Moving to a new home can be exciting — but it’s also one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing, scheduling movers, and juggling everyday life, it’s easy to overlook important details.
To help you enjoy a smoother, stress-free move, here are the top five mistakes people make when moving — and how you can avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Plan
The Mistake:
Many people underestimate how much time a move actually takes. Packing up an entire home, transferring utilities, and hiring movers isn’t something you can do in a weekend.
How to Avoid It:
Start planning at least four weeks in advance.
Create a moving checklist that includes booking your moving company, gathering supplies, and tackling one room at a time. The earlier you start, the less chaos you’ll face in the final week.
Pro Tip: Book professional movers early — especially during peak moving season (May–September). Good companies fill up fast!
2. Not Decluttering Before Packing
The Mistake:
Many movers pack everything — including items they haven’t used in years. This leads to higher moving costs, wasted time, and unnecessary clutter in your new space.
How to Avoid It:
Before packing, go through your belongings and separate them into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or toss.
Downsizing not only saves money on moving costs, but also gives you a fresh start in your new home.
Pro Tip: Donate gently used items to local charities or list them online for extra cash before moving day.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly
The Mistake:
Unlabeled boxes might save a few seconds while packing, but they’ll cause hours of confusion when you arrive at your new home.
How to Avoid It:
Label each box with both the room name and a brief description of contents. For example: “Kitchen – Pots & Pans.”
If you’re feeling extra organized, color-code your boxes by room or create a simple numbering system with a matching inventory list.
Pro Tip: Use bright tape or large markers for easy visibility on moving day.
4. Underestimating the Importance of Insurance and Protection
The Mistake:
People often assume their belongings are automatically covered during a move — only to find out too late that damages aren’t included in basic moving packages.
How to Avoid It:
Ask your moving company about insurance options and valuation coverage. Consider purchasing additional protection for valuable or fragile items.
Also, pack breakables carefully using sturdy boxes and plenty of padding.
Pro Tip: Take photos of high-value items before moving — this makes it easier to file a claim if something happens.
5. Trying to Do It All Yourself
The Mistake:
DIY moves may seem cheaper, but they often lead to exhaustion, delays, and even injuries. Without professional help, you could end up damaging furniture or your new home.
How to Avoid It:
Hire a licensed, insured moving company with a strong reputation and great reviews. Experienced movers have the right equipment, vehicles, and expertise to make your move safe and efficient.
Pro Tip: Get an in-home or virtual estimate from at least two companies so you can compare pricing and services.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common moving mistakes can save you time, money, and stress — and ensure a smoother transition into your new home.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, a little preparation (and the right moving team) goes a long way.
Ready to Make Your Move Easy?
At Good Greek Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of families relocate safely and stress-free.
Let us handle the heavy lifting — so you can focus on settling into your new home.
