The Top 10 Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them

Avoid common moving mistakes! From underestimating time to skipping insurance, learn the top 10 pitfalls and how to avoid them for a smooth, stress-free move.

7 min read

In this guide, we're going to chat about the top ten moving mistakes people often make when moving house and how you can dodge them like a pro. It’s kind of like avoiding stepping on a Lego in the middle of the night—totally doable if you know what to look out for! So, let’s dive in and make your moving experience as smooth as possible by helping you avoid the most common moving mistakes.

Mistake #1: Underestimating the time required

One of the most common mistakes folks make when moving is underestimating the time needed for packing and planning. Seriously, this is the most common moving mistake which is why it's #1 on our list. Many think they can handle everything in just a few days, only to find themselves swamped with last-minute tasks. Moving house is no easy task and definitely can't be left to the last-minute. Trust us, start packing early.

How to avoid it:

• Start early: Picture this—creating a moving timeline that breaks down tasks over weeks or even months. Sounds less stressful, right?
• Break tasks into manageable chunks: Instead of trying to pack everything at once (which is chaos), tackle one room at a time. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
• Use a moving checklist: Keep yourself from losing your mind with a detailed moving checklist. It’s like your moving BFF, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.

Mistake #2: Not decluttering before the move

Moving unnecessary items not only adds to the hassle but also to the cost of your move. It's much easier to declutter beforehand rather than dealing with a mountain of excess stuff in your new place. Trust us, your future self will be grateful! Plus, there's a major perk to decluttering before your move—you'll save money! Not only will you need a smaller moving truck, but the whole process will be quicker. Seriously, why haul a bunch of junk to your new house, only to toss it out later?

How to avoid it:

• Declutter each room: Take a stroll through each room and make the tough calls—what stays, what gets donated, sold, or tossed.
• Embrace minimalism: Think of this as a fresh start. Keep only what you truly need and love. Less is more, right?

Mistake #3: Not labelling boxes properly

Unlabelled or mislabelled boxes? Talk about a recipe for chaos and stress during unpacking! Labelling boxes so that you Know where everything is can be a game-changer.

How to avoid It:

• Clearly label each box: Write down what's inside and where it should go.
• Use colour-coded labels or stickers: Pick a colour for each room to make spotting stuff easy-peasy.
• Include handling instructions: Got fragile items? Mark those boxes so they get the TLC they deserve.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the importance of an essentials box

Without quick access to essential items, your first night or even the first few nights in your new home can feel like navigating a maze. Imagine trying to find your toothbrush or a clean set of clothes amidst unpacked boxes and clutter on your very first night in the house. Now imagine having to do that after a hard day of moving when you're absolutely stuffed!

How to avoid it:

• Pack an essentials box: Toss in toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and some basic kitchen gear. Make sure it contains all your essential things.
• Make sure it's easily accessible: Ensure it’s one of the first things you unload. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

Mistake #5: Overlooking the need for proper insurance

Damaged belongings or loss of items during a move can hit your wallet hard if you’re not properly insured. Imagine the frustration of losing valuable items or facing unexpected repair costs. With the right moving insurance you can move with peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected every step of the way.

How to avoid it:

• Explore moving insurance options: Think of it like shopping for the best deal on a new gadget. Compare different insurance plans to see what suits you best.
• Check what the movers cover: It's like reading the fine print on a new phone contract. Make sure you know what their policy includes.
• Protect Your prized possessions: Got something really valuable? Like that vintage guitar or an antique grandfather clock? Look into extra coverage to keep them safe and sound.

Mistake #6: Forgetting to notify important parties

Not keeping your address updated? It’s like playing hide-and-seek with your mail—except your mail always loses! Imagine missing out on crucial bills, letters, and even packages you’ve been eagerly waiting for. You could face service hiccups, delayed responses, and unnecessary stress. Keeping your address current ensures you stay connected and avoid these avoidable headaches.

