Mistakes People Make When Moving and How to Avoid Them

Moving can feel overwhelming because it mixes the excitement of a fresh start with the stress of planning and logistics. Moving often brings unexpected challenges beyond packing and transporting your belongings. About 9.8% of Americans move each year, with over 60% staying within the same county. Tight timelines or unexpected problems can make it stressful to coordinate schedules, manage budgets, and adjust to new places. With careful planning, moving can be a chance to embrace change, leaving behind the old to make space for something rewarding.

This article helps you avoid the common mistakes people make when relocate that can make moving a nightmare. It explains common mistakes, like not leaving enough time to pack or skipping research on moving companies. You’ll get practical tips to plan well, save money, and keep your belongings safe. By the end, you’ll feel ready to handle your move confidently and avoid the stress and problems that surprise many people.

Planning Mistakes

Failing to Create a Detailed Moving Plan

Poor planning leads to missed tasks, unexpected costs, and extra stress. Without a plan, important tasks like booking a truck, setting a budget, or transferring utilities can be overlooked. Skipping these steps can lead to higher costs, rushed decisions, or delays that disrupt your move. For instance, waiting too long to book a truck can leave you with fewer options or higher last-minute rates.

Solution: Stay organized by making a checklist that includes every task, deadline, and expense. Break big tasks into smaller steps, like comparing moving truck prices or listing utilities to update. Use spreadsheets or apps to track progress, set reminders, and prioritize important tasks. Group tasks by category, like packing, logistics, and finances, to make sure nothing is missed. This approach simplifies the process and saves time, money, and stress.

Underestimating the Time Needed

Underestimating the time needed for a move is a common mistake that can cause stress, forgotten items, and missed deadlines. Many people underestimate the time needed to pack rarely used items, like seasonal decorations or storage boxes, or to transfer utilities, which may need advance notice. Poor planning can lead to rushed decisions, damaged items, or extra costs for last-minute services.

Solution: Make a detailed timeline to simplify the process. Begin with tasks like decluttering and donating items at least 4–6 weeks before moving day. Set aside time to gather supplies, like specialty boxes for fragile items or wardrobe boxes for clothes. Add buffer days for delays, like bad weather or paperwork problems. Stay organized with planning tools like apps (e.g., Trello or Google Keep) or printable checklists. These tools track progress, send reminders, and prevent procrastination. Break tasks into smaller steps, like packing one room or calling service providers each day, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Not Decluttering Before You Pack

Packing items you don’t need wastes time, space, and money while adding stress to an already busy process. Bringing unused or damaged items, like old electronics, broken furniture, or clothes you haven’t worn in years, adds clutter to your new home. These items raise moving costs, take up space, and make unpacking harder. For example, moving a broken TV or old sofa adds weight and hassle without adding value to your new home.

Solution: To declutter, start 4–6 weeks before your move. Work on one room at a time and sort items into four groups: keep, donate, sell, or toss. For donations, focus on gently used items and work with local groups like Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill. Check their donation rules and hours to avoid last-minute problems. If selling, try platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or local yard sales to find buyers fast. When tossing unusable items, look into local recycling programs or special disposal sites for electronics and hazardous materials. Some cities also offer bulk trash pickup or e-waste recycling events to save you time and effort.

Failing to Budget for the Move

Overlooking moving costs can lead to unexpected expenses that strain your budget. Hidden fees, like packing materials, moving insurance, or fuel surcharges, often catch people off guard. For long-distance moves, extra charges like stair fees, elevator access, or parking permits can add up fast. Small but frequent expenses, like meals on the road, hotel stays during multi-day moves, or tipping movers, are often overlooked. Not planning for these costs can throw off your budget and add stress.

Some costs are less obvious but still significant. For example, some moving companies charge extra to handle oversized items like treadmills or patio furniture. Others charge fees for last-minute rescheduling or cancellations. Moving to a new city can also bring costs like registering your car, updating licenses, or relocating pets. Knowing these details helps you plan for the full cost of a move.

Solution: To avoid surprises, make a detailed budget that includes all possible moving costs. Begin by listing essentials like moving quotes, packing supplies, and utility setup fees. Then look into less obvious costs, like storage rentals or specialty services for pianos, art, or antiques. Include region-specific costs, like parking permits in certain cities, to avoid fines or delays.

