Moving Tips

Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Bob Eggert |

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. With so many tasks to manage, it’s easy to make mistakes that can turn your moving day into a nightmare. To help ensure a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a list of common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is failing to plan ahead. Moving involves a lot of coordination, from hiring a moving company to packing your belongings. Without a plan, you may find yourself overwhelmed and scrambling at the last minute.

How to Avoid It: Create a moving timeline that includes all the tasks you need to complete before moving day. Start by setting a moving date and work backward, scheduling tasks like decluttering, packing, and arranging for utilities to be disconnected and reconnected.

2. Underestimating the Time Needed to Pack
Packing always takes longer than you think. Underestimating the time required can lead to rushed packing, resulting in poorly packed boxes and potential damage to your belongings.

How to Avoid It: Start packing as early as possible, beginning with items you use less frequently. Aim to pack a few boxes each day and allocate extra time for packing fragile or valuable items carefully.

3. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Moving all your belongings without decluttering can lead to unnecessary stress and higher moving costs. There’s no point in moving items you no longer need or want.

How to Avoid It: Before you start packing, go through each room and sort your belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash. This will help you reduce the number of items you need to move and make unpacking easier.

4. Forgetting to Label Boxes
Not labeling your boxes can make unpacking a nightmare. You won’t know which box contains your kitchen items and which one has your bathroom essentials.

How to Avoid It: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. You can also use a color-coding system to make it easier to identify boxes at a glance.

5. Choosing the Wrong Moving Company
Hiring a moving company without proper research can lead to issues like damaged belongings, hidden fees, or even scams.

How to Avoid It: Take the time to research moving companies thoroughly. Read reviews, check their credentials, and get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Ensure the company you choose is licensed and insured.

6. Not Packing an Essentials Box
Many people forget to pack an essentials box, leaving them without important items on the first night in their new home.

How to Avoid It: Pack a box with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, snacks, and basic kitchen items.

7. Neglecting to Notify Important Parties
Failing to notify important parties about your move can result in missed bills, service interruptions, or lost mail.

How to Avoid It: Make a list of all the parties you need to notify about your move, including utility companies, banks, insurance providers, and the postal service. Update your address with each of them well in advance.

8. Ignoring Safety Concerns
Moving can be physically demanding, and ignoring safety can lead to injuries.

How to Avoid It: Use proper lifting techniques, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and keep pathways clear of obstacles. If you have heavy or bulky items, consider hiring professional movers to handle them safely.

Avoiding these common moving mistakes can help make your move smoother and less stressful. Remember, a successful move is all about planning and preparation. By taking the time to organize and manage your move effectively, you can ensure a positive experience.

At Hogan Moving, we understand the challenges of moving and are here to help you every step of the way. Our experienced team offers comprehensive moving services tailored to your needs, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home. Don’t let moving stress you out – let us handle the heavy lifting!

Call us at (317) 639-9583 or visit our website at www.hoganmoving.com to request a free quote and learn more about our services.

Move with confidence, move with Hogan Moving.

  • Our experience with Hogan was excellent.  Professional, courteous and efficient.  I would definitely hire them again.

    Christy W. Indianapolis, IN
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    Katie B. Las Vegas, NV
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    Patty M. Indianapolis, IN
  • Every part of your team did a fabulous job… Your team was awesome.  I have moved across the country many times, and have never had such a great experience.

    Terri D. Indianapolis, IN
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    Mark D Indianapolis
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    Carroll K Bloomington
  • The packers were the best crew I have had in 28 moves.  Their experience, listening and professionalism got it done with ease.

    Judy V Indianapolis, IN
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    Neal C. Indianapolis, IN
  • Thanks for your help, the movers are so professional!!

    Jay H. Greenwood, IN
  • On behalf of the family, I am writing to compliment you and your staff. The crew was professional, friendly and efficient. Their willingness to go beyond the minimum specifications of […]

    Bonnie S. Avon, IN

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