How to avoid it:

• List all the usual suspects: Think utilities, banks, subscriptions, and any other key services.
• Get ahead of the game: Let these folks know your new address before you move.
• Use mail forwarding: Think of it as a safety net, catching any stragglers to ensure you don’t miss any important mail. It’s like having a trusty friend who always has your back, making sure everything gets where it needs to go.

Mistake #7: Not planning for kids and pets

Moving can be a real headache, especially for kids and pets. The disruption to their routine and the unfamiliar new environment can be stressful. It’s crucial to keep their needs in mind to make the transition smoother. For kids, involve them in the process and reassure them about the new changes.

For moving with pets, try to maintain their regular schedule and gradually introduce them to the new home. Taking these steps can help ease the anxiety and make the move more manageable for everyone.

How to avoid It:

• Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day: Think of it like a mini-vacation for them. Keeping them safe and entertained will ease the stress for everyone.
• Pack comfort items: Don’t forget their favorite toys, blankets, and treats. It’s like packing a little piece of home for them.
• Gradually introduce pets to their new environment: Take it slow, like dipping your toes into a new pool. This will help them get used to their new digs comfortably.

Mistake #8: Skipping the inventory process

Losing track of your stuff can lead to misplaced or damaged items, causing unnecessary frustration and inconvenience. To avoid these issues, it's important to stay organised and keep things in their designated places.

So, it's super important to have a detailed inventory list when you're moving. This helps you, or your moving company, figure out the right size truck you need. Plus, the size of your inventory affects your moving costs. The more accurate your list is, the more accurate your cost estimate will be. It’s like packing for a trip—you wouldn’t want to bring a suitcase for a weekend getaway that’s big enough for a month-long vacation, right?

How to avoid it:

• Make a handy inventory list: Jot down everything you're moving with a detailed inventory list.
• Snap pics of valuable items: Helps with claims if something gets dinged.
• Use your list to check during loading and unloading: Make sure everything lands safely.

Mistake #9: Overpacking boxes

Overpacking boxes can make your move so much harder! It often leads to fragile items breaking or boxes being so heavy you can barely lift them. This not only ramps up the risk of injury but also makes the whole moving process way more complicated and time-consuming. So, it’s important to balance the load and distribute the weight evenly to make everything smoother and safer.

How to avoid it:

• Use the right box sizes: Think of it like packing for a trip—heavier items go in smaller suitcases (or packing boxes), and lighter stuff in the big ones. Selecting the correct moving box sizes for your items is super important.
• Distribute weight evenly: No one wants packed boxes that are like a gym workout to lift.
• Avoid overpacking: It's okay to use more moving boxes. Better safe than sorry!

Mistake #10: Neglecting to research moving Companies and not getting multiple moving quotes

Hiring unreliable movers can turn your moving day into a nightmare, with damaged, lost, or delayed belongings. Such issues can lead to unnecessary stress, additional costs, and a significant disruption to your schedule. It's crucial to choose professional movers to ensure your possessions are handled with care and arrive on time. Hiring professional movers is the key to a successful move.

How to avoid it:

• Do your homework: Check out multiple moving companies before deciding. Think of it like dating—you wouldn’t settle on the first one you meet, right?
• Read the reviews: Look for positive feedback and feedback. Imagine you're checking out a new restaurant; you wouldn't just go without seeing if other people liked it!
• Get clear quotes and terms: Make sure you understand the costs and conditions before saying yes. You wouldn’t sign up for a gym membership without knowing the fees, would you?

So, here's the deal: just hop onto our platform, Find a Mover. It's super easy—you can list your job, compare quotes, check out reviews, and book a reputable moving company all in one go. It's like having a personal assistant for your move!

Final thoughts

Moving home doesn't have to be a daunting task. By avoiding these common moving mistakes and taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable transition to your new home. Remember, planning and preparation are your best allies in avoiding moving disasters. We hope this list will save you some future headaches and wish you all the best with your next move.