Millions of people have encountered moving house mistakes during their relocations, sometimes on more than one occasion.
Even those who pride themselves on meticulous planning can overlook a crucial detail or fail to foresee a particular problem.
With so many factors to consider when moving home, it’s easy to understand how errors creep in.
The good news is that by being aware of these common pitfalls, you can plan ahead and ensure that your move goes smoothly.
In this article, we’ll discuss nine of the most common mistakes people make when moving house and offer guidance on how to avoid them.
By learning from these experiences, you’ll be better prepared to handle the entire process, from the initial planning stages to settling into your new home.
For even more help, take a look at our House Moving Checklist to keep your move on track.
Why Avoiding Moving House Mistakes Matters
Moving home is often a significant life event, bringing a mix of excitement and stress.
By avoiding common mistakes, you can reduce unnecessary pressure, prevent unexpected costs, and manage your belongings and finances effectively.
A well-planned move not only makes the day itself easier but also helps you settle into your new surroundings with greater peace of mind.
1. Choosing a Bad Time to Move
While timing isn’t always within your control, you should avoid scheduling your move during particularly hectic periods.
For instance, starting a new job at the same time may be too stressful, and if you have children, it’s best not to uproot them in the middle of a crucial school term or exam season.
Where possible, pick a date that allows you and your family to focus solely on the move, rather than competing with other major life events.
2. Not Creating a Moving Calendar
One of the simplest ways to avoid moving house mistakes is to create a moving calendar as soon as you decide to relocate.
Even if it’s just a rough outline at first, this initial plan will help you visualise upcoming deadlines, identify key tasks, and reduce the risk of forgetting something important.
You can refine this calendar over time, adding more detail as you learn what needs to be done and when.
3. Budgeting Errors
Moving house can be costly, with fees for estate agents, solicitors, surveys, and removals companies all adding up.
A common mistake is failing to plan when these bills are due.
To avoid cash flow problems, map out when each payment is likely to occur and ensure you have the funds available.
Organising your finances in advance helps you budget effectively and prevents nasty surprises from cropping up later.
4. Not Having a Proper Clear-Out
Many people underestimate how much stuff they’ve accumulated over the years.
If you don’t declutter before the move, you may waste time and money transporting items you don’t really need.
You should start by sorting through old clothes and books, then move on to non-essential items and sentimental belongings you no longer want.
By lightening the load in advance, you’ll enjoy a smoother, faster move and a tidier new home.
5. Not Starting to Pack Early Enough
Leaving packing until the last minute almost guarantees stress.
In the weeks before the move, begin boxing up anything you’re unlikely to need, such as out-of-season clothes and non-essential decorations.
Children’s toys, extra cushions, or ornaments can be packed away early, keeping only the basics accessible for daily life.
Attention should be paid to storage areas like lofts, garages, and sheds, as these can be tackled well in advance.
6. Moving Without Professional Help
While it’s possible to move house without a removals company, doing so often brings its own challenges.
Professional movers are adept at packing efficiently, handling fragile items, and loading vehicles securely.
They have the right materials, equipment, and expertise to make the process more straightforward.
If you have children or a particularly large or complex move, investing in professional help can save you considerable stress and potential delays.
7. Not Researching Your Removals Firm Properly
Relying on a disreputable or inexperienced removals company can lead to a host of problems, from last-minute cancellations to damaged possessions.
Take the time to read reviews, ask about memberships with reputable bodies like the British Association of Removers (BAR), and confirm that the firm has appropriate insurance and fair payment terms.
It’s also worth discussing their approach to delays, parking arrangements, and the handling of fragile items before you commit.
8. Forgetting to Set Up Utilities in Your New Home
Surprisingly, many people overlook the importance of setting up utilities before moving day.
Gas, electricity, and council tax are usually at the forefront of people’s minds, but broadband often slips through the net.
Sorting out your broadband in advance prevents you from being offline for days, an inconvenience that can be especially troublesome if you work from home.
Contact your suppliers as soon as you have a moving date and record meter readings on the day you leave your old property and arrive at your new one.
9. Overlooking Practicalities on Moving Day
Even once everything is packed, there are still a few mistakes that can occur on the day of the move. Failing to measure large furniture can result in awkward manoeuvring or even damage.
Not accepting help from friends and family can leave you exhausted, and forgetting to prepare a ‘moving day survival kit’ will make the day feel far more chaotic than it needs to be.
A survival kit might include essentials such as toiletries, chargers, bed linen, a kettle, and a few mugs for those much-needed tea breaks.
Consider adding basic tools, snacks, and cleaning products too, so that you can quickly settle in after arriving at your new home.
Label your boxes clearly and use quality packing materials to prevent later breakages and confusion.
10. Neglecting to Notify Important Contacts
Forgetting to inform certain people and organisations about your change of address can lead to missed bills, undelivered post, and confusion down the line.
Please update your details with financial institutions, healthcare providers, subscription services, and government bodies well before the move.
The earlier you start, the smoother the transition will be once you’ve settled in.
11. Underestimating the Emotional Toll
Moving isn’t just a physical process; it can also be emotionally draining.
Underestimating how stressful and tiring the experience can be may leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Give yourself time to unwind, accept help from friends and family, and break tasks down into manageable steps.
Recognising the emotional impact of moving allows you to approach the day with more realistic expectations and a calmer mindset.
Avoiding These Moving House Mistakes
By being aware of these common moving house mistakes, you can plan ahead and take proactive steps to prevent them.
Remember to pick a suitable moving date, create a moving calendar, budget carefully, and give yourself enough time to declutter and pack.
Choose a reliable removals firm, set up your utilities early, and be well-prepared on the day itself.
With a little care and foresight, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a smoother move.
Ready to Make Your Move Easier?
If you’re looking for professional assistance that helps you sidestep these moving house mistakes, Curtiss Moving & Storage is here to lend a hand.
With our expertise, industry accreditations, and dedication to customer satisfaction, we can guide you through every stage of the process.
From packing services to storage solutions, we’ll help make your relocation a positive experience.
To find out more or to get a free quotation, visit Curtiss Moving & Storage or give us a call. We’re ready to answer your questions and ensure your next move is as stress-free as possible.
