If you’ve never moved before, you’re either in for pleasant surprises, rude awakenings, or an unexpected combination of both. Just because you’re a moving newbie does not mean you have to make mistakes, so check out our list of mistakes NOT to make while moving.
- Not tipping movers
- Using old, damaged, ripped up, dirty moving boxes
- Packing your important papers, expensive jewelry, and money in moving boxes to go into the moving truck
- Allowing surfaces to endure damage when moving furniture out of the house
- Failing to declutter before moving
- Leaving a mess in the home and major things broken and in disrepair after moving out
- Avoiding reviewing your moving agreement
- Posting personal details on social media about your move
- Not checking how much moving insurance you need, what it covers, or updating new policies
- Moving before researching your new area, finding a doctor, and what stores, schools, and community services are available or visiting the new neighborhood with the family
- Letting kids and pets run around amok instead of hiring a sitter or pet minder
- Forgetting to pack an overnight bag for when you move
- Never create a moving checklist or list your belongings and photograph them before they’re packed
- Failing to confirm moving arrangements with movers
- Standing up the movers on moving day
- Not knowing how you’ll pay for the move or having money to tip or pay the movers
- Forgetting extra packing supplies
- Leaving no proper space for movers to park or move out your belongings
- Stressing out before, during, and after moving instead of relaxing and giving yourself frequent breaks
- Working full-time on and around moving day
- Keeping the same locks for your new house
- Arranging where to stay overnight between moves at the last minute
- Resisting moving help from family and friends
- Forgetting to bring cleaning supplies and extra toilet paper when you move
- Not forwarding your mail and/or changing your address
- Labeling boxes improperly or not at all and using incorrect boxes and not securing them
- Failing to report damage, theft, or loss to the moving company
- Running out of prescriptions before moving
- Not changing and updating utility suppliers before moving
- Hiring the first moving company instead of interviewing and getting several different estimates
- Scheduling moves on the weekend or a holiday
- Bashing your old neighbors
- Not preparing your car before long-distance moving
- Losing touch with old friends
- Ignoring your budget and not sticking to it
- Risking common moving injuries, lifting moving boxes improperly, and moving difficult pieces when professional movers should handle them
- Giving the moving company the wrong address
- Using unlicensed movers
- Packing at the last minute, packing off-season items last and out of order
- Avoiding measuring windows, doors, and living spaces before you move in
- Wrapping valuables and sharp objects improperly
- Forgoing a home inspection which can be used as a reference
- Not getting everything in writing
- Failing to provide refreshments to movers
- Expecting you’ll adjust to your new home right away
- Packing up things you shouldn’t like dangerous chemicals and illegal items for movers to transport
- Hiding age-appropriate information about the move from children
- Forgetting a first aid kit
- Having no idea where the circuit breaker, water shut-off valves, furnace, water heater, air conditioner, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are
- Not keeping police and fire departments’ contact information handy
- Not taking advantage of extra moving services like packing, installation, Elite, etc., when you need it
- Being afraid to tell movers what you want and where you want moving boxes and furniture
- Failing to declare your move for tax deductions
- Refusing or failing to buy the proper tools you need to maintain your home
- Failing to make travel arrangements in advance
- Keeping unnecessary household items and furniture instead of selling and donating them