5 Biggest Moving and Packing Mistakes

Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be a real headache. Between the endless to-do lists and last-minute packing chaos, things can spiral out of control fast. Knowing about a few common pitfalls can save you time and stress. Tackle the move yourself or hiring a packing and moving company.

Here are the five biggest mistakes to avoid:

1. Procrastinating on Packing

It is easy to put off packing. You think, “I will just do it the weekend before the move. How hard could it be?” But come moving day, you are knee-deep in a sea of random, unorganized belongings, kicking yourself for not starting sooner.

Here is how to avoid this packing blunder:

• Start early: Begin packing non-essential items at least three to four weeks in advance.
• Go room by room: Focus on one space at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Set daily packing goals: Small tasks each day keep you on track without burning you out.
• Declutter as you go: Donate, sell, or toss items you no longer need. The fewer things you pack, the easier your move will be.

If packing still overwhelms you, consider using professional packing services for moving. Experts can box up your belongings quickly and efficiently, freeing up time to focus on other aspects of your move.

2. Skimping on Quality Packing Materials

You grab a stack of free boxes from the grocery store and some old tape from the junk drawer and call it good. What could go wrong? Plenty. Weak boxes can break under pressure, especially if sealed with a single layer of cheap tape. Plus, fragile items are more likely to break without proper padding.

For the best results, invest in good-quality packing materials. A little extra spending upfront can prevent costly damage later. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sturdy boxes: Double-walled cardboard boxes hold up better.
• Heavy-duty packing tape: Don’t rely on weak tape that barely sticks. Use four individual lines of strong packing tape to seal your boxes properly.
• Cushioning materials: Bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts protect fragile items.
• Plastic wrap: This is great for securing dresser drawers, keeping furniture dust-free, and bundling loose items together.

For added convenience, many packing and moving services sell packing supplies. Be sure to ask when scheduling your move date.

3. Not Labeling Boxes Clearly

It’s a month before your move, and you’ve already started packing with high-quality boxes and tape. You’re doing great! Now, just make sure you label your boxes as you go. Otherwise, you’ll get to your new home with a mountain of identical-looking boxes to sift through.

Try these labeling tips:

• Write key details on each box: Instead of just “kitchen” or “bathroom,” write “Kitchen – Pots and Pans” or “Bathroom – Towels and Rugs.”
• Label three sides: Use a bold marker and write on multiple sides of the box.
• Mark your breakables: Clearly label fragile boxes so movers know to handle them with care.
• Use a color-coded system: For added efficiency, assign a color to each room and use matching stickers or markers. This prevents you from having to write the room name every time.

If you hire professionals to help with packing and moving, make sure box labeling is included as part of their package.

4. Overpacking Boxes

It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into each box to reduce the number of trips. However, an overloaded box can easily become too heavy to carry, increasing the risk of injury or the bottom breaking open mid-move.

To keep boxes at a manageable weight, remember these tips:

• Use small boxes for heavy items: Reserve small boxes for books, dishes, and canned goods.
• Stick to a 50-pound limit per box: If you can’t lift it comfortably, it’s too heavy.
• Distribute weight wisely: Place heavier items at the bottom of the box. If there’s still room, stuff lightweight towels or bedding on top.

If heavy lifting isn’t your thing, consider investing in packing and loading services for moving, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

5. Forgetting an Essentials Box

You arrive at your new home, happy but exhausted, only to realize your toothbrush, phone charger, and pajamas are somewhere in the mountain of boxes. That’s not exactly the smoothest way to start your first night.

The trick to avoiding this scenario is to pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first 24 to 48 hours. Here’s what to include:

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper
• Clothing: A change of clothes and pajamas
• Electronics: Phone charger, laptop, and power strip
• Kitchen basics: Snacks, paper plates, plastic cutlery, and water bottles
• Important documents: IDs, lease or mortgage papers, cash, and moving company contracts

Independence Storage Makes Moving Easier

Moving is complicated enough without worrying about where to store your stuff. Independence Storage simplifies the process with secure, convenient, and affordable self-storage solutions in Mountain View, CA. Whether you need short-term storage during your move or a long-term solution, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our self-storage services, or reserve your unit today.