Common Moving Myths – Busted!

You’ve finally found the perfect home – it suits your needs and somehow fits your budget. Now comes the hard part: moving. But relocating doesn’t need to be stressful. Misconceptions often make the process more complex than necessary and can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

To keep frustrations to a minimum and make your move more manageable, here are five common moving myths, debunked.

Myth #1: All moves are disorganized.

TRUTH: Contrary to popular opinion, relocating can be structured. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or your sixth home, proper planning can keep the process streamlined.

Begin purging several weeks before you start packing to eliminate items that aren’t moving with you. Once you’re ready to box up your belongings, pack by room and label, label, label. Numbering containers, color-coding boxes with different colored masking tapes and listing contents will help you keep track of your possessions.

If you’re unsure of what supplies you may need, check out this moving supplies calculator. Simply enter the number of bedrooms and baths into the calculator and let Duck^® brand produce a shopping list based on your specific needs.

Myth #2: You have to move everything at once.

TRUTH: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have a single day to move from one house into another. While for some this is unavoidable, if possible, taking a few days to relocate can greatly reduce stress.

Identify essentials you’ll need immediately, like bedding and kitchen tools, and ensure these necessities are “last on, first off” the moving truck. Plan to transition items such as décor and out-of-season clothing at a later date. You also may consider transporting important documents and jewelry separately from the truck to ensure safe passage. To make for an easy first night’s stay, pack a duffle bag with everything you may need for the next 24 hours such as toiletries, a change of clothing, must-have’s for kids like diapers, and other essentials, to avoid digging through boxes late at night.

Myth #3: Expect items to be broken when you unpack.

TRUTH: Absolutely not! While it can be stressful to transport irreplaceable items during a move, it’s easy to keep them safe. The secret? Duck^® Bubble Wrap^® brand cushioning. This protective padding from Duck brand easily conforms to valuables for a cushiony defense and fills empty space to keep things from shifting in the box.

For the best protection, wrap items with the bubbles facing inward and the smooth side facing out. Once securely wrapped, seal boxes with a durable packing tape to ensure a safe arrival.

Myth #4: Packing tape is unnecessary – duct or masking tape work just as well.

TRUTH: Although it’s easier to pick up the duct tape in your junk drawer, not every tape will secure your valuables. These adhesives aren’t intended for the cardboard surfaces of moving boxes and can peel off minutes after application.

Choosing the wrong kind of tape can cause frustration, expensive breakage, compromised storage and even physical harm should a box suddenly break open at the wrong moment. To avoid this, seal your boxes with a strong packaging tape, like EZ Start^® packing tape from Duck brand. This frustration-free^® tape unrolls smoothly, easily and quietly – and you never lose the tape end.

Myth #5: Friday is the best day to move.

TRUTH: Fridays are thought to be the best moving day because it gives you the whole weekend to unpack. However, everyone else thinks that too, which means you pay a premium. The most expensive times to move are weekends and at the beginning or end of the month.

If your schedule allows, book movers for an off-peak time, such as weekday mornings or afternoons. Regardless of when you choose to relocate, book movers several weeks in advance to lock in the day and time you want.