Are you planning to move this spring? Even the best plans can go awry, especially when it comes to relocation. With the right precautions in place, however, most mishaps can be avoided. Here are some of the most common moving mistakes that people make—and best of all—here’s what you need to do to prevent them.

Misplaced Paperwork

It’s easy for important documents to get lost in the shuffle, some of which are difficult or nearly impossible to replace. One of the first things you should do is gather all your important papers and other documents including your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, and passport. Ideally, you will keep these items with you during travel.

Mystery Boxes and Lost Items

Packing an entire household can be a pain, and it’s tempting to cut corners to get the job done quicker. Once it’s time to unpack, however, you’ll wish you had taken a little more time to organize your belongings. For a smoother transition, organize your boxes by room and group similar items together. Label every box accordingly. For example, you might have a box labeled “Kitchen. Pots and Pans.” It’s also a good idea to pack a Day One box that includes all of those immediate-need items in one place like basic cookware and clothing.

Missed Delivery

If you’re moving long-distance, make sure that your moving company provides an accurate delivery window—and pay attention—because some moves come with windows up to 20 business days! You’ll want to be at home when your belongings arrive, and you also don’t want to be waiting around for a week or more without the items you need. The right movers will keep you informed throughout the move to make sure you know exactly when delivery will take place, and many even provide online shipment tracking services.

Expensive Property Damage

One of the worst things that can happen during a move is lost or damaged valuables. Unfortunately, a lot can happen during loading, unloading, and delivery, especially if you’re moving long-distance. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, 20% of all moves have claims filed, so it’s a good idea to protect yourself with moving insurance. Your moving company is only required to insure $.60 per pound, but you can purchase extended coverage to suit your needs.

Bad Customer Service

Moving can be stressful enough without the hassles of poor customer service. If you’re looking for a reliable residential moving company that will treat you and your valuables right, go with Black Tie Moving. We offer full-service moving and storage services at a fair price, and our team provides custom moving plans catered to your individual needs. Our team is 5-Star rated, A+ BBB-accredited, and proud to have handled over 40,000 successful relocations and counting!