1. Underestimating Time and Effort

• Mistake: Many people think packing and moving are quicker than they actually are, often leading to rushed packing, forgotten items, and unnecessary stress.
• How to Avoid It: Start planning at least eight weeks in advance. Begin by tackling rarely used items and work your way towards daily essentials. Create a moving timeline with weekly tasks to ensure you stay on track.

 

2. Skipping the Decluttering Process

• Mistake: Moving everything you own, including items you no longer need, adds to the weight, time, and cost of your move.
• How to Avoid It: Use this opportunity to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have less to unpack and organize at your new place.

 

3. Not Labeling Boxes Clearly

• Mistake: Failing to label boxes or using vague labels (like “miscellaneous”) makes unpacking a nightmare and slows down the process of finding essentials in your new home.
• How to Avoid It: Label each box with a specific room (e.g., "Kitchen" or "Master Bedroom") and a brief description of contents (“dishes” or “bedding”). For fragile items, add "Fragile" in bold to ensure careful handling.

 

4. Forgetting to Update Important Addresses

• Mistake: Overlooking address changes means mail, bills, and packages could end up at your old address.
• How to Avoid It: Make a list of institutions and contacts that need your new address—bank, insurance, subscription services, etc.—and inform them in advance. A quick trip to the post office or online address change can also ensure mail forwarding for a period of time.

 

5. Not Packing an Essentials Box

• Mistake: Packing all items in bulk without separating essentials means you may struggle to find necessary items like toiletries, chargers, or medications on the first night in your new home.
• How to Avoid It: Pack a “First Day” or “Essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival: a change of clothes, toiletries, important documents, basic kitchen items, and essential electronics.

 

6. Ignoring Proper Packing Materials

• Mistake: Using flimsy boxes or skipping packing materials for fragile items can result in damaged belongings.
• How to Avoid It: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape, especially for breakables. For items like electronics, consider their original boxes if available, as they’re typically designed for safe transport.

 

7. Overpacking Boxes

• Mistake: Filling boxes to the brim makes them heavier and harder to move, increasing the risk of injury or damage.
• How to Avoid It: Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like bedding. Remember, a well-packed box should be manageable for lifting and transporting.

 

8. Not Researching Moving Companies Properly

• Mistake: Choosing a moving company solely based on price can result in unreliable service or unexpected costs.
• How to Avoid It: Research at least three moving companies, read reviews, ask for recommendations, and verify credentials. Ask detailed questions about their services, insurance coverage, and policies on handling fragile or high-value items.

 

9. Scheduling Moving Day During Peak Times

• Mistake: Moving on weekends, holidays, or at month-end can be more costly and chaotic due to high demand.
• How to Avoid It: If possible, schedule your move for a weekday or mid-month, when moving companies tend to have more availability and lower rates.

 

10. Not Taking Inventory of Your Belongings

• Mistake: Moving without an inventory can lead to lost or forgotten items, especially in a big move.
• How to Avoid It: Create a checklist of your major items and boxes. Consider using a digital moving app or simple spreadsheet to track belongings, helping you confirm everything arrives at your new home safely.