Top 5 moving mistakes

In the hustle and bustle of getting ready to move, it's easy to make a few mistakes. However, some errors can be more time-consuming that others to correct, so you'll want to avoid making them at all costs. Here's a list of the top 10 moving mistakes you'll want to dodge for a seamless transition into your new home:

1. Doing everything by yourself
Let's face it - even the most ambitious movers can get tired, and there's nothing like exhaustion to set the stage for accidents and injuries. It's great if you want to tackle most of the moving process on your own, but be sure to know when it's time to ask for help. You don't have to dish out a ton of cash to get a little assistance. Reach out to friends and family members who can lend a hand with your preparations and moving day process.

2. Skipping insurance 
As you add up the costs of moving expenses, you might consider cutting corners by skipping out on movers' insurance. However, Better Homes and Gardens says this is not a risk worth taking, especially if you're traveling with valuable items that would be expensive to replace. Check with your regular homeowners policy to see what's already covered, and consider options to ensure that all of your belongings are accounted for ahead of time.

3. Waiting until the last second
When you're planning to move and busy with responsibilities that require immediate attention, such as those related to your career and family, it can be easy to neglect your moving checklist until the last minute. However, putting off certain tasks can create even greater stress in the long run, reports Allstate. The source recommended giving yourself more than enough time to accommodate for any surprises that might delay your process.

"Start making travel arrangements, look into moving companies, pack, and get your financial and logistical affairs in order as early as possible," recommended Allstate. "Start keeping a specific notebook or binder for moving-related information."

4. Taking it all with you
Particularly if you're pressed for time, it might be tempting to just throw everything into boxes and sort it out when you arrive at your new location. Don't let yourself get dragged down by unnecessary items, though, which can take up valuable space and increase the cost of moving. Starting a few months ahead of time, sort through objects and label them as "keep," "sell" or "give away." Charities and people in need can benefit from items that you donate, and it always helps to have a little extra cash on hand after a yard sale. Trimming down before moving will also prevent building up clutter in your new home.

5. Exploring your options
Selecting a moving company doesn't require a full interview process, but it's good to inform yourself before deciding who to trust with your most valuable possessions. Check online for recommendations, and ask around for personal opinions. If you know of friends or relatives who have recently made a move, ask for any suggestions they might have. Even if they didn't prefer the company they ended up using, they might know of a better option. Allstate also offered some advice for ensuring that you choose a reputable mover:

"Check out trustworthy websites offering real customer feedback to see what clients say about their experiences with the company," the source wrote. "Find out if the mover has a DOT (Department of Transportation) number and enter it in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER system to make sure they're adequately insured."