Charlotte's population has grown by more than 150,000 people over the last decade. Most new Charlotte residents are attracted by the reasonable living costs, saving them on average $8,000 yearly. Moving to Charlotte, NC, is the dream, but you need to be wary of mistakes most people make.
If you're fed up with the costly city life, moving to Charlotte might just be the right solution for you. However, moving is easier said than done, with the whole process being hectic for most people. You end up making moving mistakes that can be costly to remedy.
Wondering what could go wrong with moving to Charlotte, NC in 2024? Here's a list of the common mistakes most people make and how to avoid them.
Overlooking Flaws in Your Rental Agreement
I'm sure if you're planning to move, you've already conducted a comprehensive Charlotte home rentals search. Overlooking flaws in the rental agreement is a costly mistake most people make.
Finding the perfect home takes some time but is totally worth it. The range of homes for rent options in Charlotte offers you alternatives to work with. You should make sure everything is in order before you plan the move.
Most renters are quick to sign the rental agreement without going through the fine print. The tenant is thus left vulnerable to clauses that dubious property management companies use to dupe tenants. You wouldn't want to end up with liability for something you didn't do, would you?
Any flaws in the rental agreement, however small, can be catastrophic. You need to evaluate everything, from the property showing to documentation, and ensure everything is in order. If you notice something's amiss with the rental agreement, it's advisable to look for alternatives.
Considering Self-Moving to Save Money
We understand moving can be cost-intensive, so you're always looking for ways to cut costs. The assumption that self-moving will save you money is a mistake most people make all too often.
Some people are excited by the idea of moving, so they want to try it on their own. Others are stubborn and want to save some dollars, so they consider self-moving. The truth is, self-moving can be a bad idea with possible mistakes making moving expensive for you.
Think of it like this: you have to schedule transportation, labor, and figure out packing. All these are hidden costs that can accumulate into hefty amounts. We also haven't mentioned the possibility of personal injuries or property damage resulting in extra costs.
To avoid surpassing the moving budget, hiring a moving company is imperative. The experts handle moving from packing to unpacking, thus reducing the chance of mistakes. They'll also quote the total costs, so you don't have to worry about hidden fees.
Not Booking a Moving Company Early
According to the ACS data, more than 40 million Americans move each year. That's a huge number each day, so the moving companies have to contend with the huge demand. Not booking the moving company early is a common mistake that most people make.
Waiting last minute to book a mover can be costly, with movers charging more for emergency services. You also risk ending up with inexperienced movers whose services won't be satisfactory. The only other option is to postpone your move, but do you have the time to wait?
Hiring a moving company well in advance might be the right move to avoid a last-minute rush. You end up with reputable movers whom you can count on to handle the relocation professionally.
Pro Tip: Unlike the weekends, moving on a weekday is less cramped. Therefore, the mover can comfortably focus on your project to completion.
Slacking Off on Researching the Moving Company
Whom have you selected to handle the move for you? A common error is that most people overlook the need to research a moving company.
Not all movers are the same. It would be best if you thus researched them properly before committing to a contract.
Is the mover qualified to offer you their services? Check their licensing and certification and make sure it's valid within Charlotte. It's critical to evaluate their market experience to establish the success rate of past moving projects.
Finding a reputable mover is essential to make sure the services you get are top-notch. Evaluating the reviews from past clients and referrals helps you know the moving company's reputation. You also have to examine their rating on third-party review websites like BBB and Yelp.
Researching the moving company lands you on the best solution for your moving needs. Their expertise in the subject ensures they get it right the first time and offer satisfactory services.
Not Requesting In-Home Estimates
Overspending on the move can really mess up your finances. It's why you'd want to be sure that you can comfortably settle the moving costs. However, most people don't request in-home estimates from the moving company – a huge mistake.
You deserve to know how much hiring the moving company will cost in advance. Waiting to receive the bill after you've already moved can open you up to some unlikely surprises. Request an in-home estimate for the total moving costs for better planning.
Consider seeking multiple estimates from different moving companies to select the best quote. A reasonable cost on the move makes sure you get value and can settle the bill with ease. You should also find moving companies with flexible payment plans to make settling the bill easy.
Failing to Have a Moving Schedule/Plan
Yes, you say that you're moving, but have you planned for it? If yes, is your plan foolproof? Not having a moving plan or schedule is a common mistake most people make when planning for relocation.
There's so much that comes with the moving process, from packing to making sure your rental is in order. As a result, it can all feel overwhelming for most first-timers. It'd help to have a moving schedule or plan to organize the whole moving process.
