Moving to a new home or office can be an exciting new chapter, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating down the street or to another city, the process involves many moving parts, and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Avoiding these common moving mistakes will help ensure a smoother, less stressful experience.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common moving mistakes people make, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to avoid them.
One of the most common moving mistakes people make is waiting too long to begin planning. Whether it’s because of excitement, procrastination, or underestimating the time required, many people find themselves scrambling at the last minute. A rushed move can lead to missed steps, incomplete packing, and added stress.
Tip: Start planning your move at least 6 to 8 weeks before your moving day. This gives you enough time to tackle all the tasks methodically. Begin by creating a detailed timeline of everything you need to do, including:
By spreading out the work and starting early, you’ll avoid unnecessary panic as the big day approaches.
Many people are surprised by how much moving costs. From hiring professional movers to purchasing packing supplies, there are many expenses to factor in. If you don’t get an accurate estimate of the cost, you may find yourself scrambling to cover additional fees.
Tip: Always get detailed estimates from moving companies. Ask for an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your home or office so the company can provide an accurate quote based on the number of rooms, size of your belongings, and any special requirements. Be sure to ask about:
Getting a breakdown of all potential charges helps you avoid surprise costs and stay within budget.
A major common moving mistake is opting to move without professional help. While it may seem cost-effective to handle the move yourself, moving heavy furniture, delicate items, and navigating tight spaces can be challenging and even dangerous. Improper packing or handling can result in damage to your belongings or injuries.
Tip: Hiring a professional moving company like A Mile Above Moving ensures that your belongings are handled safely and efficiently. Professional movers have the necessary experience, tools, and techniques to handle all types of moves — from delicate antiques to heavy furniture. Not only will this save you time, but it will also ensure that everything arrives at your new home or office in one piece.
When people move, they often make the mistake of hauling everything with them — even if it’s something they no longer need or use. This increases the cost and time of the move and results in unnecessary clutter at your new home or office.
Tip: Take the opportunity to declutter before your move. Start by going through each room and sorting your items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Consider selling items you no longer need through garage sales or online marketplaces. Reducing the amount of stuff you’re moving will help lower your overall costs and make the packing process much more manageable.
Packing is often where things go wrong. Improper packing of items — from delicate glassware to electronics — can lead to breakage, loss, or even injury. One of the most common moving mistakes is trying to pack everything into whatever boxes are available, often without adequate protection.
Tip: Invest in sturdy boxes and high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and tape. Pack fragile items carefully, using padding and ensuring that heavier items are placed at the bottom of boxes. Label your boxes clearly and mark fragile items so movers know to handle them with care.
If you’re unsure about packing techniques, consider hiring professional packers who are trained in safely and securely packing your belongings.
Imagine getting to your new home and having to dig through dozens of unmarked boxes to find your essentials. This is a common moving mistake that can make unpacking chaotic and time-consuming.
Tip: Label each box with a description of its contents and the room it belongs in. For example, “Living Room – Books,” “Kitchen – Plates & Glasses.” You can also colour-code boxes by room to make unpacking even easier. Clear labeling will help you prioritize which boxes to unpack first and save you valuable time during the unpacking process.
Another common moving mistake is overloading boxes with too many items. People tend to cram as much as possible into each box to minimize the number of boxes they need to move. However, this can lead to torn boxes, difficulty in lifting, and damage to your belongings.
Tip: Avoid overpacking by using the right size boxes for different items. For example, use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like bedding and clothes. Make sure each box is filled to the top but not overstuffed. This will make it easier to carry and reduce the risk of damage.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home only to realize the electricity, water, or internet hasn’t been set up. Forgetting to arrange utilities is a common moving mistake that can cause a lot of inconvenience.
Tip: Contact utility companies well in advance — at least 7 days before moving — to set up services in your new home. Make sure your electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable are all scheduled for activation before or on your move-in day. This ensures you won’t arrive at your new place in the dark or without essential services.
Moving important items like passports, legal documents, or jewellery is often overlooked during a relocation. Losing these items can cause major headaches and even security issues.
Tip: Keep your most important and valuable items with you during the move. Store them in a secure folder, bag, or lockbox, and carry them personally. Do not pack these items in boxes or with your other belongings on the moving truck. This will ensure they remain safe and accessible during your move.
A major common moving mistake is trying to do everything yourself. Moving is a big task, and trying to handle everything alone can lead to burnout, mistakes, or even injuries. Many people feel guilty about asking for help, but moving is a team effort.
Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help! Whether it’s hiring professional movers, getting assistance from friends or family, or hiring packing experts, having a team to support you can make a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to others, especially if it means reducing your stress and ensuring the job is done right.
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming experience. By avoiding these common moving mistakes, you can save time, reduce costs, and ensure your belongings are handled with care. Start by planning early, hiring professionals when necessary, and following the packing and organizing tips in this guide.
At A Mile Above Moving, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible. If you’re preparing for a move in Ottawa, contact us today for a free quote and expert moving assistance.
Planning a move from Ottawa to Toronto? Let our long distance moving company take care of the logistics so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter. Moving from Ottawa to Toronto
Avoid common moving day headaches! Learn the top 5 mistakes people make during a move and simple tips to ensure a smooth transition
Planning a move from Ottawa to Toronto? Let our long distance moving company take care of the logistics so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter. Moving from Ottawa to Toronto
Planning a move from Ottawa to Toronto? Let our long distance moving company take care of the logistics so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter. Moving from Ottawa to Toronto
The most affordable time to move in Ottawa is during the off-peak season from October to April. With lower demand, moving companies often offer discounted rates and greater scheduling flexibility.
The cost of a local move can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance between the two locations, the size and weight of the items being moved, and the number of movers required. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you determine what a reasonable price for a local move might be.
On average, movers in Ottawa charge between $100 and $150 per hour for a team of two, including a truck and basic supplies. Rates may vary based on factors like the size of the move.
