Moving houses is a daunting task. No argument about it. And one of the most time-consuming parts of it is the packing. It is like a minefield. There are so many packing mistakes that can be made, especially by a rookie. And if you commit them, you prolong your packing time and add to the amount of stress you’re under. There are two kinds of packing mistakes – the ones that happen before and the ones that happen on a moving day. To avoid packing mistakes altogether, keep reading.

Packing mistakes to avoid before the moving day

To remain calm, you should prepare well for it. If you want your move to go easily and simply you should take packing seriously and dedicate enough time to it.

Starting late

Depending on the size of your home, you should start packing as early as two months ahead. This might sound too early if you’re a first-time mover, but really it’s not. Moving can be an emotional process. It’s not just putting everything you’ve got in your boxes and rearranging it in your new home.

Getting a head start will leave you with enough time to evaluate all your possessions and decide whether or not to move them. Some items are not worth relocating. These include:

• worn-out clothes
• outdated electronics
• any item you haven’t used in the last year
• items that are not suited to your new home (due to their size or usability in your new surroundings)

You can donate, sell or give them to a friend. If you become too emotional, just remember that it costs money to move every one of those things. The weight of your shipment is a price-determining factor, after all.

Not having a packing plan

To alleviate moving stress as much as possible, make a packing plan and stick to it. After searching for a moving company online, you can begin packing systematically. Start by packing the stuff you use the least, like extra linen, out-of-season clothing, spare items, etc. Move on to books, office supplies, jewelry, hobby supplies, artwork, and other items you don’t use daily.

As the big day approaches, you can start packing your appliances, electronics, and kitchen items. One week before moving day you can pack your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, together with furniture. If you parcel your packing tasks like this, you won’t feel overwhelmed by them and you’ll have access to the thing you really need as long as possible.

Bonus tip: If you have a large house to pack, you can do this room by room.

Not making a moving inventory

Making a moving inventory might seem like extra work amidst an already busy period. But, keeping track of your items in the hassle of relocating can turn out to be a smart decision. You can photograph and list all the items you are moving. In case any of them get stolen or damaged in the move, you will have a strong case against the moving company.

Thinking you can do it yourself

Even if you opt for not hiring movers to help you pack, it’s still foolish to think you can pull it off entirely by yourself. The task of packing up an entire household requires at least two sets of hands. Get a friend or a relative to assist you because this moving mistake can cost you.

If you don’t succeed in packing everything on time you will pay the movers to help you pack or you will pay them for the time they spent waiting for you. Either way, don’t overestimate your abilities and get some help on time.

Using inadequate packing supplies

Packing materials are a crucial factor. If you want your belongings to arrive safely and undamaged, you should use proper packing supplies. Plastic bags are considered inadequate packing supplies because they rip easily, exposing your things to damage. For stress-free packing, know that wrapping your fragile items in newspapers is a bad idea because it can leave ink marks. You can get packing materials online or in a local shop.

Bonus tip: Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tape, etc. Rushing to the store to get them in the middle of the process is a big waste of time that you might not be able to afford.

Packing mistakes to avoid on a moving day

Forgetting to pack an open-first box

The biggest packing mistake people make is forgetting to pack an open-first box. It is a box full of essential things you are surely going to need on your first day in your new home. Often people forget about it and find themselves without any toiletries, food, or kitchen supplies when they arrive before the moving truck. To avoid going to the store to buy the thing you already have, pack them in a separate box and keep them close. Items to be found in the essentials box are:

• fresh clothes and pajamas for each family member
• basic toiletries
• prescription drugs
• first aid kit
• small tool kit
• phone and tablet chargers
• personal documents
• basic kitchen utensils

And whatever you do, don’t load it onto the moving truck!

Forgetting to label the boxes 

On a moving day, all your boxes should be clearly marked. If you haven’t done it yet, do it on a moving day. It will make your life so much easier once you move in. And it will be significant for the movers as well.

Bad communication with moving crew

On a moving day, stay calm and polite. Movers can’t read your mind, so try to communicate your wishes clearly. Keep an eye on the situation and react on time, if you see them handling something badly. As you can see, packing mistakes are many but they can be avoided if you start early and stay organized.