Top 5 Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, there are common mistakes that many people make during the moving process. Luckily, with a bit of planning and preparation, these mistakes can be avoided. Here are the top 5 moving mistakes and tips on how to steer clear of them!

1. Procrastinating on Packing

One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving packing to the last minute. This leads to unnecessary stress and rushed decisions, often resulting in damaged items and missed packing essentials.

How to Avoid It:
Start packing early—ideally, at least a few weeks before your move. Begin with items you use less frequently and gradually work your way toward the essentials. This way, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush and ensure everything is packed securely and organised. Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of packing your life into boxes? At HLH we offer packaging services to make your move even easier.

2. Not Hiring Professional Movers

Many people think they can save money by handling the move themselves. While this may work for small moves, DIY moving can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and physically exhausting—especially when it comes to heavy lifting and navigating tricky logistics.

How to Avoid It:
Hiring professional movers like HLH Removals ensures your belongings are handled with care and efficiency. Experienced movers have the right tools, equipment, and expertise to get the job done safely and on time. Plus, you can avoid the risk of injury and damage to your property. Fun fact: when a property is ‘completing’, it's advised that the property is vacant by midday ready for the new owners.

3. Failing to Label Boxes Properly

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of labelling your boxes, but when you’re in a new home surrounded by countless boxes, it can be a nightmare trying to find what you need.

How to Avoid It:
Make sure to clearly label each box with both its contents and the room it belongs in. Colour-coded labels or stickers can help speed up the unpacking process and ensure your items end up where they belong. Don’t forget to label fragile items to prevent any accidents.

4. Underestimating the Time Required

Moving takes longer than most people expect, and not allowing enough time for the entire process can lead to frustration and rushed decisions.

How to Avoid It:
Plan ahead and allow extra time for the move. Create a moving timeline that includes packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Factor in some wiggle room in case of unexpected delays, such as traffic or weather. Don’t rush—take your time to ensure everything is handled carefully. You can always ask the removal company to give you an expected time frame so you know where you stand on move day with timings.

5. Overpacking or Underpacking Boxes

Packing boxes too tightly can cause them to tear or break, while packing them too loosely can lead to items shifting or getting damaged during the move.

How to Avoid It:
Use the right size boxes for your items and pack them securely but not too tightly. Fill gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Avoid overloading boxes—make them manageable in weight so they’re easier to lift and transport.

Bonus Tip: Neglecting Storage Solutions

Sometimes, moving requires more than just transporting belongings. If you’re downsizing, between homes, or need extra space, forgetting about storage can cause last-minute stress.

How to Avoid It:
Consider using professional storage services for short-term or long-term needs. HLH Removals offers secure storage solutions, so your belongings are safe and accessible until you’re ready for them.

Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes and preparing properly, you can ensure a smoother, more efficient move. Whether you need help with packing, transporting, or storing your belongings, the team at HLH Removals is here to make your move as easy as possible. Start planning early, stay organised, and leave the heavy lifting to the professionals!

Need help with your move? Get in touch with HLH Removals today!