Moving is stressful enough as it is without you making it even harder than it needs to be, right? That’s why below, you will find some very common moving mistakes that, if you can avoid making them, will ensure a much smoother move now and whenever you decide to move on again in the future.
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Don’t Wing It
Thinking you can just “wing it” on moving day is like going into a karaoke bar and confidently grabbing the mic, only to realize you don’t know the lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody” after all. It’s a bad idea.
Planning is your friend. Make lists, check them twice, and maybe a third time for good measure. Have a clear action plan for the move, including a timeline and a full inventory of your belongings. Trust me, “I thought you packed it!” is the last thing you want to hear when you realize your laptop was last seen under a pile of socks.
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Don’t Leave Packing for the Last Minute
If you start packing the night before the move, you’re going to have a bad time. Packing in a hurry leads to boxes filled with random assortments of items like a blender, three socks (not a pair, mind you), and your important tax documents. Start packing early, and do it room by room. Label those boxes like you’re a librarian who’s had five coffees—meticulously.
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Don’t Skimp on Packing Materials
Let’s get this straight: your heirloom china is not going to survive the trip wrapped in last week’s newspaper. Proper packing materials are not just suggestions—they are must-haves. Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Your future, unbroken self will thank you for it. Remember, the only thing that should be shattered during a move is your belief in the laws of physics, not your glassware.
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Don’t Forget to Measure
Bringing your beloved couch only to find out it won’t squeeze through the front door of your new place is a special kind of heartbreak. Measure furniture and doorways before you move. That way, you won’t end up having to make your sofa a permanent resident of your front lawn because it’s too big to fit through any door.
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Don’t Pack Junk
Moving is a golden opportunity to declutter. Don’t pack stuff you don’t need, like those jeans you’ve been saying you’ll fit into for the past five years. Be ruthless. If it’s not useful, joyful, or at least decently decorative, it’s time to say goodbye. Donate, sell, or throw away the things that don’t make the cut. Think of it as less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack.
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Don’t Ignore the Details
Change your address with the post office. Notify your bank, your employer, and your subscription services. Check if your pet’s microchip info needs updating. Ignoring these details is like forgetting to put water in your cup o’ noodles. Sure, it’s edible, but it’s just not right.
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Don’t Underestimate the Emotional Impact
Moving isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s an emotional one too. It’s okay to feel a bit blue about leaving a place you’ve called home. Give yourself and your family time to say goodbye to the old pad. Maybe even throw a farewell party. It’s like closure, but with more cake.
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Don’t Try to Move Everything Yourself
Thinking of moving that grand piano by yourself? Please reconsider. Hire a professional moving company, at the very least, for the big, heavy, or complex items. Your back (and your piano) will thank you. Remember, movers are there for a reason, and that reason is so you don’t end up wedged between a wall and a refrigerator, rethinking all your life choices.
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Don’t Let Kids and Pets Run Wild on Moving Day
Moving day is chaotic enough without a toddler running into a maze of boxes or your dog deciding to play hide and seek. Have a plan for your kids and pets. Maybe a friend or a babysitter can watch them for the day. It keeps them safe and keeps you from pulling your hair out.
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Don’t Forget to Have a Moving Day Survival Kit
Think of this as your moving day go-bag. Pack a box or a suitcase with essentials you’ll need easy access to during the move and right after you arrive at your new place. Include snacks, medications, chargers, basic tools, and maybe even a bottle of champagne. After all, once you’ve successfully moved, you’ll want to toast to never having to do it again (until next time).
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Don’t Neglect to Clean Before You Leave
It’s tempting to leave cleaning for the very end or skip it entirely, especially when you’re exhausted. But cleaning your old place is important, whether to secure your deposit back or to simply not be ‘that person’ who leaves a mess behind. A clean exit is as satisfying as a clean entry.
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Don’t Forget to Set Up Utilities in Advance
One of the biggest rookie mistakes in moving is forgetting to set up your utilities before you arrive. There’s nothing like spending your first night in your new home with no electricity, water, or worse—internet! Call ahead to arrange for all your utilities to be switched over and activated by the time you step through the door. It’s the difference between a celebratory first night and a gloomy candlelit evening that feels more 19th century than 21st.
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Don’t Transport Perishable Food
Trying to move perishable food items is like trying to make sushi in the Sahara—pointless and messy. Use up your perishables or donate them before you move. It’s a great way to lighten the load and avoid opening a box filled with what used to be fresh vegetables and is now just sad soup.
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Don’t Ignore Your Plants
Your leafy friends need special attention during a move. Make sure to pack your plants properly and keep them in a temperature-controlled environment as much as possible. Consider transporting them in your vehicle where you can keep an eye on them instead of the back of a stuffy moving truck. After all, they’re part of the family too!
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Don’t Leave Tools Behind
Assemble a basic toolbox for moving day. Include tools like screwdrivers, a hammer, nails, and measuring tape. You’ll likely need to assemble furniture or make quick repairs. Having tools at hand on moving day will save you a trip to the hardware store and keep your move on track.
Moving stress? What moving stress?
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