Add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs. Use tools like spreadsheets or apps to track spending and compare moving company quotes. When hiring movers, ask for itemized quotes that show extra fees, like overtime or specific route charges. For a DIY move, include truck rental, gas, tolls, and any needed vehicle insurance.

Packing Mistakes

Underestimating the Amount of Packing Materials Needed

Underestimating packing materials often causes disorganized packing, last-minute store trips, and a higher risk of fragile items breaking. This mistake often happens with bulky or oddly shaped items that need more protective padding than expected. Running out of materials halfway through packing adds stress and delays to your move.

Solution: Begin by making a detailed list of your belongings, including fragile items, odd-sized objects, and furniture. Use our online box calculator to figure out how many boxes, rolls of tape, and packing materials you’ll need based on your home size. Moving companies can offer accurate recommendations based on experience with similar moves. Buy 15–20% more than the estimate to cover last-minute needs or unexpected items. For an eco-friendly option, rent reusable boxes or get free ones from local businesses to supplement your supply.

Packing Inefficiently

Disorganized packing wastes time during the move and creates stress when trying to find essential items in your new home. Overloaded boxes can cause injuries or damage, and mixing items carelessly may lead to broken fragile items or lost possessions.

Solution: Start by setting up a packing area in your home and packing one room at a time to avoid mixing unrelated items. Label each box with its room and contents to make unpacking easier. Pack heavy items, like books, in small boxes to prevent breakage and make them easier to carry. Use large boxes for lighter items to save space without overloading them. Use specialty packing materials, like dish dividers or foam inserts, to protect delicate items.

Pack an essentials box with toiletries, medications, and chargers to keep important items easily accessible when you arrive. This organized approach reduces chaos, protects your belongings, and makes settling into your new home easier.

Using Low-Quality Packing Supplies

Using cheap boxes, flimsy tape, and low-quality padding can turn an easy move into a disaster. Weak materials can collapse under pressure, crushing fragile items or leaving them at risk of damage from shifting loads. Low-quality tape often peels off during transit, making boxes spill open at the worst time. These problems get worse during long-distance moves or when packing delicate items like glassware, electronics, or artwork. Low-quality materials not only risk damage but also lead to extra costs for replacing broken items, often costing more than quality supplies.

Solution: To protect your belongings, choose strong, high-quality packing materials. Use heavy-duty boxes, preferably with double-walled construction, to handle stacking and rough transport. Americans throw away 900 million cardboard boxes each year during moves. Choose industrial-grade tape with strong adhesion to keep boxes sealed during the move. Protect fragile items with specialty materials like foam corner protectors, air cushions, or honeycomb cardboard sleeves. For an eco-friendly option, rent stackable plastic crates or use biodegradable packing peanuts to stay sustainable without losing protection. Sealing, organizing, and cushioning your items not only protects them but also gives you peace of mind that they’ll arrive safely.

Not Labeling Boxes Clearly

Not labeling boxes during a move can turn unpacking into a chaotic scavenger hunt. Without clear labels, essentials like kitchen tools, toiletries, or important documents can get lost under unrelated items, wasting time and causing frustration. Disorganized boxes make it harder to prioritize unpacking, delay settling in, and add stress as you rummage through mismatched items. Worse, vague labels like "Miscellaneous" can lead to misplaced items or damage to fragile belongings.

Solution: Use a clear labeling system to stay organized and reduce stress. Label each box with its destination room and a short list of contents using permanent markers. Improve organization with color-coded labels by assigning a color to each room (e.g., red for the kitchen, blue for the bedroom) for easy sorting. Go further by using moving inventory apps to number boxes and log detailed lists, making it easy to find specific items. Add "priority" stickers to boxes with essential items, like "Open First," to make unpacking faster. These steps save time, protect your belongings, and make settling into your new home easier.

Overpacking Boxes

Overpacking boxes makes items more likely to break during the move. Overfilled boxes are difficult to carry, can burst under pressure, and often fail to protect fragile items. Heavy boxes put extra stress on their contents, damaging items like dishes, electronics, and collectibles. Overfilled boxes can cause physical strain during lifting, increasing the risk of injuries for anyone moving them. About 30% of moving injuries are back strains caused by improper lifting. Proper planning can help reduce physical strain.

