A local move is never easy, but when moving across the country, it becomes a lot more complicated. The internet has made it easier to research utilities, communities and services.
But when you have clients who are preparing to move out of the area, you might want to make sure they are aware of these six mistakes that commonly occur.
1. Falling for a moving scam.
Rogue operators often give cost estimates sight unseen. Make sure clients know that this is a red flag. This publication of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a good place to start.
2. Waiting until the last minute
Many people put off doing the research to move and be ready. Don’t make that mistake. Start packing early. This gives time to purge and pack. Label all boxes as you go. Have a timeline that shows when the moving company will pick up belongings, when the new place will be ready and where to stay in between.
3. Paying for clutter to travel across the country
The moving company charges for weight and size of goods. Purge the clutter and unused items from the house before the move to avoid adding extra charges to the move.
4. Setting up utilities in your new home
There are so many details to manage before the move, it can be easy to overlook this step. Moving into a home without electricity or water can be trying.
5. Forgetting to cancel services at the old home
The landscaping service, pest maintenance company, or pool person may not realize the family moved. Don’t run up unnecessary charges by neglecting to cancel these services.
6. Getting too stressed
Moving across country should be an adventure. Sure, there is going to be stress. Remind your clients to manage their stress and make the most of their last days in the community with friends and family. With careful planning, everything will go much smoother and this can happen.
You don’t have to credit anyone, just have your own materials prepared for clients moving long distances – you’re the ultimate resource and the community relies on you, even when they’re leaving!
Dawn Brotherton is a Sr. Staff Writer at The American Genius with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is an experienced business writer with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content creation. Since 2017, she has earned $60K+ in grant writing for a local community center, which assists disadvantaged adults in the area.
