Moving Mistakes to Avoid
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October 4th, 2022
Do you have a big move coming up? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure where to begin with the packing process? You’re not alone. Moving is not for the faint of heart, but there are some ways to create a smoother, more simple experience. We’re here to help! Below you’ll find our moving checklist for packing and moving mistakes to avoid.
Procrastinating
Sometimes, the dread of doing something can cause people to avoid it at all costs. This only compounds your stress. Start small early on, and remind yourself that you’re only starting today. You don’t have to finish today, but by taking a few actions steps about a month or so out, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.
Winging It
You also need to create a plan. If you have no idea where to start, keep reading and we’ll give you some ideas on what to plan for and how to do it. You may also want to read over our moving out checklist!
Not Creating an Inventory List
An inventory list will be one of those things that feels over the top to create, but hear us out… If you start with this step, it will be the gift that keeps on giving throughout the process. This is an easy way to jump into the mindset of moving because it doesn’t require a lot of decision making.
Just go room by room through your home and write down everything that needs to be packed. This is your inventory list. It will also help you figure out how much packing supplies you may need. Or, if you want to be really efficient, start a note on your smart phone that you share with your moving partners. That way everyone is in the loop and each person can add to it as they go.
Not only does this inventory list hack remove the mystery of “where do I begin?” but it also helps in a few other ways. It will show you what you can get rid of right away by decluttering, what needs to go into storage, what little things you can already pack up, and—bonus—it can act as a checklist for the packing and unpacking process. You’re welcome.
Packing Everything You Own
Do you really want to bring everything you have with you to your new home? There’s a saying that goes like this: “There’s something about packing up everything you own that makes you question everything you own.” Also, “Don’t bring old baggage on your new journey.”
Moving is the perfect time to purge and declutter. Plus, if you follow our advice and start early enough, you have some time to sell some items. You could list them on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist as you go, or you could even hold a yard sale if you’re organized enough. The extra cash can help offset some of the moving costs. While you’re decluttering, you can decide what items will need to go into storage.
Not Reserving Help
Whether you hire a moving company or enlist the help of friends or family, you will need to get some assistance and “book it” so that no one is caught off guard. Plus, it will be a mental relief for you to know you’re not doing it alone on the day of.
Not Researching the Moving Company
If you do choose to hire a company or pay someone to help, do your best to do some research. Are there online reviews you can read? Do they come with personal references? Better yet, can you ask some trusted friends or family if they have personal recommendations based on positive experiences? You’ll be glad to know you and your things are in good hands.
Moving Everything All at Once
Pack up non-essentials (like seasonal decor, clothes, and shoes or memorabilia) about a month before the move and take those boxes over as soon as you can. You can also start moving designated storage unit items into their temporary home. This will make your load lighter on the big day. You’ll be thanking yourself later!
Throwing Everything in Boxes Without Thought
You need to label your boxes, and you should really try to pack things based on logical grouping. You can label by room and general theme. This is so helpful for the unpacking process because you know where to place boxes as you’re bringing them in. You won’t have to drop them in a pile and sort through it all in the new home. Also, be sure to label fragile things as such so that everyone knows to handle those boxes with care.
You may not get fully unpacked the first week, so think about this as you are packing. Make sure items like toilet paper, towels and shower supplies, clothes, first aid supplies and cooking essentials are readily available.
Not Measuring
Measure your new home! Especially doorways. There’s nothing worse than moving a huge sleeper sofa out of your old home, onto a truck, up to the doorway—only to find out it won’t fit through the door. Measure, measure, measure. And sell items you know won’t fit well within your new space. It’s a fresh start, so roll with it.
Not Having Packing Supplies
Do yourself a favor and gather proper packing supplies. You don’t want to put all of your clothes in trash bags. You don’t want boxes falling apart as you carry books and belongings up stairs. Gather sturdy boxes. Buy tape, and use wrapping materials—items that are conveniently available for sale at all Alamo Mini-Storage facilities. These things are so worth it for peace of mind and making things a little easier on you. Plus, there are many ways to get boxes for free and other items on the cheap. So be sure to research ways to get them frugally! Just get them.
We hope these 10 tips help you avoid the most common moving mistakes. With a little preparation and planning, you can reduce your stress and lean into the excitement of a fresh start. Congratulations and best wishes for this next chapter in your life!