Solution: To prevent these issues, distribute weight evenly. Put heavy items, like books or tools, at the bottom of the box and lighter ones, like linens, on top. Use small boxes for heavy items to keep them manageable. Pack clothes in wardrobe boxes to avoid overstuffing standard ones. Durable plastic bins are a good option for heavy or oddly shaped items, offering extra protection and reusability. These tips reduce damage, improve safety, and make moving easier.

Packing Hazardous or Prohibited Items

Packing restricted items, like cleaning chemicals, aerosols, or flammable materials, can cause serious safety risks and moving delays. Many people accidentally pack these items, risking accidents or rejection by the moving company. For example, flammable liquids like gasoline, propane tanks, or some cleaning agents are banned because their volatility can cause fires, toxic spills, or explosions during transit. Aerosol cans can also burst under pressure or heat, creating more risks.

Solution: Before packing, check the restricted items list from your moving company. If you’re unsure about certain items, ask the moving company for clarification. Dispose of prohibited items responsibly through local hazardous waste collection programs, which are often free or inexpensive. If you need to transport items like essential cleaning supplies yourself, make sure they are tightly sealed, labeled, and stored safely. Some areas have rules for transporting hazardous materials. Check with your local waste authority or environmental agency to avoid penalties. Following these steps reduces moving-day disruptions and ensures a safer experience for everyone.

Ignoring Specialized Handling for Fragile or Valuable Items

Overlooking proper packing and handling techniques for delicate or high-value items often causes unnecessary damage and extra costs. Items like artwork, musical instruments, and electronics are fragile and require specialized materials and techniques for safe transportation. A common mistake is using standard packing supplies or positioning these items poorly, increasing the risk of scratches, cracks, or internal damage. For example, placing electronics on the truck floor without sufficient padding exposes them to vibrations and shocks, which can dislodge internal components.

Solution: To protect these items, invest in specialized materials like bubble wrap, foam inserts, or custom-designed cases that provide secure, stable protection. Pack them in reinforced boxes or crates designed to minimize movement during transit. Use silica gel packs to prevent moisture damage in electronics and archival-quality sleeves to protect artwork. For musical instruments, loosen strings to reduce tension and cushion them with padding tailored to prevent pressure points.

If possible, hire professional movers experienced in transporting fragile or valuable items. They often use tools like suspension crates or climate-controlled trucks to reduce risks further. For DIY movers, consult detailed packing guides for specific items, such as using anti-static wraps for electronics or edge protectors for framed artwork. Taking these precautions ensures your belongings arrive safely and spares you the emotional and financial stress of repairs or replacements.

Not Protecting Valuables

Jewelry, important documents, small electronics, and other high-value items are often packed carelessly or mixed with general belongings, increasing the risk of loss or damage during a move. Many people also forget to transport these items separately, making them more vulnerable to theft or mishandling.

Solution: Store valuable items in a secure container, such as a lockable safe box or a fireproof and waterproof bag, to protect them from damage or theft. Keep these containers with you at all times instead of placing them in the moving truck. For critical documents like passports, birth certificates, or contracts, scan them beforehand to create digital backups. Use tamper-proof locks for extra security and avoid labeling the container in a way that reveals its contents.

Choosing the Wrong Moving Services

Not Researching Movers Thoroughly

Failing to research moving companies thoroughly can lead to setbacks like financial losses, damaged belongings, or unreliable service on moving day. Dishonest or unprofessional movers often use tactics such as offering unusually low quotes, providing vague contracts, or maintaining poor communication. Warning signs include a lack of a physical address, missing official registration, or demands for large upfront payments. Movers without proper licensing or insurance can leave customers vulnerable to poor service or abandonment.

Solution: Protect your move by reading reviews on multiple reputable platforms to spot consistent feedback about a company's professionalism and reliability. Use tools like the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) database to verify licensing and ensure the company meets legal standards. Avoid companies with repeated complaints about delays, hidden fees, or damaged goods. At MoversCorp, we enhance transparency by offering unedited customer reviews, detailed mover profiles, and clear service breakdowns to help you make informed decisions.

