Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but if not planned, it can also be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. There are countless mistakes that people still make which can create needless complications during the moving process.
The good news is that these mistakes can be avoided! To help you navigate your move, we’ve compiled a list of common moving mistakes and how you can avoid them. By learning from the experiences of others, you can save time, money, and a lot of stress.
1. Failing to Plan Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating the importance of a plan. Without a clear plan of action, you risk forgetting essential tasks, missing deadlines, and feeling overwhelmed as moving day approaches.
How to Avoid It
Start planning your move at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Create a detailed moving checklist that includes key tasks, such as decluttering, packing, hiring movers, and notifying utility providers. Break down the process into manageable steps and set deadlines for each task. For example, book your moving company 4-6 weeks before your move date to secure availability and avoid late surcharges.
You also need to remain in contact with your estate agents to monitor key dates, such as exchange and completion dates.
And don’t forget your neighbours! If you aren’t lucky enough to have a big driveway, you should also try to save a spot outside your house for the removal van. Remember our vans are a lot larger than your average vehicle!
Create a detailed moving checklist that includes key tasks, such as decluttering, packing, hiring movers, and notifying utility providers.
2. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Many people make the mistake of packing everything they own without considering whether they still need or want those items. This not only increases the volume of your move but also adds unnecessary costs and effort. Moving is one of the best opportunities you get to clear out these items and declutter your house. Not to mention that it helps ensure a more stress-free move to your new home.
How to Avoid It
Take the time to declutter your home before packing. Go through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Be ruthless and channel your inner Marie Kondo—if you haven’t used something in over a year and it’s not close to your heart, it’s probably time to let it go.
Take your items to a car boot or list items online on platforms like eBay, Depop and Vinted to make some extra cash before your move. Donate (gently) used items to charity, and responsibly dispose of anything that is no longer usable.
The chances are there will be items that you don’t want in your new home, but that you don’t feel ready to get rid of yet. The best compromise for this is to hire a purpose-built storage unit where you can store as many items as you like, without them taking up space in your new or current home. We recommend a purpose-built unit because it should be climate-controlled, clean, under surveillance and insured, meaning your items are kept safe and in excellent condition for as long as you need.
For more tips on decluttering, read our full guide on decluttering before moving house
Take the time to declutter your home before packing. Go through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard.
3. Choosing the Wrong Moving Company
Not all moving companies are created equal, and hiring the wrong one can lead to delays, damaged belongings, and even scams! Many people make the mistake of choosing a mover based solely on price or location, without considering their reputation.
How to Avoid It
Do your research before hiring a removal company. Read online reviews, check their credentials, and ensure they are registered with relevant industry associations, including having a license and being insured.
Make sure your removals team are qualified to meet your requirements, too. If you have antique, valuable or otherwise awkward items that need to be moved, such as a piano or grandfather clock, your removals team should be able to factor this into their plan and costs for you
You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences.
Read our full guide on how to choose a moving company for more tips.
4. Underestimating the Cost
Moving expenses can quickly add up, and many people are caught off guard by hidden costs. From packing supplies to van hire, the financial burden can be significant if not accounted for.
How to Avoid It
Request quotes from multiple moving companies to compare prices and services. Be sure to ask about additional fees, such as charges for certain items. Create a detailed moving budget that includes all potential expenses, including packing materials, transportation, and temporary storage if needed.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider cost-saving measures like packing your belongings or moving during the off-season.
5. Packing Badly
Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving, and many people make mistakes that can lead to damaged or lost items. Common errors include not giving yourself enough time to pack, using inadequate packing materials, overloading boxes, and failing to label them. As well as damage, this can also make things complicated for your movers, leading to time wasted when having to repack items on an already hectic day for you.
How to Avoid It
Invest in high-quality packing materials, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like bedding. Wrap fragile items individually and use plenty of padding to prevent breakage.
Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and help movers place boxes in the correct rooms.
Here at Falconer Removals, we offer a packing service where you can ensure your items will be packed safely and efficiently.
Common errors include not giving yourself enough time to pack, using inadequate packing materials, overloading boxes, and failing to label them.
6. Forgetting to Inform Important Parties
It’s easy to overlook the need to update your address with your service providers. However, failing to do so can result in missed bills and lost mail, and increase the risk of identity theft.
How to Avoid It
Make a list of all the parties that need to be notified of your move. This includes your bank, the DVLA, utility companies, insurance providers, and subscription services.
Set up mail forwarding with the Royal Mail (or your postal service) to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence.
7. Trying to Do It All Yourself
While DIY moving can save money, it’s not always the best option. Many people underestimate the physical and logistical challenges of moving and end up exhausted, injured, or behind schedule.
How to Avoid It
Assess your needs and decide whether to hire professional movers or enlist the help of friends and family. If you’re moving a long distance or have a lot of items and furniture, hiring professionals is often worth the investment.
Don’t forget to make sure you arrange for someone to take care of any children or pets during the moving period.
Assess your needs and decide whether to hire professional movers or enlist the help of friends and family.
8. Overlooking the First-Night
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want is to rummage through boxes to find your toothbrush or a change of clothes. Many people forget to pack a separate box of essentials for their first night in their new home.
How to Avoid It
Pack a “first-night kit” that includes essential items, such as toiletries, medications, snacks, chargers, and a change of clothes. Keep this box with you during the move rather than loading it onto the moving truck.
Also, consider packing basic kitchen essentials, such as plates, utensils, and a kettle, so you can make a cup of tea or a quick meal without digging through your boxes.
How Falconer Removals Can Help
To learn more about our removal services or purpose-built storage facilities for Wales and beyond, don’t hesitate to contact Nathan.
At Falconer Removals, we use meticulous moving techniques, passed down and perfected through generations for over 132 years, to ensure your goods are moved with expert precision and kept in perfect condition.
For more expert advice on how to pack, move and store your belongings — or other FAQs on how removals work — check out our blog page.
