Packing for a move can be one of the most challenging parts of the whole process. Whether you are moving across town or to a completely new city, packing up all your belongings is no easy task. It can feel like you have a mountain of stuff, and trying to fit it all in boxes may seem overwhelming. Sometimes, no matter how much we try to plan, things just don’t go quite right. The key is to know what mistakes to avoid so your move can be as stress-free as possible. Let’s look at the top 5 packing mistakes people make and how to avoid them!
1. Not Starting Early Enough
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not giving themselves enough time to pack. Many people think they can get it done in just a couple of days, but packing usually takes much longer than expected. This is especially true if you have a lot of belongings or if you’re moving a whole family. When you don’t start early enough, it can lead to rushing at the last minute, which can cause stress, mistakes, and even damage to your items.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Start packing at least a few weeks before your moving date. Create a plan to pack up one room at a time, starting with the rooms or items you use the least. For example, start with the basement, attic, or storage areas—these spaces are often filled with things you don’t need every day. Make a checklist of rooms or types of items you need to pack so you can stay on track. Packing little by little over time will help you feel more organized and make the entire process easier.
If you feel overwhelmed just thinking about it, you can always get help from a reliable moving company like Aaron’s Reliable. Professional movers have the experience to pack your things carefully and efficiently, taking the stress off your shoulders.
2. Not Using the Right Packing Materials
Another common mistake is not using the proper packing materials. Some people use old, weak boxes that can collapse, or they use no padding for fragile items. This can lead to broken dishes, shattered glasses, or damaged electronics. Using the wrong materials can cost you a lot of money in repairs or replacements.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Invest in good quality packing supplies. You will need sturdy boxes of different sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Don’t forget to have markers handy for labeling boxes. When packing fragile items, wrap each item with bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent damage. For larger items like TVs or mirrors, use specialized boxes or protective coverings.
If finding all these materials sounds like too much work, consider hiring a professional packing service. At Aaron’s Reliable, we offer expert packing services to make sure your belongings are safe and sound during the move. Our team knows how to handle items with care, using high-quality materials for each type of item.
3. Not Labeling Boxes Clearly
Imagine arriving at your new home with a mountain of boxes, but none of them have labels. It’s impossible to tell what’s inside each box without opening it, and this can make unpacking a nightmare. Not labeling boxes is one of the top packing mistakes people make. It can cause confusion and make the whole process much longer and more stressful.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Label every single box with a clear description of what’s inside. You can write the name of the room and a brief description, such as “Kitchen – Dishes,” “Bedroom – Shoes,” or “Living Room – Books.” Make sure to write on more than one side of the box so it’s easy to see. You can even use colored stickers or tape to color-code the boxes for each room. This way, when you get to your new place, you (or the movers) will know exactly where each box should go, making the unpacking process smoother.
To take it a step further, make an inventory list. Number each box and write down a list of what is in each box in a notebook or on your phone. This might seem like extra work, but it will be extremely helpful when you are looking for something specific after the move.
4. Overpacking Boxes
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to fit as much as possible into a single box. You might think it’s efficient, but overpacking boxes can be a serious mistake. Boxes that are too heavy are difficult to lift, increasing the chances of dropping them. Plus, too much weight can cause the box to break, damaging your belongings and possibly even injuring someone.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Use medium-sized boxes for heavier items like books and dishes. It’s much better to have multiple smaller, lighter boxes than a few huge, heavy ones. You should be able to lift each box without straining. Spread out heavy items and mix them with lighter items. For example, instead of filling an entire box with books, put some books in the bottom of a box and fill the rest with lightweight blankets or pillows.
For fragile items, be sure to use extra padding, and don’t overpack them. You want to make sure there is enough cushioning so that items do not bump into each other during the move.
5. Forgetting to Pack an Essentials Box
Imagine you’ve just moved into your new home, and you’re exhausted after a long day of moving. You want to take a shower, change clothes, and maybe have a quick snack. But then you realize—you have no idea where your towels, clean clothes, or even your toothbrush are. This is why forgetting to pack an essentials box is a big mistake many people make.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
An essentials box is a box you pack with all the items you will need right away at your new home. This box should be easy to access and should contain things like:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- A change of clothes
- Towels
- Important medications
- Phone chargers
- Snacks and basic cooking items
- Plates, utensils, and cups for the first meal
- Bedding and pillows
Label this box clearly as “Essentials” and keep it with you in your car rather than putting it on the moving truck. This way, you will have everything you need for your first night in your new place without having to search through multiple boxes.
Bonus Tips for Packing Like a Pro
- Declutter Before You Pack: Packing is much easier if you have fewer things to move. Before you start packing, go through each room and get rid of anything you no longer need. You can donate, sell, or throw away items that are just taking up space. This will make packing quicker and save you time and money when it comes to moving.
- Keep Similar Items Together: Pack similar items in the same box to make unpacking easier. For example, keep all your kitchen utensils in one box or all your bathroom supplies in another. This helps keep everything organized and easy to unpack when you get to your new home.
- Take Pictures of Electronics Setups: Before you unplug your electronics, take pictures of how everything is connected. This will make setting them up again much easier. You’ll have a visual guide to follow, and you won’t have to guess which cord goes where.
- Use Suitcases for Heavy Items: If you have a suitcase with wheels, use it for packing heavier items like books or dishes. It’s easier to roll a suitcase than to carry a heavy box.
- Protect Your Valuables: Make sure to keep valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and anything sentimental with you rather than putting them on the moving truck. This will give you peace of mind, knowing your most precious belongings are safe.
Moving with Aaron’s Reliable
Packing for a move can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you want to save time, reduce stress, and make sure everything is packed safely, Aaron’s Reliable can help. We have years of experience in helping people move with ease. Our professional team knows how to handle items of all shapes and sizes with care.
Our packing services ensure that all your belongings are packed securely with high-quality materials. We’ll make sure your items are organized and ready for the journey. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our services or see what our customers have to say by visiting our testimonials.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or have questions—we’re here to make your move as smooth as possible. You can contact us here, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. Avoiding these common packing mistakes can make a huge difference in your moving experience. Start early, use the right materials, label your boxes, don’t overpack, and remember to pack an essentials box. And remember, if packing feels like too much, there’s no shame in calling in the experts.
At Aaron’s Reliable, we know how much goes into making a move successful. We’re here to help, whether it’s with packing, moving, or even just giving you some advice. Let us make your next move your best move!