Before hiring, ask direct questions to assess their expertise and accountability. Inquire about their experience with similar moves, insurance coverage, and their process for resolving disputes. For instance, ask, "What coverage is included if my belongings are damaged in transit?" or "How do you handle delays caused by unforeseen circumstances?" These steps ensure a smoother and safer moving experience.

Overlooking Insurance Options

Moving without proper insurance exposes your belongings to risks like loss, damage, or theft, leaving you with unexpected expenses. Many people mistakenly assume that all moving companies provide full coverage, but standard policies often offer minimal protection, such as reimbursement based on weight rather than the actual value of your items. This can be especially problematic for high-value possessions like jewelry, artwork, or electronics, which need specific safeguards. Additionally, improper packing can void coverage, leaving you unprotected if items are damaged due to inadequate packaging.

Solution: Review your moving company’s insurance options carefully. Standard liability coverage typically provides a flat rate per pound, which may not fully cover valuable or fragile items. For better protection, consider purchasing additional coverage, such as Full Value Protection or third-party insurance, to ensure your belongings are adequately insured. If you’re packing yourself, use professional-grade materials and proper techniques to prevent damage and maintain your coverage eligibility. Create an inventory of high-value items, photograph them, and document their condition before the move to simplify the claims process if needed.

Misjudging the Size of the Moving Truck

Picking a truck that’s too small can lead to compromises, like leaving items behind or making multiple trips, which wastes time and fuel. On the other hand, choosing a truck that’s too large adds unnecessary costs and leaves unused space. Both mistakes make DIY moving more stressful.

Solution: For DIY moves, truck size is crucial. A 10-foot truck is ideal for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment, while a 15-foot truck works well for a two-bedroom apartment or small house. Larger homes may require a 20- to 26-foot truck. To avoid misjudging, calculate the cubic footage of your belongings, including furniture, boxes, and bulky items. Many rental companies offer online tools or charts to help match your load to the right truck size. If you’re unsure, it’s better to choose the larger option to ensure you have enough space. Careful planning helps you avoid running out of room while keeping costs under control.

Timing Mistakes

Moving During Peak Seasons

Moving during the summer months is often more expensive and stressful due to increased demand. About 70% of moves take place between May and September, with June being the busiest month. This peak period is driven by favorable weather, school vacations, and the desire to avoid work or academic disruptions. However, the popularity of summer moves creates challenges. Moving companies charge premium rates, trucks and movers are often booked months in advance, and schedules become crowded, leaving little room for flexibility.

Solution: The best time to move is during the off-season, typically late fall through early spring, when demand is lower. Movers usually reduce their rates during this period, making it easier to save money and secure your preferred schedule. Service availability is also higher, giving you more options for ideal moving dates and reducing the stress associated with peak-season constraints. With fewer clients to manage, moving companies often provide more personalized attention, ensuring your move is well-organized and less likely to encounter errors.

To take full advantage, plan your move for mid-week dates and avoid high-demand periods, such as holidays or the beginning and end of the month. You can also use apps that track live price trends for moving services to find the best deals. Moving during the off-season may also come with perks like discounts on packing materials or free add-on services, which are harder to secure in the summer.

Failing to Account for Traffic and Weather

Traffic jams and unpredictable weather can disrupt your moving schedule and increase costs. Congested roads, detours, and peak traffic hours slow down moving trucks, leading to delays and higher fuel expenses. Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, can damage belongings, create unsafe driving conditions, or force last-minute changes to your plans. Overlooking these factors can turn a carefully planned move into a chaotic and stressful experience.

Solution: Use real-time tools like Google Maps or Waze to monitor traffic patterns and find alternate routes on moving day. For weather updates, rely on apps like AccuWeather or Weather Underground, which provide hourly forecasts and severe weather alerts. Plan your move during off-peak traffic hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, to avoid congestion. Prepare for bad weather by having tarps and waterproof materials ready to protect your belongings. If severe weather is expected, coordinate with your moving company to reschedule or adjust routes. Staying prepared and flexible helps minimize disruptions and ensures a smoother move.

