Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Moving Houses
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of stress. Over the years, I’ve seen friends, clients, and even myself struggle with avoidable mistakes. Knowing what not to do can save you time, money, and headaches. Here’s a guide to the most common errors people make when moving houses.
1. Not Planning Ahead
Failing to plan is planning to fail. I remember one client who booked movers the day before moving—they ended up scrambling for boxes, packing slowly, and paying extra for last-minute services. Start planning weeks ahead to schedule movers, pack boxes, and organize your belongings.
2. Underestimating Time
Many people think a move will take a few hours, but preparation, packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking usually take much longer. Allocate sufficient time and try to finish packing at least a day before the move.
3. Ignoring Fragile Items
Fragile items require special care. Not labeling or packing them properly can lead to broken valuables. Use bubble wrap, padding, and clearly mark “Fragile” on the boxes. I’ve seen clients lose heirlooms simply because the boxes were stacked without care.
4. Choosing the Cheapest Movers
It’s tempting to go with the lowest bid, but cheaper movers often cut corners. Equipment, experience, insurance, and reliability matter more than a few shillings saved. Paying a bit more for professionalism ensures peace of mind on moving day.
5-10. Other Common Mistakes
Other errors include:
- Forgetting to update your address for utilities, banks, and subscriptions.
- Not decluttering before the move—unnecessary items only add stress and cost.
- Poorly labeling boxes, making unpacking chaotic.
- Leaving heavy lifting to inexperienced friends or family, risking injury or damage.
- Neglecting to check if the truck fits your furniture and access points.
- Overlooking timing, traffic, or weather conditions that can affect moving day.
Learning from these common mistakes can make your next move much smoother and less stressful. Take the time to plan, pack carefully, and hire professional movers—you’ll thank yourself when moving day goes off without a hitch.