Top 5 Long Distance Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Quick answer: The biggest long-distance moving mistakes are poor planning and organization, underestimating costs, packing badly, leaving things to the last minute, and hiring the wrong mover. Avoid them with an early plan, a realistic budget, careful labelled packing, and a vetted, transparent moving company.

Five Long-Distance Moving Mistakes to Avoid

The five most common long-distance moving mistakes are poor planning and organization, underestimating the cost, inadequate packing, ignoring insurance and legal requirements, and overlooking essential documents and valuables. The single biggest fix is to start planning at least two months out so each task has room to breathe.

A long-distance move across Canada is a big logistical project, but it does not have to be a nightmare. Below we walk through each of the five pitfalls, why it matters, and how to avoid it.

Mistake 1: Poor Planning and Organization

Planning a cross-country move is like planning a grand adventure. You wouldn’t embark on a journey without a map, right? The same goes for moving. Without proper planning, you might find yourself lost in a sea of boxes and chaos.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Poor planning can lead to missed deadlines, lost items, and increased stress. Without a clear plan, you may end up scrambling at the last minute, which often results in mistakes and oversights that could have been avoided.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake:

• Create a moving timeline: Start planning at least two months in advance. List tasks week by week — sorting through your belongings, gathering packing supplies, and scheduling moving services.
• Make a checklist: Break the move into smaller tasks like packing, booking movers, and updating your address so you don’t overlook important steps.
• Use apps and tools: Moving apps like MoveAdvisor or Sortly help you create inventories, schedule tasks, and track your progress.

How MTS Moving and Storage Inc. Can Help:

MTS Moving and Storage Inc. can help streamline your planning process. From detailed timelines to packing checklists, we’ve got you covered! Our experienced team can offer personalized advice and support, ensuring every aspect of your move is well-planned and executed flawlessly.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the Cost

Surprise! Moving can be more expensive than you think. From packing supplies to transportation, the costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Underestimating costs can leave you financially strained and stressed. Unexpected expenses can crop up, and if you haven’t budgeted for them, you might find yourself in a tight spot. This can also affect your ability to settle comfortably into your new home.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake:

• Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first estimate. Compare prices from different moving companies to understand the going rates in $CAD and spot any unusually high or low estimates.
• Budget for extras: Factor in costs like fuel, food, and accommodation if your move spans several days across provinces. Don’t forget moving supplies, potential repairs, and utility deposits at your new place.
• Consider hidden costs: Large or special items like pianos or antique furniture may need special handling, and many movers charge surcharges for stairs, long carries, or difficult access points — ask for these to be listed on your quote up front.

How MTS Moving and Storage Inc. Can Help:

MTS Moving and Storage Inc. offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Get a free estimate today to start budgeting accurately! Our detailed quotes ensure you understand all potential costs upfront, allowing you to plan your finances better.

Mistake 3: Inadequate Packing

Picture this: You arrive at your new home only to find your cherished items damaged. Heartbreaking, right? Proper packing is essential to ensure your belongings arrive safely.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Inadequate packing can lead to broken or damaged items, which can be both emotionally and financially costly. Poorly packed items can shift during transit, increasing the risk of damage. Additionally, inadequate packing can make unpacking more difficult and time-consuming.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake:

• Use high-quality materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Better materials protect your belongings over long highway distances and reduce the risk of damage.
• Label everything: Clearly mark boxes with their contents and destination rooms. This makes unpacking easier and ensures fragile items are handled with care.
• Pack smart: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill gaps with packing peanuts or towels to prevent shifting, and don’t overpack boxes, as this can cause them to break.

How MTS Moving and Storage Inc. Can Help:

Let MTS Moving and Storage Inc. take the hassle out of packing with our professional packing services. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, using the best materials and techniques to ensure everything arrives safely.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Insurance and Legal Requirements

Imagine driving halfway across the country only to find out you missed a crucial permit or your items aren’t insured. Yikes! Knowing the legal and insurance requirements is a must.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Ignoring insurance and legal requirements can lead to costly fines, delays, and stress. Without proper insurance, you risk losing money if your items are damaged or lost. Failing to comply with legal requirements can result in fines or even legal action.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake:

• Review valuation and insurance coverage: Canadian movers offer “valuation” (basic liability based on weight) and optional full-value protection. Confirm what level of coverage applies during the move, and consider additional insurance for high-value items.
• Check provincial and interprovincial requirements: Some provinces and territories have specific rules for moving certain items, and an interprovincial move can mean different regulations at each end. Choosing a mover accredited by the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) helps ensure those standards are met.
• Keep documentation handy: Have all your important documents — contracts, inventory lists, and the bill of lading — easily accessible so you can quickly resolve any issues that arise during the move.

How MTS Moving and Storage Inc. Can Help:

MTS Moving and Storage Inc. is fully compliant with all regulations and offers comprehensive insurance options for your peace of mind. Our team can guide you through the necessary legal steps and ensure that all your documentation is in order.

Mistake 5: Overlooking Essential Documents and Valuables

In the chaos of moving, it’s easy to misplace important documents or valuables. This can lead to unnecessary stress when you need them the most.

Why It’s a Mistake:

Losing essential documents or valuables can cause significant inconvenience and stress. Important documents such as medical records, passports, and financial papers are crucial and can be difficult to replace. Misplacing valuables can result in financial loss and emotional distress.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake:

• Create a special box: Keep all essential documents (passports, medical records, and financial papers) in a dedicated box that stays with you during the move so they are always within reach.
• Secure valuables: Store jewellery and other valuables in a safe place and transport them personally if possible. Consider using a lockbox or safe for added security.
• Take inventory: Make a list of all important items and check them off as you pack and unpack so nothing gets left behind or lost.

How MTS Moving and Storage Inc. Can Help:

At MTS Moving and Storage Inc., we ensure the secure handling of your precious items, giving you one less thing to worry about. Our team is trained to handle valuable items with the utmost care, providing you with peace of mind throughout the move.

Conclusion

A long-distance move doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By avoiding these five common mistakes and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home across Canada.

Ready to make your move? Contact MTS Moving and Storage Inc. for a free quote and let us handle the heavy lifting.