Published: January 14, 2026
Most moving problems don’t come from unexpected disasters. They come from small, avoidable mistakes made early in the process. People underestimate time, overestimate space, rush decisions, and assume things will “work out.” By the time moving day arrives, those choices start to stack up.
As CEO of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, Michael McAlhany has seen these mistakes play out thousands of times. The patterns are consistent, and so are the solutions. Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic, but it does require realistic planning and a willingness to slow down where it matters.
Starting Too Late and Paying for It Later
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long to start packing. People look at their home and assume it won’t take that long. Then they open closets, cabinets, garages, and storage rooms and realize how much they’ve accumulated.
Packing always takes longer than expected because it isn’t just physical work. It’s decision-making. Every item forces a choice: keep, donate, toss, or store. As CEO, Michael McAlhany often reminds customers that rushed packing leads to poor protection, overloaded boxes, and forgotten items. Starting early removes pressure and gives you room to make better decisions.
Choosing Speed Over Flexibility
Another frequent mistake is choosing a moving option based solely on speed or price. Renting a truck for a single day sounds efficient until packing runs long, weather interferes, or schedules change. Suddenly everything feels rushed.
Michael McAlhany consistently points out that flexibility is one of the biggest factors in a successful move. Portable storage allows you to load on your timeline instead of racing against the clock. When people aren’t rushed, they pack more carefully, protect their belongings better, and experience far less stress.
Guessing Instead of Taking Inventory
Many moving issues start with a simple assumption: “I don’t have that much stuff.” That assumption often turns out to be wrong.
Without a real inventory, people choose containers that are too small, underestimate packing supplies, and lose track of important items. As CEO, Michael McAlhany advises walking through each room and mentally accounting for what’s actually there. You don’t need a spreadsheet.