Moving day delays happen. From sudden weather changes and equipment failures to last-minute paperwork snags with closings or building permits, a change of plans is more common than you think. While the news can be frustrating for both renters and homeowners, it’s essential to know you still have options and control over the situation. This guide provides a short action roadmap to help you manage the unexpected and be prepared if things don’t go as planned. Read below to learn more.
Significant Steps to Take on a Delayed Moving Day
Here are a few critical steps to take amid a delayed moving day:
Contact Everyone Involved
A delayed move has consequences, and financial and logistical issues can be avoided with prompt communication. Here’s who you need to contact:
- Movers/Drivers: Verify the delay and your revised plan.
- Building Management/HOA: Notify your new and existing property managers about the delay.
- Utility Providers: To modify the start and stop dates of your gas, electric, water, and internet services, contact your providers.
- Childcare and Pet Care: Inform them of the updated schedule if you made arrangements for kennels or sitters.
Immediately Safeguard Your Essentials
Make sure you have everything you need when your move gets delayed.
You should have kept an “essentials box” separate. If not, and you can still get to your things, prioritize finding the following items:
- Personal Items: Medicines, prescription glasses or contacts, and basic toiletries.
- Papers: IDs, passports, closing papers, moving contracts, and birth certificates.
- Other Essentials: Jewelry, laptops, and external hard drives.
Handling Perishables, Kids, and Pets
- Food: If your fridge is already empty, you’re in good shape. If not, you can either give the food to friends or neighbors, donate it to a local food pantry, or pack it in a high-quality cooler with plenty of ice if the delay is less than 24 hours.
- Pets: Make sure you have enough food, medicine, and comfort items (like a favorite toy or bed) to last through the wait. If you have to stay in a hotel unexpectedly, you may need to find one that allows pets.
- Kids: Moving is especially hard on kids. To keep things normal, make sure they can get to their favorite toys, snacks, and electronics.
Look for Short-Term Housing and Storage
If the wait is longer than a few hours, you will need a place for your things and a place for your family to sleep. The best way to save money is to stay with friends or family. If that’s not possible, find a hotel that lets you cancel without any problems.
If you need to store something, ask the moving company if they offer storage-in-transit (SIT). This is usually the easiest option because the mover keeps your things. Look for rates that are daily or weekly. Renting a small, local self-storage unit gives you more control and access to your things if the delay is going to last a long time.
Keep Your Budget Safe and Costs Under Control
A delay on moving day can be costly, but there are things you can do to keep the costs down. If you can be flexible, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday can sometimes be cheaper than moving on a weekend.
Keep all of the receipts for unplanned costs, like hotels, meals, storage fees, and so on. You might need these to file an insurance claim or when you’re trying to get the mover to pay you. Look at your moving contract to see if it covers liability. If the company is to blame for the delay, they may have to pay for reasonable costs you incur as a result.
Skip the Stress of Delays: Let ABS Movers Handle Your Moves
Your patience and problem-solving abilities will be put to the test during a moving day delay. You can overcome this obstacle without allowing it to overshadow the joy of your new home by remaining composed, speaking clearly, and moving methodically. Keep track of your actions, concentrate on the things you can control, and remember that this is only a temporary obstacle on the path to your new beginning.
Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when there are unforeseen delays. To alleviate your burden, our staff at ABS Movers is dedicated to providing dependable, effective, and courteous moving services. We specialise in managing every aspect of your move, from meticulous preparation to flawless execution, allowing you to concentrate on the joy of beginning a new chapter. Count on ABS Movers to make your moving day easy and hassle-free. Get in touch with us right now to avoid worrying—we’ve got you covered!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my belongings safe while I wait during a delayed move?
You can store your belongings in a storage facility. If you store your belongings in a mover’s storage facility or a self-storage unit, ensure the temperature and humidity are controlled to prevent damage to electronics, wood furniture, and artwork. Avoid frequent handling of your belongings, as this increases the risk of damage.
What should I do if the move is postponed because the closing on the house has been delayed?
Contact your movers immediately to determine if they offer storage-in-transit (SIT) services. This is usually the easiest approach, as your belongings will be safe until the new closing date is established. Let your real estate agent and lawyer know what’s going on so they can help you understand your rights.
How should you best deal with food that goes bad?
If the delay is less than 24 hours, a good cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs may be sufficient. If you’re going to be delayed for a long time or aren’t sure how long it will be, it’s best to give away or donate chilled and frozen foods so they don’t spoil or make a mess while they’re being shipped.