Moving house is an exciting life event but can also be a source of emotional stress and anxiety. Homeowners need to navigate the complexities of moving, from organizing the packing to registering for new services at their new address. It can be frustrating to know how to start and how to handle all the tasks involved.

Luckily, there are solutions that you can use to help make your move less stressful while still ensuring everything runs smoothly. This article will touch upon nine challenges you need to face while moving to a new house in Birmingham, AL.

Let’s see each in detail.

1. Emotional Stress

Thinking about leaving a house with which you have so many memories and starting fresh in a new place can be overwhelming. The physical act of packing and unpacking can also be stressful; however, the emotional toll of moving house is often overlooked.

Separating from beloved objects that hold sentimental value or saying goodbye to neighbors who have become like family members over the years can cause heartache and pain. Recognizing and acknowledging these emotions is important for reducing stress during this challenging transition period.

We recommend homeowners focus on the positive aspects of the move, such as getting closer to family or living in a better neighborhood with more amenities.

2. Damage to Furniture

Whether it’s from loading up the truck or getting caught in an unexpected door frame, scratched, scuffed or broken furniture can easily occur during relocation.

Homeowners should take great care when packing their furniture and seek assistance from professionals who understand how to transport possessions safely. Ensuring adequate padding around the arms and legs of chairs and sofas are essential for protection against any knocks along the way.

Pro Tip: Mark fragile items with brightly-colored stickers for those handling them during transportation; this will help provide added security against any damage occurring due to mishandling.

3. Accidents/Injuries to Moving Staff

From lifting heavy furniture to navigating tight spaces, there are plenty of opportunities for someone to get hurt while they are helping you move. Hence, you should not take this issue lightly.

Ensure that all workers know of any hazards within the house before beginning work. After all, you know your house more than anyone. Ensure the staff takes regular breaks throughout the day to avoid fatigue or overexertion.

4. Difficulty in Getting Furniture Into the New House

This issue is unavoidable. Hence, ensure you know the dimensions of any doorways or staircases that need to be navigated before moving furniture around. If possible, disassemble larger pieces of furniture, such as beds or tables, so that they can fit through smaller spaces more easily; remember which bit goes where when it comes to putting them back together at the other end!

If all else fails, call us!

5. Items Go Missing

The feeling of loss can be devastating, especially if it’s an item that holds great sentimental value or is irreplaceable. To avoid losing precious items, create an inventory list of all your belongings and their current condition and location. Doing so will give you something to refer back to if you doubt something is missing or misplaced during the move.

6. Having Less Time

The days leading up to the move can feel like they’re flying by in a flurry of hastily packed boxes and frantic phone calls. But don’t panic! There are ways around it. Ensure you plan the right way by creating lists and prioritizing tasks. By doing so, you won’t feel like you’re scrambling at the last minute.

7. Moving Pets

The thought of uprooting your pet from its familiar environment can be daunting. Hence, we recommend you keep the pets on their usual routine — feed them at the same time each day and ensure that their playtime continues between packing boxes. You may need to visit the vet to get health certificates or updated vaccinations for travel purposes.

For example, let’s say you are moving from Birmingham, Alabama, to Tennessee’s Lincoln county with your cats and dogs. Tennessee mandates a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) for dogs, cats, rabbits, pet birds, and ferrets. Your dog may also need to be vaccinated against rabies.

8. Bad Weather

Moving house becomes a 10-times difficult task when faced with extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures, heavy rain, or snow. The consequences of bad weather can range from disruption to transport networks to difficulties loading items into the removal van. Hence, preparation is the key.

For example, it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing (e.g., waterproof), cover fragile items with protective sheeting or blankets, etc.

9. Packing Unwanted Items

Packing is tricky, especially if you have a hoarding disorder — that pesky habit of holding onto things “just in case” they come in handy later on!

We recommend homeowners make three piles:

-Keep – Keep only things essential to your daily routines, such as kitchen utensils, clothes, and towels.

-Donate/sell – Donate items such as books, clothes, and toys you don’t need anymore. You can find Alabama’s non-profits that accept donations at Greatnonprofits.org.

-Throw away – Throw away broken things or items that are damaged beyond repair; these include broken furniture, stained carpets, etc.

Wrap-up

By taking the time to understand the aforementioned common challenges, you can save yourself money, stress, and time in the long run. Happy moving!