Moving can be a stressful process, and it’s easy to overlook details or make hasty decisions. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and avoid common mistakes that can turn an already challenging task into a nightmare. In this blog, we’ll discuss The Top 10 Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them, so you can have a smoother, more organized experience when relocating.
At Melroy Movers, we’ve seen it all during our 10+ years of helping families move within the DMV area and beyond. By learning about these mistakes in advance, you can better plan for your move and avoid the pitfalls that many people face. So, let’s dive into The Top 10 Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them and help you prepare for a stress-free transition.
1. Failing to Plan Ahead
One of the most common moving mistakes is waiting until the last minute to plan. Moving requires organization, from securing a moving company to gathering packing supplies and arranging logistics. Failing to plan ahead can result in last-minute chaos, missed deadlines, and unexpected costs.
How to Avoid It: Create a moving checklist at least 6–8 weeks before your move date. Break down tasks into manageable steps, such as booking your moving company, packing room by room, and organizing utilities for your new home. For even more convenience, consider hiring professional movers, like Melroy Movers, who can assist with the planning process.
2. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack
Packing always takes longer than expected, and many people fall into the trap of underestimating the time and effort required to properly pack their belongings. Rushing through packing leads to disorganization, misplaced items, and even damaged belongings.
How to Avoid It: Start packing weeks in advance, focusing on one room at a time. Use high-quality packing materials to protect your items. If packing seems overwhelming, you can also hire professional packing services, which Melroy Movers provides to help save time and ensure everything is safely packed.
3. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Many people make the mistake of moving items they no longer need or use, simply because they didn’t take the time to declutter. This adds unnecessary bulk to the move and can increase costs.
How to Avoid It: Before packing, go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Not only will this reduce the volume of items to move, but it will also help you start fresh in your new home with less clutter.
4. Choosing a Moving Company Based on Price Alone
It’s tempting to select the cheapest moving company to save money, but doing so can lead to poor service, hidden fees, or even scams. Choosing a moving company based on price alone is one of the most common moving mistakes people make.
How to Avoid It: Research moving companies carefully. Look for reviews, ask for recommendations, and ensure the company is licensed and insured. A reputable company like Melroy Movers, with over a decade of experience, may not always be the cheapest, but their reliable, professional service will save you from future headaches.
5. Forgetting to Label Boxes
In the rush of packing, it’s easy to throw items into boxes without labeling them. However, this leads to confusion and frustration when it’s time to unpack.
How to Avoid It: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. For fragile items, make sure to clearly mark them as “fragile” so movers can handle them with extra care. An organized system will save time and stress when unpacking.
6. Overpacking Boxes
Trying to cram too many items into one box is a recipe for disaster. Not only can overpacked boxes become too heavy to lift, but they also increase the risk of items breaking.
How to Avoid It: Use appropriately sized boxes for different items. Pack heavy items, such as books, in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This balance prevents boxes from becoming unmanageable or damaged during the move.
7. Forgetting to Measure Doorways and Furniture
One of The Top 10 Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them is forgetting to measure the dimensions of doorways, hallways, and furniture. This oversight can result in difficulties getting large furniture into your new home.
How to Avoid It: Before moving day, measure your larger furniture pieces and the doorways or staircases they’ll need to fit through. If necessary, disassemble furniture or make alternate arrangements to move items through windows or other spaces.
8. Not Having Moving Insurance
Many people assume that their belongings will be fully covered during the move, but basic liability coverage offered by movers is often limited. Failing to get proper moving insurance can leave you vulnerable if something valuable is damaged or lost.
How to Avoid It: Ask your moving company about their insurance options. At Melroy Movers, we offer full-value protection plans for added peace of mind. Ensure you’re covered, especially for high-value items.
9. Forgetting to Notify Important Parties
In the chaos of packing and moving, it’s easy to forget to notify important parties of your change of address. Missing this step can lead to issues with mail delivery, bills, or subscriptions.
How to Avoid It: Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move, such as the post office, utility companies, financial institutions, and any subscriptions. Do this at least two weeks before your move to ensure a smooth transition.
10. Neglecting to Prepare an Essentials Box
On moving day, you’ll need easy access to essentials such as toiletries, important documents, medications, and basic kitchen supplies. One of the most frustrating mistakes is packing these items away and realizing you need them immediately.
How to Avoid It: Pack a separate essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first day or two in your new home. Label it clearly and keep it with you during the move so you can settle in comfortably without digging through boxes.
Moving can be complicated, but by being aware of The Top 10 Moving Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them, you’ll be better prepared to handle the process smoothly. At Melroy Movers, we’re here to make your move as stress-free as possible. With over a decade of experience and a dedication to excellent service, we can help you avoid these common mistakes and ensure a successful move. If you’re planning a move, contact us today for professional, reliable service you can trust.
