Moving is a fresh start, an exciting new chapter… and let’s be honest, it can also be a massive headache. While some stress is inevitable, a lot of it can be avoided by sidestepping common packing and moving mistakes. We’ve compiled the top five blunders people make, so you can learn from their (and our!) experiences and make your next move as smooth as possible.
1. Underestimating the Time and Effort Required
This is perhaps the grandaddy of all moving mistakes. Many people think they can pack an entire house in a weekend or move a three-bedroom apartment with just a few friends and a pickup truck. The reality? Packing takes significantly longer than you anticipate, especially if you want to do it properly. And moving day itself? It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
How to avoid it: Start early! Begin decluttering and packing non-essentials weeks, or even months, in advance. Create a detailed timeline for packing each room. For moving day, be realistic about how much you can do yourself. Consider hiring professional movers, even if it’s just for the big, heavy items.
2. Not Decluttering Before You Pack
Why pay to move things you no longer want, use, or need? Packing up years of accumulated belongings only to unpack them at your new place and realize half of it is junk is a waste of time, energy, and money.
How to avoid it: Before you even think about packing a box, embark on a serious decluttering mission. Go room by room and ruthlessly decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. The less you have to pack, the easier and cheaper your move will be.
3. Using the Wrong Packing Materials (or Not Enough!)
Flips flops in a paper bag? Glassware in a flimsy grocery box? This is a recipe for disaster (and broken heirlooms). Using inadequate or insufficient packing materials is a surefire way to end up with damaged belongings.
How to avoid it: Invest in proper moving boxes – sturdy, uniform sizes make stacking easier. Use plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, and furniture pads. Don’t skimp on tape! Securely tape the tops and bottoms of all boxes. And remember to use appropriate boxes for specific items, like wardrobe boxes for clothes or dish packs for fragile kitchenware.
4. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly (or at all!)
Imagine this: You’ve just moved into your new home, exhausted, and you need your coffee maker. You open box after box, only to find old tax documents, holiday decorations, and a collection of dusty board games. Frustrating, right? Unlabeled boxes are a major source of moving day stress and unpacking headaches.
How to avoid it: Label every single box clearly on at least two sides. Include the room it belongs in (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom”) and a brief description of its contents (e.g., “Pots & Pans,” “Books – Fiction,” “Linens & Towels”). Even better, number your boxes and create an inventory list.
5. Packing a “Survival Kit” Last Minute (or Not at All)
On moving day, the last thing you want to do is rummage through dozens of boxes for a toothbrush, a roll of toilet paper, or a phone charger. Many people overlook packing a “first night” or “survival” kit, leading to unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
How to avoid it: Pack a separate, clearly marked box (or suitcase) with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, phone chargers, basic cleaning supplies, a few snacks, important documents, and anything else you can’t live without for 24-48 hours.
By being aware of these common pitfalls and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce the stress and potential mishaps of moving. Happy packing, and happy moving!
