you are packed and ready to go before your move. Waiting until the last second to pack is a recipe for disaster. It is best to schedule small chunks in the days and weeks leading up to your move where you can tackle one room or cabinet at a time to pack up.

Try to commit to 20-30 minutes of packing per day to help limit overwhelm and keep you on track for your move. You can also enlist the help of family members or friends to give you some extra support and motivation.

Storage boxes stacked in storage unit

Not Getting Rid of Unwanted/Unneeded Items

Before you start packing though, it is a really good idea to get rid of all the stuff you no longer need or don’t plan to take with you. Packing unwanted or unneeded items is a waste of space and a waste of time for your movers. Plan to donate unwanted clothes and toss any items that are damaged or beyond repair.

Not Labeling Your Moving Boxes

Before you seal up your boxes, be sure to label the outside with which room the box belongs in. If there are breakable or fragile items, make sure to notate this on the outside of the box as well. Without labels, your movers will not properly or automatically organize your boxes and you will have a rough time unpacking when boxes end up in random rooms.

Not Budgeting Properly

A budget is essential, whether you are moving across town or states away. Moving is expensive no matter what, so it is good to plan ahead. You will want to set aside some savings for food, hotels if needed, and general creature comforts you may need on your journey to your new home.

Food may be your biggest expense for a few weeks, as a lot of families are too exhausted to cook after a move, or pots and pans are kept packed away for a while. There’s nothing wrong with ordering in more than usual or spending a little extra for premade meals so you don’t have to cook.

Not Packing an Essentials Bag

This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are moving. An essentials bag should hold medications, hygiene items, several pairs of clothes, and other everyday essentials you don’t want to pack away or look for later. Pack a suitcase, duffle bag, or even a specific box with all the essentials you will need for 3-4 days or so for peace of mind and guaranteed comfort.

There is nothing more stressful than desperately searching for tylenol or a toothbrush when you have no idea which box you may have packed them in. An essentials bag will save you this time and stress!

View inside warehouse storage unit

Hire Movers Near Me | Gresham, OR

Ready to hire movers in Gresham or elsewhere in the Portland metro area? We’re ready to help! Since 1929, Priestley & Sons has been the preferred moving service for residential and long-distance moves to and from the area. We also offer storage services exclusively to our moving clients to help make your move a whole lot easier.

With nearly 100 years of local moving experience in the community and across the PNW, you know you can trust Priestley & Sons. To find out what our clients are saying about us, visit our Google Reviews Page! Here is our most recent 5-star review:

“Robert and Solomon were our movers and they were awesome. Very professional and efficient. They covered all the furniture and took great care with it. They made the process so much easier! I highly recommend them and the price was very reasonable and far better than other quotes I had gotten.”

-Jessica P’s 5-Star Google Review

We can’t wait to help you with your move! If you are looking to hire movers in Gresham, look no further than Priestley & Sons! Call now: (503) 661-7920.