14 Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

Relocating to a new apartment is not easy. From packing and unpacking to finalizing a moving date, you have to juggle a hundred things. Amidst this chaos, you might forget important stuff like getting a parking permit or changing your address. This article will highlight 14 common mistakes while moving and important tips on how to avoid them.

1. Skipping a Moving Out and Moving In Checklist

No matter how much moving experience you have, preparing a moving checklist is a must! A checklist will keep you on schedule and budget and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Whether you like writing by hand or prefer making a digital list, ensure you make a checklist for your move. List everything that you need to pack, and keep checking off the items as you go. Similarly, make a to-do list that includes pre-move planning, moving day preparation, and travel arrangements.

2. Waiting Too Long to Hire Moving Services

If you are planning to move during peak moving season, you need to book reputed moving services beforehand to assist you through the relocation process. Even if you are opting for an off-season move, contact movers early on to get more options and better prices. So, hurry up! Call professional movers right away.

3. Failing to Declutter Ahead of Time

Moving is the best time to declutter. Carrying unnecessary items to your new home not only increases the workload but can also cost you an arm and a leg. With fewer items on the list, you will have to book a smaller moving vehicle, and the process will be a lot smoother. Before you start packing, take a stroll through each room and figure out what needs to be donated, sold, or thrown away. Embrace minimalism and only keep items that you will truly need in your new home.

4. Packing Too Early

To your surprise, packing too far in advance can cause more trouble than benefit. For instance, if you pack months ahead of time, you will later find yourself digging into the boxes, looking for everyday items. You might also end up forgetting which items you packed inside those boxes.  It’s always a good idea to start packing a few weeks before the move.

5. Packing Too Late

We all have been there and done that! Throwing our stuff into a suitcase the night before a trip. However, packing at the eleventh hour is a big no when it comes to relocation. You can pack your luggage quite efficiently if you start a few weeks earlier.

6. Running Out of Packing Supplies

Imagine running out of boxes while packing! You can easily underestimate how many packing materials you need. Packing supplies include not only cardboard boxes but also bubble wrap, tape, markers, packing paper, and a lot more. So, make a list and go purchase some extra supplies, just in case.

7. Labeling the Boxes Improperly

Mislabelled or unlabelled boxes are another rookie mistake. Properly handling the boxes can be a game-changer in your packing and unpacking process. So, clearly label each box while packing. You can use stickers or color-coded labels for this purpose. If you are packing a box containing delicate items, do not forget to label it as fragile.

8. Packing Incorrectly

Nobody wants their antique vase or a delicate piece of art to break. Yet these items are the most likely to get damaged during a move. First-time movers are often unaware of how to properly pack fragile items. Are you worried about packing fragile items in your home? Stay calm and follow these tips:

• Invest in some high-quality packing supplies.
• While packing valuables, apply double tape at the bottom of the boxes. For heavier boxes, you can even go for a third layer.
• If you are packing kitchenware made of porcelain, glass, or any other breakable material, wrap each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap.

9. Not Packing an Essentials Box

Imagine looking for toiletries or a set of neat clothes amongst a pile of unpacked boxes after a taxing day of moving. Preparing an essentials box for your first night in your new home is key.

Pack your toiletries, pajamas, your child’s favorite toy, and any other important items that you will instantly need in an essentials box, and make sure you unload them before anything else. We recommend packing a separate essentials box for each room.

10. Taking on Too Much By Yourself

Moving involves a lot of heavy lifting, assembling and disassembling items, logistics, and coordination. Nobody can manage this much work alone. So, instead of taking on each task yourself, consider asking friends and family for help. You can also book a moving company that handles everything from packing to transportation, unpacking, and setting up your new apartment. 

11.  Not Paying Attention to Moving Insurance

Moving insurance might seem like an extra task, but do not skip it. Even if your movers offer basic coverage, it will not suffice for valuable items. Although the insurance requires an extra investment, it gives you peace of mind that your valuable possessions will remain protected.

12. Forgetting about Mail Forwarding and Change of Address

Have you updated your address yet at the Local Post Office? Imagine missing out on important mail, bills, IRS letters, credit cards, and parcels you must be looking for. You could face unwanted stress if you do not inform banks and utility companies on time to avoid extra billing.

13. Inaccurate Measurements

Have you measured your furniture before packing it? Just because your sofas, tables, and chairs easily fit in their current place doesn’t mean they will fit in your new apartment as well. Before you start packing your furniture, ensure you measure your furniture as well as the stairs, doorways, and any other tight spaces in your new home. It can save you from a lot of chaos!

14. Overpacking Boxes

Do you think you can save space and money by stuffing boxes with your stuff? Remember, overpacking will only make things harder for you!

• Overfilled boxes become too heavy to lift.
• The fragile items you pack inside them can easily break.
• The boxes will tear at the bottom, increasing the risk of damage.

So, make sure to balance your weight evenly throughout the boxes and purchase enough boxes to accommodate all your stuff.

Ready for a Smooth and Stress-Free Move?

Streamline your moving experience by following the tips and tricks shared in this article. Avoid common moving mistakes, and book a reputed moving company to assist you through the move. Movers handle everything from packing to transportation, unpacking, and setting up your new apartment.