Moving is a major life event—and with so many moving parts (literally), it’s easy to make mistakes that cost time, money, and peace of mind. From poor planning to packing pitfalls, the most common moving errors are usually preventable with a little foresight.
At Edson’s Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of families and businesses relocate successfully. Along the way, we’ve seen the same mistakes happen over and over—so we’ve compiled this list to help you avoid them during your next move. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, here are the top 10 mistakes people make when moving, and what you can do differently.
1. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Movers
The mistake:
You assume you can book movers a few days before your desired move date.
The solution:
Book your moving company 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer). This ensures availability, better rates, and enough time to coordinate logistics. Early booking also helps you access extra services like packing and storage, which may fill up quickly.
2. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
The mistake:
You assume packing will only take a weekend—and end up overwhelmed with boxes the night before your move.
The solution:
Start packing early and sort room by room. Use a moving inventory checklist to estimate how many boxes and what size truck you’ll need. If in doubt, ask your movers for a virtual or in-person walkthrough to assess the true volume of your belongings.
3. Not Decluttering Before Packing
The mistake:
You pack everything—including stuff you don’t need—only to unpack clutter in your new space.
The solution:
Use the “keep, donate, sell, toss” method before packing. Decluttering first saves money on moving costs, reduces stress, and gives you a clean slate in your new home.
4. Skipping Labels on Boxes
The mistake:
You pack in a hurry and forget to label boxes—or only label the top.
The solution:
Label every box on multiple sides with the room and contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates & Mugs”). Use color-coded labels if possible. For fragile items, mark boxes clearly and indicate “This Side Up” to prevent damage in transit.
5. Packing Essentials in the Wrong Place
The mistake:
You accidentally pack your chargers, medicine, or important documents—and then can’t find them for days.
The solution:
Create an “essentials box” with items you’ll need immediately after the move:
- Toiletries
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Clean clothes
- Medications
- Snacks and water
- Paperwork for leases, utilities, or ID
Keep this box with you in your vehicle, not on the moving truck.
6. Forgetting to Measure Furniture and Doorways
The mistake:
You arrive at your new home only to realize your couch won’t fit through the door—or upstairs.
The solution:
Measure your large furniture and the doorways, hallways, and staircases in both your current and new home. Disassemble furniture if needed, and communicate with your movers so they’re prepared with tools and a plan.
7. Hiring the Cheapest Moving Company Without Research
The mistake:
You choose a mover based on price alone—and end up with poor service, delays, or hidden fees.
The solution:
Always verify licensing, insurance, and reviews. Ask questions about pricing transparency, handling of fragile items, and service guarantees. At Edson’s Movers, we provide honest, upfront pricing and a professional, experienced team for every job.
8. Not Having a Plan for Pets or Kids
The mistake:
You don’t make arrangements for pets or small children on moving day—and things get chaotic.
The solution:
Set up childcare or pet care during the move. If that’s not possible, pack a dedicated bag with toys, food, and comfort items. Create a safe, contained space in both homes where pets and children can stay while movers work.
9. Ignoring Utility Transfers and Address Changes
The mistake:
You move in and discover the power’s off—or mail is still being delivered to your old address.
The solution:
Set up utility transfers at least a week before the move. This includes electricity, gas, internet, trash pickup, and water. Also:
- Update your address with USPS
- Notify your bank, employer, and subscriptions
- Update your driver’s license if required
10. Trying to Do Everything Alone
The mistake:
You try to manage the entire move without help—packing, lifting, cleaning, driving—only to end up exhausted and overwhelmed.
The solution:
Ask for help. Hire professionals for the heavy lifting. Lean on friends or family for childcare or organizing. Moving is stressful, but you don’t have to do it solo.
Edson’s Movers offers full-service solutions, including packing, furniture disassembly, transport, and unpacking. With the right team, your move becomes faster, safer, and far less stressful.
Bonus Tip: Start With a Moving Checklist
Want to keep your move on track from start to finish? Use a moving checklist that begins at least a month out. Break tasks down by week and room. Not only does this help you stay organized, but it also prevents small but critical details from falling through the cracks.
A Smoother Move Starts With Smarter Planning
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you from headaches, delays, and surprise expenses. The best part? These aren’t complicated fixes—they’re simple, practical strategies that anyone can follow.
Whether you’re preparing for your first move or your fifth, Edson’s Movers is here to help you do it right the first time. With expert service, transparent pricing, and flexible scheduling, we make local and long-distance moves feel effortless.
Ready to move the smart way? Contact us to schedule your next move with Edson’s Movers—the team that helps you avoid the mistakes and focus on the finish line.
