Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way that can cause unnecessary stress and added expenses. Whether it’s forgetting to pack an essential item or miscalculating the logistics of the move, these errors can complicate what should be a smooth transition. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common moving mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is waiting until the last minute to pack. This creates unnecessary pressure and can lead to forgotten items or poorly packed boxes. Start packing at least 4-6 weeks in advance, beginning with non-essential items, and label every box clearly. The earlier you start, the easier the entire process will be.

Tip: Create a packing schedule to stay on track and break down the packing process into manageable steps.

2. Not Decluttering Before the Move

A common mistake people make is packing everything they own without taking the time to declutter. Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge items that no longer serve you. Cluttered homes lead to cluttered moves, which increase the overall cost and effort of the move.

Tip: Go through each room and get rid of things you don’t need. Donate, sell, or recycle items before you pack them up.

3. Forgetting to Budget for the Move

It’s easy to underestimate the cost of moving, especially if you’re hiring professional movers. In addition to the moving company’s fees, you may need to account for packing materials, storage, insurance, and travel expenses. Failing to budget properly can lead to unexpected financial stress.

Tip: Set aside a moving budget and get quotes from moving companies ahead of time to understand all costs involved. This will ensure you’re financially prepared for the big day.

4. Not Labeling Boxes Properly

A common mistake is not labeling boxes or not labeling them clearly enough. When boxes are not labeled, it can be incredibly difficult to find essential items once you arrive at your new home. Not labeling boxes by room or content will also make unpacking far more time-consuming.

Tip: Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. Consider color-coding boxes by room for even easier identification.

5. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack

Packing is a time-consuming task, and underestimating how long it takes can lead to last-minute stress. If you try to pack everything in one day, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re working with fragile items.

Tip: Set aside time each day for packing, breaking it down into manageable chunks. Packing a little each day helps reduce stress and ensures you don’t forget important items.

6. Not Protecting Fragile Items Properly

Whether it’s glassware, electronics, or delicate furniture, failing to properly protect fragile items is a mistake that can lead to costly breakages. Using insufficient packing materials or not securing these items properly can cause irreparable damage.

Tip: Use high-quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. For valuable items, consider investing in insurance through your moving company for added peace of mind.

7. Not Communicating With Your Movers

Miscommunication with your moving company can result in delays, extra charges, or items being handled improperly. It’s important to clearly communicate any special instructions, such as fragile items, stairs at both locations, or specific time frames for the move.

Tip: Keep open lines of communication with your movers throughout the process. Provide them with a list of any special considerations, and confirm all the details before the move day.

8. Overpacking Boxes

Overloading boxes is another common mistake that can cause damage during the move. Not only does it make the boxes difficult to carry, but it can also put too much strain on the box itself, causing it to tear or break.

Tip: Keep boxes at a manageable weight, typically under 50 pounds. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books, and larger boxes for lightweight items like bedding or pillows.

9. Forgetting to Take Care of Utilities

Moving involves more than just packing up and leaving. If you forget to disconnect or transfer utilities like water, electricity, gas, or internet, you could be stuck without essential services at your new home.

Tip: Contact utility providers several weeks before your move to ensure that everything is transferred or disconnected. Don’t forget to update your address with your cable, internet, and phone service providers.

10. Ignoring the Importance of Insurance

While moving insurance is often optional, not having it can be risky, especially for valuable or fragile items. Without coverage, you’ll be responsible for replacing any lost or damaged goods during the move.

Tip: Speak with your moving company about insurance options. While most companies offer basic coverage, consider additional protection if you’re moving valuable items like antiques, artwork, or electronics.