Logistics Mistakes

Overlooking Parking Permits and Access Restrictions

Failing to secure parking permits or plan for access restrictions can cause fines, delays, and disruptions to your moving schedule. Urban areas and apartment complexes often have strict rules for loading zones or parking near entrances. Without proper permits, movers may face penalties or need to park farther away, adding time and effort. Some buildings also require reservations for loading docks, which can limit availability.

Solution: Contact local authorities or building management early to confirm parking requirements. Reserve loading zones or docks ahead of time to avoid conflicts. If parking is limited, plan alternatives like shuttle services to transport items from a distant parking spot. Clear communication and early preparation help avoid disruptions and ensure a smoother moving day.

Forgetting to Update an Address

Not updating your address can cause serious issues, such as missed bills, lost legal documents, and delayed services. Important mail like tax forms, financial statements, or government notices may go to your old address, leading to late fees, penalties, or gaps in insurance coverage. Sensitive items like bank cards or subscription deliveries could also end up in the wrong hands, increasing the risk of identity theft or fraud.

Solution: Create a checklist to notify key organizations. Start by filing a change of address with the post office to ensure temporary mail forwarding while updates are processed. Notify banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, healthcare offices, and utility services to avoid service disruptions. Update your address on voter registration, vehicle registration, and with tax authorities. Don’t forget online shopping accounts, streaming services, and subscription deliveries to prevent mistakes. Keep a record of updates, organizing contacts by priority and tracking completed changes to avoid oversights.

Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways

Not measuring furniture and doorways before moving day can cause delays, damage, or even prevent certain pieces from fitting into your new space. Bulky items like sectionals or heirloom armoires may be too large for narrow doorways or awkward angles, requiring unplanned disassembly or professional help. These challenges can disrupt your schedule and increase moving costs.

Solution: Create a detailed inventory of oversized furniture and measure each item’s dimensions. Compare these measurements to the dimensions of doorways, stairwells, hallways, and elevators in both your current and new home. Pay attention to tight turns and low ceilings, which can complicate access. If an item seems unlikely to fit, disassemble it in advance or consult professionals. Many moving companies offer services like custom padding for tight spaces or crane lifts for inaccessible items. Mobile apps and augmented reality tools can also simulate moving scenarios to help you determine whether items will fit. This preparation reduces surprises, ensures smoother transport, and protects your belongings from damage.

Not Preparing Kids or Pets

Moving can be especially difficult for kids and pets, who often feel stressed or uncertain during this major change. Children may struggle with emotions like anxiety or sadness about leaving friends and familiar places. Pets can feel overwhelmed by the disruption to their routine, unfamiliar surroundings, or the chaos of moving day. Ignoring their needs may lead to behavioral issues, anxiety, or health problems.

Solution: Involve kids and pets in the moving process early. Encourage children to pack their favorite items and talk positively about the new home and opportunities it offers. If possible, visit the new neighborhood or take virtual tours, and help them connect with new friends through community groups or activities. For pets, create a quiet, secure area away from the packing and moving activities to help them feel safe. On moving day, keep pets in carriers or familiar spaces with their favorite toys and bedding. For long-distance moves, prepare a travel kit with food, water, medications, and comfort items. Planning ahead for kids and pets makes the transition smoother and less stressful for the entire family.

Forgetting to Check for Belongings Left Behind

Valuable documents, small electronics, and sentimental items often get left behind in closets, drawers, or hidden storage spaces. Forgetting these belongings can cause unnecessary stress, extra trips, and financial loss if replacements are needed.

Solution: Conduct a final walkthrough of your home before handing over the keys, focusing on commonly overlooked areas like attics, crawl spaces, behind furniture, and under appliances. Use a room-by-room checklist to ensure all storage spots, including under beds and inside couch cushions, are thoroughly checked. For added peace of mind, ask a friend or family member to help; they might spot items you missed.

Conclusion

Relocating can become more stressful and expensive than necessary due to common mistakes like underestimating costs, ignoring restrictions, or overlooking challenges such as temperature-sensitive items or state-specific regulations. Proper preparation is essential. An organized move saves time, reduces costs, protects your belongings, and helps set a positive tone for your new start.

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