Top 10 Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

August 27, 2025

Moving is a complicated process, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are the most common errors people make during a move, and how you can avoid them: 1. Not Planning Ahead Procrastination is one of the biggest mistakes. Start your preparations at least 6-8 weeks before your moving day. The earlier you start, the smoother your move will be. 2. Not Decluttering Before Packing Holding onto items you don’t need will only add unnecessary weight and cost to your move. Go through your possessions and get rid of anything you haven’t used in the last year. 3. Forgetting to Label Boxes A simple mistake like not labeling boxes can make unpacking chaotic. Clearly mark every box with its contents and the room it belongs to. 4. Overpacking Boxes Don’t pack too much into one box. Overloading boxes can make them difficult to carry and cause them to break. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger ones. 5. Underestimating Time and Help Needed Many people assume they can move everything themselves in a short period of time. Whether you're hiring movers or doing it yourself, ensure you’ve allotted enough time for the entire process. 6. Not Protecting Fragile Items Properly Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam to protect fragile items. Label these boxes as “fragile” to ensure movers handle them with care. 7. Not Asking the Right Questions to Your Moving Company Before hiring a moving company, make sure you understand their terms, costs, and insurance coverage. It’s better to ask upfront than be caught off guard later. 8. Failing to Disassemble Large Furniture Don’t wait until moving day to disassemble bulky furniture. Take apart pieces in advance to make them easier to move and prevent damage. 9. Underestimating the Costs Understand the full costs of your move, including potential hidden fees for packing materials, long carries, or elevators. Get an accurate estimate from your moving company before confirming your booking. 10. Not Taking Care of Your New Home’s Setup Don’t forget to inspect your new home before moving in. Check that utilities are set up and functioning, and take measurements to ensure your furniture will fit.