Let’s face it – moving is tough. Every year, millions of people pack up their lives and move to new homes, and most of them make at least one major mistake along the way. I’ve been in the moving business for over a decade, and I’ve seen it all. From forgotten items to broken furniture to last-minute panic, these mistakes can turn your move into a nightmare. But here’s the good news: most moving mistakes are totally avoidable if you know what to watch out for.
Planning and Timing Mistakes
We’ve all heard it before – failing to plan is planning to fail. And nowhere is this more true than with moving. The biggest mistake I see people make is waiting until the last minute to start planning their move. Here’s what usually happens: you think you have plenty of time, then suddenly it’s two weeks before moving day and you’re drowning in boxes and stress.
Start planning at least eight weeks before your move date. If you’re moving long-distance, make that twelve weeks. Create a simple timeline and break down your tasks week by week. This doesn’t have to be complicated – just list what needs to get done and when.
A lot of people also pick the wrong moving date. Summer months are peak moving season, which means higher prices and limited availability. If you can, try to move during the off-season (October to April). Also, mid-month moves are usually cheaper than end-of-month moves. And here’s a pro tip: avoid moving on weekends if possible. Moving companies often charge more, and you’ll have a harder time finding help.
Money Matters: Budgeting and Costs
Moving always costs more than you think it will. I’ve seen so many people get caught off guard by unexpected expenses. The first rule of moving: get at least three quotes from different moving companies. But don’t just go with the cheapest option – sometimes that leads to bigger problems down the road.
Here’s what people often forget to budget for: packing supplies (you’ll need more boxes than you think), insurance (basic coverage might not be enough), storage fees (if there’s a gap between moves), cleaning services (for both your old and new place), and tips for your movers. And don’t forget about utility setup fees at your new place.
Speaking of insurance – this is where a lot of people get burned. Basic moving insurance usually only covers about 60 cents per pound per item. Think about that: if your 50-pound TV gets broken, you’ll only get about $30 in compensation. If you’re moving valuable items, consider getting full value protection. Yes, it costs more, but it can save you thousands if something goes wrong.
Packing: Where Most People Go Wrong
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people start packing without decluttering first. Trust me, you don’t want to pack, move, and unpack stuff you’re just going to throw away later. Before you pack a single box, go through everything. Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t used something in the past year, you probably don’t need it.
When it comes to actual packing, there are some classic mistakes people make. The biggest one? Overpacking boxes. A box of books shouldn’t weigh more than 50 pounds – your back (and your movers) will thank you. Use small boxes for heavy items and bigger boxes for lighter stuff like pillows and blankets.
Label everything. And I mean everything. Write the room it belongs to and a quick list of what’s inside. This might seem like overkill when you’re packing, but it’s a lifesaver when you’re unpacking. And pack a “first day” box with essentials – toilet paper, basic tools, phone chargers, some clothes, and basic kitchen items. You don’t want to be digging through boxes at midnight looking for your toothbrush.
Hiring Movers: The Good, The Bad, and The Scammers
This is where things can go really wrong if you’re not careful. Every year, thousands of people get scammed by fake moving companies. The classic scam? A super low estimate, followed by holding your stuff hostage unless you pay way more. Do your homework before hiring anyone.
Check if the company is licensed and insured. Look up their USDOT number. Read reviews, but don’t just look at the star rating – read the actual reviews, especially the negative ones. Watch out for red flags like companies that won’t do an in-home estimate or ask for a large deposit upfront.
Get everything in writing. A legitimate moving company will give you a detailed contract that spells out exactly what they’re going to do and how much it will cost. If something isn’t in writing, it doesn’t exist. Keep copies of everything, including any emails or texts with the moving company.
Moving Day Disasters
Even with perfect planning, moving day can go wrong if you’re not prepared. Make sure you have clear parking for the moving truck – you don’t want to pay your movers to spend an hour looking for parking. If you live in an apartment, reserve the elevator and make sure you have all the right permits.
Have cash on hand for tips (15-20% is standard for a good job). Keep important documents and valuables with you – don’t pack them in the moving truck. And take photos of valuable items before they’re loaded, just in case you need to file a claim later.
After the Move: Now What?
The work isn’t over when the movers leave. Check your stuff as it comes off the truck – you usually have a limited time to file claims for damages. Don’t sign anything saying everything’s okay until you’ve actually checked your items.
Take your time unpacking. Start with the essentials – bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen basics. Then work your way through the rest of your stuff room by room. This is way less overwhelming than trying to unpack everything at once.
Special Situations
Moving with kids? Give them some control over the process – let them pack their own rooms (with supervision) and help them say goodbye to their old home. Moving with pets? Keep them in a quiet room with familiar items during the move, and make sure they have ID tags with your new address.
If you’re moving valuable items like artwork or antiques, consider getting special crating or using a company that specializes in moving these items. It costs more, but it’s cheaper than replacing damaged valuables.
The Bottom Line
Moving doesn’t have to be a disaster. Most moving mistakes happen because people rush, don’t plan ahead, or try to save money in the wrong places. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, thousands of people move successfully every day. With good planning and awareness of these common pitfalls, you can be one of them. And if something does go wrong? Keep calm and remember that eventually, this will all be a story you tell at your housewarming party.
Need help with your upcoming move? Our team of professional movers is here to help make your move as smooth as possible. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get started on making your move a success story.