Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Published: September 15, 2024

Moving to a new home is an exciting yet daunting task. With so many things to remember and organize, it’s easy to make mistakes that can turn the experience into a stressful ordeal. Here are some of the most common moving mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Procrastination

One of the biggest moving mistakes people make is procrastination. Waiting until the last minute to start packing can lead to chaos, stress, and disorganization. To avoid this, start planning your move as early as possible. Create a timeline and stick to it. Begin by sorting through your items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Packing non-essential items in advance will ease the load as the moving day approaches.

Not Decluttering

Moving everything you own without decluttering first can lead to unnecessary expenses and clutter in your new home. To prevent this, take the time to declutter before you start packing. Go through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or throw away. This not only reduces the number of items you need to move but also helps you start fresh in your new home.

Not Labeling Boxes

Failing to label your boxes can make unpacking a nightmare. You won’t know where your essential items are, leading to frustration and wasted time. To make unpacking easier, label each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs. Use colored stickers or markers to categorize boxes by room. This simple step will make unpacking much more efficient and stress-free.

Underestimating the Amount of Packing Supplies

Running out of packing supplies is one of those moving mistakes that can halt your progress and add unnecessary stress to the moving process. To avoid this, stock up on more packing supplies than you think you’ll need. This includes boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Having extra supplies is better than running out at a critical moment.

Ignoring the Essentials Bag

Packing everything away without keeping essential items accessible can lead to frustration when you need important things during the move or on the first night in your new home. To prevent this, pack an essentials bag with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This can include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, chargers, and basic kitchen supplies. 

Overpacking Boxes

Overpacking boxes is one of the most common moving mistakes. Overpacking boxes can make them too heavy to lift and increase the risk of damage to your belongings. To avoid this, keep boxes manageable by distributing heavy items like books into multiple boxes. Use smaller boxes for heavy items and larger ones for lighter, bulkier items. This will make moving easier and reduce the risk of injury or damage.

Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways

Failing to measure your furniture and the doorways in your new home can lead to a frustrating situation where your furniture doesn’t fit. Measure your large furniture items and your new home’s doorways, hallways, and staircases before moving day. This ensures that everything will fit through the doors and into the appropriate rooms, saving you time and effort.

Overlooking Utilities and Address Changes

Forgetting to set up utilities and change your address can lead to delays in getting settled and missing important mail. Arrange for utility services (electricity, water, internet, etc.) to be set up before you move in. Additionally, update your address with the post office, banks, insurance providers, and any other important contacts a few weeks before your move.

Not Taking Care of Valuables

Packing valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and heirlooms with the rest of your belongings can increase the risk of loss or damage. Keep valuable items with you during the move. Use a secure, easily accessible container to transport these items personally. This reduces the risk of loss or damage to these items and gives you peace of mind during the moving process.

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common moving mistakes and following these tips, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient move. Proper planning and organization are key to making your moving day as stress-free as possible. 

Looking for reliable moving services? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Boise or call (208) 487-6710.