Moving, as you imagine, is supposed to feel like a fresh start. New space, new routines, maybe even a new city. But anyone who’s moved before knows the truth – moving is stressful. It’s a juggling act of deadlines, paperwork, money, and logistics, all happening while your life is half packed in boxes.
Of course, when something goes wrong, it feels overwhelming fast. The good news here, though? Most moving problems are fixable if you take a breath and tackle them on step at a time. The advice below will help you out, if the need arises.
If Your Move-In Date Changes
A delayed move-in date is one of the most common – and frustrating! – moving issues. Maybe construction hasn’t finished, the previous tenant hasn’t moved out, or the paperwork has stalled. Suddenly, you have nowhere to go. This hits hard, more so if you have a family.
Begin by confirming the new date in writing. This prevents confusion. You should then focus on short-term housing options. A hotel might work for a few nights, but the cost is quick to add up, and it’s not always practical. Fortunately, there are other options.
Many people will choose to stay in month to month furnished rentals when moving to Toronto, for example. This accommodation offers flexibility, which is a must – and all without locking you into a long lease. Having a temporary base gives you breathing room and keeps the move from turning into a crisis.
If Your Items Go Missing
Nothing raises stress levels faster than missing boxes or lost furniture. First, as tough as it is, don’t panic. Make a detailed list of what’s missing and check this against your moving inventory carefully. Sometimes, items are just delayed or mislabeled.
Contact the moving company right away – doing so in a timely manner is vital. Then follow up in writing. Ask about their claims process and timeline. If you packed some items yourself, double-check they weren’t placed in storage or left behind. This does happen from time to time, even with all the planning in the world.
While it’s upsetting, this is an opportunity for learning. You’ll need this knowledge for your next move. Stay organized. Be persistent. This gives you the best chance of recovering your belongings. You will need to ensure you are being properly compensated, too, so ask about their policies.
If There is No Power or Water
Arriving at a new place should be simple. This is ruined if there is no power or running water. For you, this might be the final straw. However, before assuming the worst, check some things. Confirm whether the utilities were properly transferred into your name. At times, this is a simple scheduling issue.
Once the issue is confirmed, get going! Call the utility providers immediately. You need to do this to ask for an emergency or same-day connection if possible. In the meantime, prioritize the basics – things like battery-powered lights, bottled water, phone chargers, and the like.
If utilities won’t be restored quickly, stay elsewhere. This is a smart move, even if it’s just for a night or two. A hotel room should be enough here. Comfort matters, particularly when you’re already exhausted from moving. And moving is tiring.
To conclude, when moving goes wrong, the key is flexibility. You cannot control everything. Plans change, delays happen, and not everything will go smoothly. Such problems will feel like a small bump in the road once life settles down.
