Being a first-time mover, especially being in charge of a move for the first time, can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. There are many avoidable mistakes that first-time movers make that lead to stress, damage, or extra costs. Our short guide will help you sidestep these mistakes for a smooth and hassle-free move.
Mistake #1: Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
Many people don’t realize how much they own until they start packing, especially if you have a family. First-time movers might make the mistake of waiting to pack the day before they plan to move or miscalculating how many boxes and supplies they’ll need.
How to Avoid It: Start assessing and packing your non-essential items early on, declutter where possible, and take inventory of your belongings. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what you need.
Mistake #2: Not Booking Movers in Advance
Relying on friends and family to help you move isn’t always feasible, especially during busy seasons. Our professional movers handle everything—from packing to unloading—but our schedule fills up fast, so book in advance for the best availability and pricing.
How to Avoid It: Book with a professional moving company at least 4-6 weeks ahead of your moving date to ensure availability and avoid last-minute fees.
Mistake #3: Packing Without a System
You don’t have to pack perfectly to prepare your things for your move, but throwing items in boxes randomly will lead to frustration and confusion when unpacking. We recommend following a basic system while packing to save yourself time at the other end when you have to unpack.
How to Avoid It: Label your boxes clearly, pack room by room, and use a moving checklist.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Change Your Address
On top of organizing your belongings for your move, there are other details to take care of to make your new location official. If you miss important mail, bills, or deliveries, you might have forgotten to change your address.
How to Avoid It: Update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and utilities ahead of time.
Mistake #5: Not Packing an Essentials Box
We always recommend packing an essentials box so you have access to the important items you need once you arrive at your new destination. Not packing one might leave you scrambling to find your toothbrush, charging cords, or pyjamas on a moving day, which is not fun.
How to Avoid It: Pack a box for you and the family with daily essentials like toiletries, important documents, a change of clothes, and chargers.
Mistake #6: Failing to Protect Fragile Items
Unpacking your boxes to discover broken dishes, TVs, or mirrors can be costly and frustrating. Often, the cause of broken, fragile items is not that you didn’t move carefully but that the items weren’t protected well enough for transit.
How to Avoid It: Use quality packing materials and bubble wrap, clearly mark your fragile boxes, and never stack heavy items on top of your fragile boxes.
Mistake #7: Overpacking Boxes
It may be tempting to stuff your boxes as full as you possibly can, but this can lead to more headaches than you want. Extremely heavy or overstuffed boxes can break or be difficult to lift.
How to Avoid It: Distribute weight evenly and use smaller boxes for heavy items.
Mistake #8: Not Measuring Doorways and Furniture
Nobody wants to encounter moving day surprises like a couch that won’t fit through the door. Not only can these discoveries be frustrating, but they can extend the time it takes to complete your move, which takes away your time or adds fees to your professional movers.
How to Avoid It: Measure furniture and entryways in advance to plan the best way to move large items or how to take them apart.
Mistake #9: Ignoring Moving Insurance
Accidents happen when we least expect them, and without moving insurance, you could be left with costly damages. Explore your options beforehand rather than leaving everything to chance on a moving day.
How to Avoid It: Ask your movers if they offer insurance or purchase third-party moving coverage to protect your items and wallet.
Mistake #10: Skipping a Final Walkthrough
Once all your boxes, furniture, and essential belongings are out of your house, you might be tempted to turn off the lights and call it a day. But, leaving behind valuables or forgetting to check utilities can cause issues later.
How to Avoid It: Do a final thorough walkthrough of your old place before leaving to check closets, drawers, and appliances for anything you might have missed.
First-Time Moving Services in Edmonton
Your first move doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you plan ahead and avoid the ten common mistakes mentioned above. Hiring a professional moving company can also make the entire process smoother.
Need help with your first move? Request your free quote today to start planning your stress-free moving experience!
