12 Common Moving Mistakes

Moving is tough, but it’s even tougher if you make these 12 mistakes. From a major packing faux pas to failing to check the calendar (yep, when you move matters just as much as where you move), these common moving mistakes can cost you money, put you at risk for injury and generally result in an unpleasant experience.

Check out our compilation of the 12 most common moving mistakes and see how many you’ve made.

1. Packing Boxes Too Heavy

It’s seriously annoying to carry 20 light boxes to the car instead of 10 heavy ones, but packing boxes too heavy can damage your belongings and your body. Instead of hurting your back and dropping the fancy plates, only pack boxes that you can comfortably carry.

2. Not Packing a Travel Bag

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s wise to pack a suitcase full of items you’ll need during the move. Fill this bag with clothing, toiletries, chargers and anything else you’d rather not dig through boxes to find during your move.

3. Using Poor Quality Boxes

In a money-saving move, you got some boxes for free from Craigslist. But if those free boxes are torn or filled with debris, your items may end up broken or stained. Snag some moving supplies from your storage facility instead.

4. Not Checking the Weather

What’s worse—moving in the rain or moving on a very hot day? We think they’re both equally bad if you’re unprepared. Check the weather before you move, that way you can postpone or at least prepare.

5. Moving During the Summer

In addition to the aforementioned heat issue (Hello, dehydration!), the summer season is the busiest time for moving. In fact, 70 percent of moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This can result in higher costs if you’re using a mover and more traffic on the road.

6. Not Factoring in Traffic

Speaking of traffic, failing to factor it in can cost you money in gas or in hourly rates for movers. It also prolongs your move, which, unless you’re a masochist, is something you want to get over with.

7. Moving Close to a Holiday

While there’s a case to be made for moving on a day when the rest of the world is sitting inside, eating turkey, moving on a holiday—or even near a holiday—isn’t a good idea. Moving services including truck rental companies and storage facilities may be closed, and you may end up traveling on one of the busiest days of the year.

8. Forgetting to Change Your Address

Don’t miss out on this year’s tax forms or next year’s Christmas presents! Change your address as soon as you move.

9. Rushing to Fill Your Home With New Things

New homeowners are especially guilty of this mistake. It’s super tempting to buy an awesome new couch or some beautiful art for your new home, but take your time making these purchases. You’ll find better quality items and spend less money all at once.

10. Forgetting About Non-Movables

Phew. You hired a full service moving company to make your move super easy. But wait, what’s this about non-movables? Believe it or not, there are things a moving company won’t move. This often includes very valuable items and potentially dangerous items. Check with your moving company about what is and isn’t allowed.

11. Not Doing Research When Hiring Movers

We could go on and on about why you should look at online reviews when choosing a storage facility. This is equally important when hiring a moving company. Don’t look for the cheapest mover; look for the best mover. Avoid companies that request deposits, charge too many fees and don’t offer comprehensive insurance.

12. Thinking That You Don’t Need Self Storage

Moving can be overwhelming. A month-to-month lease on a storage unit can make it easier. This can allow you to make trips on your timeline, avoid creating clutter in your new home and set yourself up for an easier, more relaxed move in general.