Moving house can be one of the most stressful experiences in life but it doesn’t have to be. With so many things to organise, from packing and cleaning to booking a removal service, it’s easy to overlook key details that can cause unnecessary stress or expense.
To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve rounded up the most common moving mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1. Leaving Everything Until the Last Minute
Procrastination is one of the biggest pitfalls when moving. Leaving packing, sorting, or booking a removal company until the last few days can lead to chaos, higher costs, and rushed decisions.
Start planning your move at least six weeks in advance. Create a checklist that includes everything from notifying utility companies to arranging child or pet care for moving day. The more organised you are early on, the less stressful and expensive the process will be.
2. Not Decluttering Before You Pack
One of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make is packing everything they own, including items they no longer need. Every extra box adds time and money to your move, especially if you’re paying by weight or van space.
Take time to declutter before you pack. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. You’ll save on packing materials, reduce moving costs, and arrive at your new home with only the things you actually use and love.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
In the rush of moving, it’s easy to toss everything into boxes without labelling them properly. This small oversight can turn unpacking into a nightmare, with endless searching and frustration.
Label each box clearly with:
- The room name (e.g., kitchen, bedroom, bathroom)
- A brief list of contents
- A note if it’s fragile or requires special care
A bit of extra effort while packing will save you hours of confusion on the other end.
4. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack
Many people assume they can pack up a home in a couple of days only to find themselves surrounded by chaos when moving day arrives. Packing properly takes far longer than expected, especially when wrapping fragile items or sorting through years of belongings.
Aim to start packing non-essential items two to three weeks before your move, and work room by room. Leave only your daily essentials for the final couple of days.
5. Skimping on Quality Packing Materials
Using old or flimsy boxes might seem like a good way to save money, but it can backfire quickly. Boxes that collapse or tear can lead to broken items and extra hassle on moving day.
Invest in sturdy boxes, quality tape, and protective materials for fragile goods. Alternatively, ask your removal company if they can provide professional packing supplies many offer affordable options or even reusable crates.
6. Not Comparing Removal Quotes
Another big mistake is booking the first removal company you find without comparing prices or services. Every moving company offers different packages, so it’s worth getting at least three quotes.
When comparing, consider:
- What’s included (e.g., packing, dismantling, insurance)
- Whether they’re fully insured and licensed
- Reviews and customer feedback
Choosing a professional and trustworthy company ensures your belongings are in safe hands and may actually save you money if issues arise.
7. Forgetting to Update Addresses and Utilities
Amidst the packing and planning, it’s easy to forget the admin side of moving. But failing to update your address and transfer utilities can cause serious inconvenience later on.
Make a list of everyone who needs to know your new address, including:
- Banks and insurance providers
- GP and dentist
- Council tax and utilities
- Subscriptions and delivery services
Notify them at least a week before you move to avoid any disruptions or missed bills.
8. Ignoring Insurance and Valuables
Don’t assume your belongings are automatically covered during transit. Some home insurance policies only provide limited cover for moving, and not all removal companies include insurance by default.
Always check your cover in advance. If necessary, take out temporary moving insurance or confirm that your removal company’s policy protects against damage or loss.
For particularly valuable items such as jewellery, electronics, or important documents, consider transporting them personally.
9. Overlooking Access and Parking Arrangements
It’s surprisingly common for people to forget about parking or access restrictions at their old or new property. If your removal van can’t park close to your home, it can lead to extra carrying time or even fines.
Check in advance if you need to reserve parking permits or loading zones, and let your moving company know about any narrow streets, stairs, or lifts so they can plan accordingly.
10. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
While it might seem cheaper to handle your move on your own, DIY moving often ends up costing more in time, stress and potential damage.
Professional movers have the right equipment, vehicles and experience to get the job done efficiently and safely. By letting experts handle the heavy lifting, you can focus on settling into your new home rather than worrying about logistics.
Conclusion
Moving house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, staying organised, and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free transition to your new home.
A little preparation goes a long way and with the right help, your moving day can be a positive and exciting experience.
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