The stress of a move is rivaled only by death and divorce, movers will tell you.
Kevin Kambool doesn’t buy it.
“The more prepared you are, the better the move can go,” the relocation consultant for E-Z Movers, a Chicago-based moving company, told RedEye.
Kambool, who doles out advice to E-Z Movers’ clients before the movers arrive on site, said the most common mistake he sees is customers who underestimate just how much stuff they will be taking with them. That can mean real sticker shock when the movers show up and discover they need to make room (at a price) for two extra couches.
“It just comes down to preparation,” said Kambool, who has been with E-Z Movers for a year.
Kambool’s tips for a smooth move:
1. Label your boxes. Some quick work with a magic marker will help you pack the truck (breakables on top!) and boost efficiency when you unload at your new pad.
2. Wrap your furniture. Protect goods with industrial shrink wrap, bubble wrap and tape that can be found at any major hardware store. This guards against wear and tear, and also cuts down on billable hours if you do it before the moving company arrives.
3. Be honest with yourself. How much stuff do you have? If you underestimate, you could be renting a truck one size too small or setting yourself up for budget overruns with a moving company.
4. Be there. Whether it’s a group of buddies or a moving company doing the heavy lifting, nothing should go anywhere without your supervision. You are responsible for making sure everything gets on the moving truck. But temper your involvement with Tip No. 5.
5. Stay out of the way. If you’ve hired a moving company, let them do the job you’re paying for. Most movers are billing you by the hour, so too much meddling could be costly.
