Common Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving

Moving is like running a marathon but with more boxes and less water.

We’ve all heard that one, right?

It's a universal truth, but moving doesn't have to be a disaster if you know what you're doing.

Here's a fun fact: Did you know that around 25% of people make at least one major moving mistake?

It’s like, no matter how much you plan, something always slips through the cracks.

Whether it’s packing errors during relocation or moving missteps, most people don’t even realize they’ve made these mistakes until it’s too late.

But if you can identify those common moving mistakes, you can dodge them like a pro.

The key to a stress-free move is preparation and avoiding those frequent relocation errors that sneak up on you when you least expect them.

So, let’s go through all the common moving mistakes people make so that you can actually enjoy your move without any drama.

Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack

This one is huge. You might think, "I’ll just pack everything in a day or two," but packing is a marathon, not a sprint.

One of the most serious moving mistakes people make is not allowing enough time to pack.

You can’t just throw everything into a box the day before the move and expect it to go smoothly.

You’ll end up scrambling and might even forget a bunch of important stuff.

Solution: Start packing at least two weeks before the move, especially if you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. And avoid packing errors during relocation that can lead to broken items or complete chaos.

You should tackle one room at a time and not skip decluttering. If you bring all that old junk with you, you'll feel like you're carrying a ton of extra weight.

Note: Frequent relocation errors happen when people fail to clear out items they don’t need anymore.

Packing takes longer than most people think, so to avoid scrambling at the last minute, check out these expert tips on when you should start packing to move.

Not Doing Enough Research on Movers

If you think moving companies are all the same, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

You wouldn’t just pick the cheapest guy on Craigslist to do a job, right? Same goes for movers.

One of the top moving blunders to avoid is hiring a shady, unqualified company. It can be tempting to go with the first mover you find, but don’t want to be left high and dry on moving day with a company that’s not reliable.

Solution: Do your homework. Look up reviews, check if the company is licensed, and ask about their experience.

Don't let your move get hijacked by an unprofessional crew. Research the company's reputation before hiring. Moving errors happen when people skip this simple step.

Choosing the right moving company can make all the difference, so if you're wondering how to find the best movers, learn it here.

Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly

You've packed 50 boxes, and now you have to unpack them all. But wait—did you label them?

No? Big mistake.

You think you’ll just remember what’s in each box, but you won’t.

The result is that you will end up digging through boxes trying to find your toothbrush or that one pan you use every day.

Labeling your boxes correctly can save you a lot of time, so learn how to label your moving boxes like a pro.

Solution: Label every box clearly and make sure you write down what’s inside.

For example: "Kitchen: Plates, Mugs, Utensils." Don't just put "Kitchen." Be specific because those "moving missteps" can make your life ten times harder when you're trying to settle into your new home.

Overpacking Boxes

Everyone thinks they’re stronger than they really are—until they try to move an overstuffed box.

It's tempting to stuff as much as possible into a single box to save time, but that’s one of the worst moving errors you can make.

Not only does it make the box harder to carry, but it also increases the chances of things getting broken.

Solution: Use smaller boxes for heavy items and larger ones for lighter stuff. Don't try to fit a ton of books in a box meant for clothes.

And don’t forget to use proper padding for fragile items like glassware or electronics.

Overpacking can lead to a disaster, so to make packing easier, check out our guide on what to pack first when moving.

Not Hiring Help When You Need It

You think you can move everything yourself because you’re strong and independent.

But moving is tough, and sometimes you need help.

Attempting to move everything without assistance can lead to serious moving missteps.

You could hurt yourself, damage your furniture, or even wreck your new place by scraping walls or floors while trying to squeeze things through narrow doorways.

Solution: Hire professionals or at least get some friends to help out. It’ll save you from a ton of stress and potential injury.

Plus, having someone else handle the heavy lifting will free you up to take care of other important tasks.

Not Planning for Pets and Kids

Here’s something people often forget about: kids and pets.

Moving with little ones or furry friends can get chaotic if you’re not prepared.

It's easy to assume they’ll just go with the flow, but that’s not always the case.

Pets can get anxious, and toddlers don’t exactly understand why their whole world is being packed up.

Solution: Make arrangements for a babysitter or pet sitter for moving day. If you can, set up a safe space in your new home for them to settle while you’re unpacking.

This will make the entire process smoother for everyone involved.

Moving with pets can be tricky, so we have some pet moving tips for pet parents. to ensure your furry friends have a smooth transition, too!

Not Taking Care of Your Utilities Ahead of Time

People arrive at their new place and realize they don’t have water, electricity, or Wi-Fi.

Imagine moving into your new home after a long, tiring day and not being able to take a shower or even cook dinner.

That’s a nightmare.

Solution: Contact your utility companies well in advance to set up service at your new home. Make sure you schedule the disconnection of services at your old place, too.

No one wants to pay for two electric bills.

Forgetting to Update Your Address

You’re not the only one moving; your mail needs to move with you, too.

Don’t forget to change your address with the post office, banks, and other important places.

You’ll end up missing bills, packages, or important legal documents.

Solution: Set up mail forwarding with the post office and update your address everywhere else, like with your insurance, credit cards, and subscriptions.

It’ll take five minutes, but it'll save you a ton of hassle down the road.

To avoid missing important mail, read and learn how to change your address when moving.

Not Checking the Weather

You've packed everything and are ready to go, but guess what? It's raining cats and dogs.

Moving in bad weather can make things slippery and unsafe, and it could damage your stuff.

That’s why you need to check the weather forecast before your moving day.

Solution: If bad weather is expected, plan accordingly. Reschedule, or just prepare by using tarps and plastic covers to protect your things.

Also, make sure to keep yourself and your helpers warm and dry.

Avoid Common Moving Mistakes – Check Out Our Expert Moving Guides!

Recommended Resources

• How to Register a Car in Another State After Moving

• Moving Truck Sizes – How to Choose the Right One

• Moving with Kids? How to Turn Chaos into Calm

• How to Move with a Cat – Follow these Purr-fect Tips