Moving starts at least two weeks before the relocating day to allow you adequate time to have everything figured out. Ensure your plan spans over that time to create some order with everything. After all, you'd not want your moving to interfere with your busy schedule, so plan early.
Have a move-in and move-out checklist to meet all the legal requirements for moving. You also eradicate any potential mishaps that can result in the moving process. Your relocation will be a lot easier when you have a foolproof moving schedule.
Setting Unrealistic Moving Goals
The idea that you're moving to Charlotte can be exciting, so you look forward to starting your life over. You, however, shouldn't set unrealistic moving goals, since they can create disappointment.
Although moves don't always pan out the same, the challenges tend to be quite similar. Sometimes your expectations set the bar so high, and it can be bad for you if such goals aren't met. Unrealistic goals when finding the perfect Charlotte rental home set you up for disappointment.
Keep an open mind throughout your moving process to avoid emotions from getting the better of you. Be objective about challenges to find suitable solutions as fast as possible. All you can do is hope that your move will be unproblematic since you can't control everything.
Ignoring the Tax Charges
Did you know the tax charges change for a long-distance move? Taking taxes too lightly is among the costly errors most people make while moving.
There are specific guidelines set by the IRS covering move-related items. Some of the items are tax-deductible while others aren't, and you need to have such information at your fingertips.
You shouldn't ignore the tax charges, otherwise, you'll be in for a rude shock. Go to the IRS website and check out your potential tax obligation ahead of the move. It's also recommended to keep all your receipts to avoid an overcharge on your taxes.
Underestimating Your Packing Supplies Needs
How many items do you have to pack? What packing supplies do you need to manage the move adequately? Most people underestimate their need for packing supplies, which is a critical mistake.
You'll surely need boxes and tape, among other supplies, to hack the move. Your packing supplies should fit your needs, but most people have to make multiple trips to the store to get it right.
The error also happens to those who overspend when buying the packing boxes. Although they're a necessity, packing boxes can be costly, especially when you get new ones. Why spend your money on boxes when you can get them free of charge?
Speak to your property management company in Charlotte, and they'll find some packing boxes for you. Consequentially, your mover brings the supplies they've used in the past. You end up cutting costs on the purchase of packing supplies.
Packing Even the Unnecessary Items
I'm sure you have clutter lying around within your home. You get the chance to dispose of the excesses when moving. However, most people make the mistake of packing everything – even the unnecessary items.
Overpacking can be costly when moving, not to mention the additional stress. It's thus advisable to leave all of the unnecessary stuff behind and only pack what you need.
Organize a garage sale before the move to get rid of the items you don't use anymore. You could also donate most of the stuff you consider unnecessary to charity. Most of the items will find redefined purpose with the less fortunate, so you'll have helped someone.
Waiting Too Long to Start Packing
The idea of packing doesn't resonate well with most people planning a move. As a result, they wait too long to start packing, which can be a huge mistake.
Packing hastily opens you up to possible item placement mistakes. It's also overwhelming to pack last minute, so most people aren't careful with the proper handling of items. It leads to more damages, which can be costly to remedy.
The time to start packing is now to avoid the last-minute rush. A hack to managing the process is to pack room by room. Pack all the items you don't use and leave your essentials for the last minute.
Not Insuring Your Valuables
There's so much that can go wrong when packing for moves, from property loss to damage. Most people, however, don't insure their valuables, which is an expensive mistake on their part.
Alongside the stress that comes with a long-distance move, it would be a total bummer to lose your valuables. Investing in moving insurance is worth it for a stress-free move. Your new life in homes in Charlotte will be a lot more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the city.
Moving companies are usually covered by insurance, meaning you get compensated in the event of a loss. Take pictures of your possessions before packing for proof that you had the item in case it's lost. Such cases are unlikely, but they happen, so it's best to remain prepared.
Check the specifics of your mover's insurance to learn the extent of the coverage. Here are some options for moving insurance;
• Basic coverage
• Full coverage
• Third-party insurance
Read through the specifics to make sure that your valuables are covered during the move. If your mover doesn't have insurance, you should look elsewhere for the services.
Avoid the Above Mistakes with Moving to Charlotte, NC
Mistakes during the moving process can turn the exciting event into a miserable one. The above guide lists the common mistakes with moving to Charlotte, NC, and how to avoid them.
Are you looking for rental homes in Charlotte? Bottom Line Property Management is here to help!
We make sure you find the perfect home using our website listings. Our application process is fully digital and can be done online to establish rental options you qualify for. Our experts are happy to help you land the ideal Charlotte home rentals that you can move into.
Contact us today for a free rental analysis.
If you need assistance with property management services in Charlotte, NC contact Bottom Line Property Management.
