1. Not Planning Early Enough
One of the biggest blunders is waiting until the last minute to start preparing. Without a solid plan, you’re left scrambling—forgetting to book movers, missing utility setups, or packing in a frenzy. Start at least 6-8 weeks out. Create a timeline that covers decluttering, packing, hiring help, and notifying service providers like internet or power companies.
Fix It: Break tasks into weekly goals. Week one, sort your garage. Week two, book movers. A checklist keeps you grounded. I once knew someone who waited until three days before moving to call a truck company—yep, they ended up paying double for a rushed job. Don’t be that person.
Extra Step: Set reminders on your phone for key dates, like when to transfer your address or cancel subscriptions.
2. Overpacking or Underpacking Boxes
Packing seems simple, but it’s easy to mess up. Overstuff a box with books, and it’ll burst mid-move. Underpack a box with glassware, and things will rattle and break. The rule of thumb? Heavy items like books go in small boxes; light stuff like pillows in larger ones. Always fill gaps with padding to prevent shifting.
Quick Tip: Aim for boxes under 50 pounds to avoid strain or splits. Use crumpled paper, towels, or clothes for cushioning—it’s cheaper than buying foam. Test a box by lifting it; if it feels shaky, repack it.
Lesson Learned: A neighbor once packed her entire kitchen in two giant boxes. Half her plates cracked because they were too heavy and poorly padded. Balance is everything.
3. Skipping Decluttering
Moving everything you own—broken lamps, unused gadgets, that chair you hate—is a waste of time and money. Failing to declutter means you’re paying to transport stuff you don’t need, which hikes up truck size and labor costs. Before packing, sort ruthlessly: keep what you love or use, sell or donate the rest.
How to Do It: Try the “90-day rule”—if you haven’t used something in three months (seasonal items aside), it’s probably not essential. Host a yard sale or list items online to offset moving costs. Donating to local shelters is another win-win.
Pro Move: Take photos of sentimental items before letting them go. It eases the emotional sting while freeing up space.
4. Hiring Movers Without Research
Picking a moving company based on the cheapest quote or a flashy ad is a gamble. Unreliable movers can show up late, mishandle your stuff, or slap on hidden fees. Always research—read reviews on Google or Yelp, check licensing through government sites, and ask for references. Get at least three quotes to compare services and costs.
Red Flag: If a mover won’t give a binding estimate or demands full payment upfront, walk away. I dodged a bullet once when a too-good-to-be-true quote came from a company with zero online presence—shady vibes confirmed by a quick search.
Smart Choice: Ask movers how they handle fragile items or tight staircases. A good company will have clear answers.
5. Forgetting to Label Boxes
Unlabeled boxes are a nightmare when you’re unpacking in your new home. Without labels, you’re digging through dozens of boxes to find your coffee maker or kids’ toys. Label every box with its contents and destination room (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”). For fragile items, add “Handle with Care” in bold.
Easy Hack: Use colored markers or stickers for each room—blue for bedroom, red for kitchen. It’s faster for movers and you. When I moved last, unlabeled boxes meant I slept without sheets for two nights because my bedding was buried somewhere. Never again.
Bonus: Keep an inventory list on your phone to track what’s in each box. It’s a lifesaver if something goes missing.
6. Ignoring Insurance Options
Assuming your belongings are automatically covered during a move is a risky mistake. Most moving companies offer basic coverage, but it’s often minimal (like 60 cents per pound per item). If your TV breaks, that won’t cut it. Ask movers about full-value protection or check if your homeowner’s insurance extends to moving. For high-value items, consider separate coverage.
Story Time: A friend’s heirloom mirror shattered during a move, and she assumed the movers would replace it. Nope—their basic insurance offered $20 for a $500 piece. She learned the hard way to clarify coverage upfront.
Action Plan: Photograph valuables before packing and keep receipts handy. It makes claims easier if disaster strikes.
7. Not Preparing for Moving Day Chaos
Moving day can feel like herding cats—movers arriving, boxes everywhere, maybe a grumpy neighbor about parking. Without prep, small hiccups spiral. Confirm details with your movers a day before: time, address, contact number. Clear pathways in your old and new homes for easy access. Pack a “first-night” bag with essentials—clothes, chargers, toiletries—so you’re not rummaging at midnight.
Must-Do: If you’re in an apartment, reserve elevators or parking spots in advance. I once forgot to book the freight elevator, and we hauled boxes up five flights of stairs. My legs still haven’t forgiven me.
Smooth Move: Have snacks and water on hand for you and the movers. A little kindness goes a long way toward keeping everyone focused.
Final Thoughts
A house move doesn’t have to be a string of costly or stressful mistakes. Plan early, pack smart, research your movers, and stay organized to dodge the most common pitfalls. By sidestepping these errors, you’ll save time, money, and maybe a few gray hairs. Ready to make your next relocation a breeze? Start with the right approach and resources like this to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.