Many online platforms offer moving advice, checklists, and other valuable resources. But when push comes to shove, people still encounter unexpected challenges on moving day. Since you likely don’t have the benefit of a professional mover’s knowledge, the chances are that something will inevitably go sideways when you attempt to handle it on your own. 

Here are some ways to adapt and overcome the toughest moving challenges. 

You Didn’t Secure Movers for the Heavy Lifting.

Some passionate people believe they can complete a move without professional assistance. This tends to be a regrettable decision as non-pros bang furniture into walls and sustain injury. Let’s assume you decide not to follow this failed policy. On the other hand, the time spent considering the back-breaking approach resulted in not securing a moving company. What do you do?

Although some of the top-rated moving companies in your area may be booked, consider calling them to check. It’s possible they may be able to help or can find a date to help. Make sure your selected company has years of experience with your type of move. Ensure you vet their reviews, and check their Better Business Bureau standing and other information. Finally, stick with experienced companies that own their own trucks.

Last-Minute Packing Problems

Let’s assume that you secure the services of a quality moving outfit. Moving day draws close, and your packing appears well behind schedule. Having to change moving dates can prove costly.

Companies tend to book far in advance and will likely charge you for delays. The other problem is that you might not get a rain check. It may come as a surprise, but plenty of people fall behind in their packing. You can address this issue in multiple ways.

  • Gather friends and family to help pack your belongings.
  • Hire the moving company to extend last-minute packing services.
  • Negotiate a soup-to-nuts deal that includes packing well in advance.

If work and life leave little extra time to undertake comprehensive pre-moving chores, it may be in your best interest to have professionals handle everything. There’s no reason to overextend yourself.

You Didn’t Purge Excess Belongings.

Moving advice columns typically emphasize the need to reduce clutter and underused items before moving. Yet, despite this repetitive narrative, more than a few people cannot bring themselves to part with stuff. This problem often comes to a head when everyday people don’t have enough space in their new digs. Although the solutions may not seem significant, these are fallback positions worth leveraging.

  • Call friends and family members to take items.
  • Make last-minute donations to charitable organizations.
  • Rent a self-storage unit and rework the moving-company agreement to make another stop.

Perhaps the least stressful solution involves securing a self-storage unit and paying a little extra for a second delivery. Spending a modest amount of money buys you the time to sort through these items, sell some, donate others, and keep the ones you cherish.

Things Don’t Fit In New Space Well.

Sometimes people miscalculate the size of furniture and square footage of new rooms. When the movers start putting items in their designated spots, that’s typically when it dawns on people.

Remember that you don’t have to unpack in one or two days. It may be worthwhile to leave furniture in place and use one room or the garage to house the bulk of your boxes. This strategy gives you time to rethink your use of space. The key to overcoming this challenge involves stepping back and making a new use-of-space plan.