You’re packing up your life and getting ready to move. Whether it’s just across town or to a brand-new city, it feels like a lot. And here’s the truth—most people don’t get everything right on the first try. Even if you think you’ve planned well, there are small moving mistakes that can sneak up on you. They cause stress, cost you money, or make moving day more chaotic than it needs to be.
But once you know what to look out for, it’s easy to avoid the most common mistakes. This article guides you through the moving mistakes you might not even realize you’re making—and how to avoid each one.
1. Starting Too Late With the Big Stuff
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to get serious about their move. It starts with small things, like putting off packing or assuming you’ll book movers later. But the closer you get to your moving date, the fewer choices you’ll have.
Delaying your timeline can mean higher moving rates, fewer time slots, or even struggling to find a mover at all, especially if you’re relocating during busy seasons like summer or the end of the month. You might also end up rushing the packing process, which leads to poor labeling, damaged items, or forgotten details.
So, when should you start? Ideally, 6–8 weeks before your move. That gives you time to go through your belongings, get quotes from moving companies, and start organizing room by room.
Some people don’t just move across town—they move across borders. International moves take even more time to plan. If you’re heading abroad, it’s smart to talk to international movers early so you don’t miss key deadlines like customs paperwork or shipping schedules. You’ll need time for approvals, packing for long-distance transport, and learning about the rules in your destination country.
2. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
Most people assume they don’t have that much stuff—until they start packing. Then it hits. Closets are full. The garage is packed. Your “small” apartment suddenly looks like a storage unit.
This mistake causes all kinds of problems. You might rent a truck that’s too small. Or you’ll book movers based on an inaccurate load size, which can lead to delays or added charges. And if you’re doing it yourself, you could be looking at multiple trips when you thought you’d only need one.
The fix is simple. Take inventory early. Use a moving calculator or ask your movers if they offer a virtual walkthrough. It’s better to know the real size of your move than to guess and run into issues later.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
It seems like a small thing, but poor labeling causes a ton of stress on moving day. Writing “Kitchen” or “Misc.” on a box doesn’t help much when you’re digging around for plates or a phone charger.
You should label each box with three things: the room it’s going to, what’s inside, and how soon you’ll need it. For example: Kitchen – Pots and Pans – High Priority. You can also number your boxes and create a quick reference list to keep track.
Bonus tip: Use colored tape for each room. This helps movers know exactly where each box should go without needing to stop and ask you every time.
4. Ignoring Insurance and Valuation Coverage
It’s easy to assume your stuff will arrive in one piece. But accidents can happen. Items get dropped, scratched, or lost—and if you don’t have the right coverage, you could be out of luck.
Here’s what most people miss: basic moving coverage only pays by the pound. So if your expensive laptop or TV breaks, you could get just a few dollars. That’s why it’s worth looking into full-value protection or third-party insurance.
Don’t forget to ask what your moving company includes. Some offer free coverage with upgrades available, while others charge extra for any protection at all. It’s always better to be covered than caught off guard.
5. Not Preparing for Moving Day Chaos
Moving day can feel like a whirlwind. Without a plan, things get messy—fast. Movers might show up before you’re ready. Important items might get packed by mistake. Boxes could pile up in the wrong places.
Avoid that chaos by prepping the night before. Set aside an essentials bag with clothes, snacks, chargers, documents, and medication. Make sure all boxes are taped and labeled. Clear pathways through your home and protect your floors if needed.
Also, print a copy of your moving plan—especially if friends or movers are helping. That way, everyone’s on the same page about what goes where and what stays behind.
6. Trying to Do It All Yourself
Saving money sounds good until the move turns into a backbreaking, never-ending project. DIY moves come with more than just physical effort. There’s the time off work, rental fees, fuel costs, and risk of injury. If something breaks, you’re also the one paying for it.
You don’t need to hire help for everything, but be honest about your limits. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting, protect your furniture, and often finish faster. Many also offer extras like packing, storage, and furniture assembly.
For larger homes, tight deadlines, or long-distance moves, hiring help is often worth the investment. You’ll save time, energy, and avoid damaging your belongings—or your back.
Moving comes with plenty of stress already. You don’t need surprise problems adding to the list. Most of the mistakes we’ve covered are easy to fix once you know about them. Start planning early, be realistic about what you own, and don’t skip the small stuff—like labeling or insurance.
Whether you’re staying local or planning a move to a new country, getting these basics right makes a huge difference. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. And now, you are.
