It’s moving day! After weeks (or months) of planning, packing, and anticipation, you’re about to cross the finish line.
But too often, what should be a celebration can turn into a very stressful day. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to pack those last few boxes as the movers arrive, you’re not alone. Sometimes the unexpected happens! However, many moving day stressors can be minimized or avoided entirely with awareness and planning.
Let’s talk about eight common moving day mistakes and how you can make your moving day as smooth as possible.
Mistake #1: Not Being Packed in Time
Picture this: The moving truck pulls into the driveway, but you’re still tossing random items into boxes. It’s very easy to fall behind on your packing schedule and end up with a last-minute scramble to finish. However, last-minute packing can cause delays, raise your stress levels, and increase the risk of broken or forgotten items.
How To Avoid the Packing Crunch:
- Start early. Begin packing non-essentials several weeks before your move.
- Create a packing schedule. Break tasks into manageable daily goals.
- Set deadlines. Aim to have everything boxed up at least a day before moving day.
- Consider hiring professional packing services. Many movers offer packing services. It might be worth asking for a quote to see if it’s in your budget!
Packing ahead of time not only keeps things organized but also gives you peace of mind the night before your move. To help keep things on schedule, here’s a free, downloadable moving checklist!
Mistake #2: Forgetting To Label Boxes Properly
Next on our list of common moving day mistakes: unlabeled or poorly labeled boxes. You’ve just spent your first night in your new home, and a cup of coffee sounds really nice. But where is your coffee maker? It could be in any one of the mountains of unpacked boxes! Unlabeled boxes make unpacking way more stressful.
How To Avoid Unpacking Confusion:
- Use detailed labels. Write the room name and contents on each box.
- Try color-coding. Assign a color to each room for quick sorting.
- Mark fragile items. Clearly identify boxes containing breakables.
Taking a few extra minutes to label while you’re packing can save hours of confusion later.
Mistake #3: Not Having a Moving Day Essentials Bag
During long-distance moves, you may reach your home a few days before the moving truck. Do you have the items you’ll need to be comfortable in the meantime? One of the most common moving day mistakes is not planning for the time in between homes. You can avoid this stressor by packing an essentials bag. It may be as simple as packing a change of clothes and toiletries for the night, or it may be more complicated (like air mattresses, bedding, and cookware to get by until your items arrive).
How To Avoid Missing Essential Items:
- Pack an essentials bag. Include items like toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, a change of clothes, and important documents.
- Keep it with you. Don’t let essential items get mixed in with the rest of the boxes.
An essentials bag can make the transition period less stressful and more comfortable. A great moving partner can help you understand your moving timeline and what to expect during the move.
Mistake #4: Underestimating How Long Things Take
Moving always takes longer than you expect. Rushing can lead to forgotten items, extra mover fees, or missed deadlines.
How To Avoid the Rush:
- Add time buffers. Pad your moving schedule by at least 20–30%.
- Plan for breaks. Allow time for snacks, water, and rest.
- Expect delays. Traffic, weather, or elevator waits are common.
Giving yourself extra time helps keep stress in check and prevents costly moving day mistakes.
Mistake #5: Not Protecting Floors, Walls, or Furniture
Moving heavy furniture and boxes can easily cause unexpected dings, scratches, or stains — both in your old home and your new one.
How To Avoid Damage During a Move:
- Use floor runners and furniture pads. Protect surfaces from damage.
- Wrap fragile items. Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to protect belongings from damage.
- Install corner guards. Shield paint and walls in high-traffic areas.
Quality movers take care to protect your home and belongings from damage during the moving process. Ask your mover about these services!
Mistake #6: Failing To Communicate With Movers
Communication is the backbone of a streamlined move. A great moving company will answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
How To Avoid Miscommunication With Movers:
- Share your plan. Walk movers through your home and highlight fragile or high-value items.
- Get it in writing. A quality mover will provide a written quote. Don’t work with a mover who won’t back up their promises in writing.
- Give clear instructions. Label items that need special care or placement.
- Be cautious of moving brokers. Moving brokers and disreputable movers are infamous for vague communication or becoming unresponsive after payment. Avoid rogue companies by hiring agents of trusted van lines (like United).
Here at Central, every move has a dedicated move coordinator. This team member is available to answer your questions and keep you informed.
Mistake #7: Forgetting To Check Utilities and Address Changes
Arriving at your new place to find no power or running water? Or missing important mail? These are classic moving day mistakes you can avoid with a little planning.
How To Avoid Utility and Address Change Issues:
- Schedule utility connections. Arrange for electricity, water, gas, and internet to be turned on before move-in.
- Update your address. Notify the post office, banks, and subscriptions in advance.
- Confirm everything a week before. Double-check dates and details.
This step is often overlooked but makes a HUGE difference in helping you settle in.
Mistake #8: Overloading Boxes or Lifting Incorrectly
Ouch. This mistake can really hurt. Moving heavy boxes and using poor lifting techniques can lead to injuries or damage to belongings.
How To Avoid Damage From Overloading:
- Keep boxes under 50 lbs. Make them easy to carry and stack.
- Distribute weight evenly. Avoid putting all heavy items in one box.
- Use proper lifting form. Bend your knees, not your back, and ask for help with bulky items.
- Consider hiring professional movers. Pro movers have the equipment and training to handle large or heavy items safely.
- Protecting yourself and your belongings is worth every bit of extra care.
Avoiding Moving Day Mistakes
Moving day will probably always have stressful moments, but planning helps you to avoid BIG headaches. These eight moving mistakes are common, but they don’t have to happen to you! Here at Central Transportation Systems, we have over a century of experience transporting people across Texas (and beyond). We’re here to handle the heavy lifting and help you have a smooth, streamlined move.
Wondering how to avoid moving day stress? We’re here to answer your questions! Contact Central Transportation Systems today.
FAQs
What’s the most overlooked moving day task?
It’s hard to identify just one, but many people forget to pack an essentials bag or forget to confirm utilities are set up at their new homes.
Should I be present when movers load the truck?
Yes! Being there helps answer questions, provides directions, and gives you confidence that everything is handled with care.
What if I realize I forgot to pack something important?
Don’t worry — set it aside in your essentials bag or pack a “last box” for those forgotten items.
Is tipping movers expected?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If your movers provided excellent service, it’s a nice way to show thanks.
How do I prepare kids or pets for moving day?
Please arrange for someone to watch them or set up a safe, quiet space with familiar items to help ease their stress. For more info, check out this blog for tips on moving with pets.