How to Avoid the Most Common Moving Mistakes

16 December 2025

Moving. Just reading that word probably made you stress a little bit. Whether you're relocating across town or making a cross-country leap, moving can be as chaotic as a toddler on a sugar rush. But fear not! With the right game plan, you can dodge those annoying mistakes that turn moving day into a full-blown disaster.

So, grab a snack (because everything is better with snacks) and let’s talk about the most common moving blunders and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Procrastinating Like a Professional

Let’s be real—packing is about as exciting as watching paint dry. It’s easy to keep pushing it off until suddenly, you’re cramming everything into boxes at 2 AM the night before the move.

How to Avoid It:

- Start Early – Give yourself at least four to six weeks to pack. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
- Make a Schedule – Break down packing into manageable tasks. One day for the kitchen, another for the closet, and so on.
- Set Fake Deadlines – If your move is on the 30th, aim to be packed by the 25th. That way, last-minute surprises won’t leave you in a panic.

2. Underestimating the Amount of Stuff You Own

You think you don’t have that much… until you start packing. Suddenly, you’re questioning how you managed to fit three dozen coffee mugs into your tiny kitchen.

How to Avoid It:

- Declutter BEFORE You Pack – Moving is the perfect excuse to get rid of junk. If you haven’t used it in over a year, do you really need it?
- Sell, Donate, Toss – Have a garage sale, donate to charity, or simply throw away what’s trash. The less you move, the smoother (and cheaper) your move will be.
- Use the "Does This Bring Me Joy?" Rule – If an item doesn’t spark joy, thank it for its service and send it on its way. (Yes, we just went full Marie Kondo on you.)

3. Not Labeling Boxes Properly

There’s nothing worse than needing toilet paper on your first night in your new home and realizing it’s buried somewhere in a sea of unlabeled boxes.

How to Avoid It:

- Label EVERYTHING Clearly – Write what’s inside the box and which room it belongs to. Trust me, "Miscellaneous Stuff" is NOT helpful.
- Use Colored Stickers or Tape – Assign colors to each room. That way, movers (or your helpful friends) know exactly where things go.
- Mark Essentials – Have a box labeled "OPEN FIRST" with all the important stuff—like toiletries, a change of clothes, and maybe even a celebratory bottle of wine.

4. Forgetting to Set Up Utilities

Moving into your new home only to realize you don’t have electricity or running water? Yikes. That’s not a fun way to start off.

How to Avoid It:

- Call Utility Companies in Advance – Set up electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash services at least two weeks before you move.
- Schedule Shut-Offs at Your Old Place – You don’t want to pay for utilities you’re not using, so schedule disconnections accordingly.
- Don’t Forget the Internet! – This is crucial unless you enjoy sitting in an empty house with no Wi-Fi wondering where your life went wrong.

5. Not Having an Essentials Bag

Moving day is like an extreme sport. By the time night rolls around, you’ll want easy access to the important stuff—not digging through random boxes looking for your toothbrush.

How to Avoid It:

Pack a bag with the following must-haves:
✅ A couple of changes of clothes
✅ Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, soap, etc.)
✅ Chargers for your phone/laptop
✅ Medications
✅ Snacks (because hunger + stress = bad combo)
✅ Important documents (lease, IDs, etc.)

Think of this as your "Survival Kit" for the first 24 hours in your new home.

6. Trying to Move Everything Yourself

Unless you have the superhuman strength of a Marvel hero, moving heavy furniture alone is a terrible idea. Your back will hate you for it.

How to Avoid It:

- Hire Professional Movers – Yes, it costs money, but it’ll save you time, stress, and potential hospital bills.
- Ask Friends for Help – Just bribe them with pizza and they’ll show up. (Pizza is the universal moving incentive.)
- Use Proper Equipment – Dollies, furniture sliders, and moving straps can make a world of difference and prevent injuries.

7. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways

Few things are more heart-wrenching than realizing your beloved couch won’t fit through the front door.

How to Avoid It:

- Measure Everything in Advance – Measure your furniture AND the doorways, hallways, and staircases of your new place.
- Disassemble Large Pieces – Take apart beds, tables, and anything else that can be broken down for easier transport.
- Have a Backup Plan – If something really won’t fit, have a plan B (like selling it or putting it in storage).

8. Forgetting to Update Your Address

If you don’t update your address, don’t be surprised when your Amazon packages end up at your old house.

How to Avoid It:

- Update Your Address with USPS – You can do this online in about five minutes.
- Notify Important Companies – Banks, credit cards, insurance providers, subscriptions—make sure they all have your new address.
- Tell Friends & Family – Otherwise, Grandma’s birthday card with the $20 bill might go to the wrong place.

9. Moving on the Wrong Day

Did you know moving companies have peak days? Yep! And if you’re not careful, you could end up paying way more than you need to.

How to Avoid It:

- Avoid Weekends & End of the Month – These are the busiest (and priciest) moving days.
- Check the Weather – Moving in the rain or snow? No thanks.
- Pick a Mid-Week, Mid-Month Date – It’ll likely be cheaper AND less chaotic.

10. Overstuffing Boxes

It might seem efficient to cram everything into one giant box, but good luck lifting it without breaking your back (or the box itself).

How to Avoid It:

- Distribute Weight Evenly – Heavy stuff (books, dishes) goes in smaller boxes; lighter stuff (pillows, linens) in bigger boxes.
- Don’t Overpack – If you hear a box groaning under the weight of your belongings, it’s too full.
- Use Sturdy Boxes – That flimsy old box from your last online order? Maybe not the best choice for your glassware.

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. With a little planning, some good organization, and a tiny bit of patience, you can avoid these common moving mistakes and make the whole process (almost) painless.

So, take a deep breath, grab some boxes, and get started. And remember—if all else fails, consider hiring professionals and bribing your friends with an unreasonable amount of pizza.

Happy moving!