Packing is like a puzzle. Only it’s not fun, and all the pieces are heavy, fragile, and too big for the box.
Moving is a huge deal, and packing is one of the most stressful parts of it.
Studies show that a staggering 45% of people end up waiting until the last minute to pack, which is the starting point for disaster.
You’re already stressed about the move, and now you're scrambling to get everything packed properly.
You might even be throwing things in boxes like it’s a game of Tetris, but instead of fitting perfectly, things end up broken, lost, or left behind.
Here's the thing: the biggest packing mistakes when moving are more common than you think, and they’re usually the ones that people don’t even realize until they’re halfway through the move.
So, we’re going to break down every single packing mistake, the ones you know about and the sneaky ones you probably haven't thought of.
That way, when it’s your turn to move, you’ll be packing like a pro.
Waiting Until the Last Minute (Like Everyone Does)
We get it; life gets busy. But waiting until the last minute to start packing is hands down one of the biggest packing mistakes when moving.
And it's not something you want to experience.
You may think you can cram everything into a few hours or a couple of days, but packing is time-consuming!
You can easily underestimate how long it takes to wrap and sort everything.
If you wait until the last moment, you’ll be scrambling, throwing stuff in boxes without order, and wasting time searching for things you need right away.
Solution: Start packing early, like a few weeks before your move. If you don't want to start with your kitchen utensils and end up cooking with your hands, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get things organized.
That leads us straight to our next mistake.
If you’re running out of time, Last Minute Moving Help can help! With expert tips, you'll be packed and ready to roll in no time!
Overpacking Boxes Like a Rookie
It feels satisfying to cram as many items into a box as possible, but overpacking is a disaster waiting to happen.
We’ve all seen those boxes that are so stuffed that they could burst at the seams.
However, packing mistakes during relocation often come from trying to overdo it.
Think about it. You fill a box with everything, and then when you go to lift it, you realize it's so heavy you can’t even move it.
Heavy items like books, pots, or canned goods belong in smaller boxes, not the largest ones you can find.
Solution: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry. If you're planning to move fragile items, bubble-wrap them and pack them in specialized boxes.
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Forgetting to Label Everything Properly
When you don’t label boxes, you’re basically asking for chaos.
Picture this: it’s the first night in your new place, and you just want to relax with your favorite pajamas and a cup of tea.
But uh-oh—everything is in unmarked boxes, and you have no clue where your comfy clothes are!
One of the common packing mistakes often involves not labeling things clearly.
You want to know where your pots and pans are when it’s time to cook. You want to know where your plates are so you can start unpacking the kitchen first. Make sure your boxes are properly labeled with room names and the contents inside.
Solution: Use color-coded labels for each room so that you don’t have to think about it when the moving truck shows up. You’ll be able to see exactly which box goes where at a glance.
You don’t want to play the guessing game with your boxes. Learn How to Label Boxes for Moving to stay organized and make unpacking a breeze!
Mixing Fragile and Heavy Stuff Together
This one seems obvious, but people mess this up all the time.
You know that fragile lamp that you love so much? Don’t throw it in the same box as your heavy-duty blender.
Keep fragile items like dishes, vases, and electronics separate from the heavy stuff.
Solution: Use plenty of bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper to cushion delicate items. Make sure you use boxes specifically designed for fragile goods, like dish packs or wardrobe boxes.
To keep your delicate items safe, check out How to Pack Fragile Items for expert tips on keeping them intact.
Not Decluttering Before You Pack
This is another huge common packing mistake that so many people overlook.
You're moving and excited to get settled into your new space.
But do you really need to move all the stuff that’s been sitting in your closet for the last five years?
Packing up things you don’t need or use just adds extra weight and hassle to the whole process. We know it's tough to part with stuff sometimes, but your future self will thank you.
Solution: Go through your stuff before packing. Donate, sell, or toss out items that you no longer need. The fewer things you have to pack, the smoother your move will be.
Ignoring the Need for Proper Packing Techniques
Packing is an art. Just throwing things into a box haphazardly is not going to cut it.
Using the wrong packing techniques can lead to serious damage.
And we are not just talking about breaking a glass. We are talking about things like scratches on furniture, bent picture frames, or crushed books.
If you're not using proper techniques, you're basically gambling with your stuff.
Solution: Learn how to pack properly. Use the "layering" method for fragile items, which means you'll start by padding the bottom of your box with packing paper or foam, then add your items and top it off with another layer of protection.
Be sure to fill all empty spaces to prevent anything from shifting. Also, don't leave too much space in your box, or your items might get crushed.
For a smoother move, learn Efficient Home Packing Tips for Moving to master the art of packing like a pro.
Not Using Enough Packing Supplies
Another one of those packing mistakes during relocation that people don't realize until it's too late is not having enough of the right supplies.
You might think you can get away with a few cheap boxes, but you'll end up spending more time and money fixing things that break.
You need strong boxes, padding, bubble wrap, and high-quality tape to make sure everything is safe.
Solution: Stock up on boxes of various sizes, packing tape (don’t get the flimsy stuff), bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. This is one area where it's worth it to invest a little extra.
Running low on materials? Check out what Moving Supplies you need to pack your stuff safely and securely.
Forgetting to Pack an Essentials Box
Do you really want to start digging through a hundred boxes on your first day in the new place just to find your toothpaste?
No, you don’t.
That’s why an essentials box is a must-have.
This should contain everything you'll need to survive the first few days without unpacking everything.
Solution: Pack a box with the essentials—toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents.
Make sure this box stays with you during the move so you can access it easily when you arrive.
Don't get caught without your must-haves! To make sure you’ve packed everything you need, check out Moving Essentials – What You Really Need for the ultimate packing guide.
Underestimating How Much Time It Takes
Packing isn’t a one-day job, people! If you think you can pack up an entire home in a few hours, think again.
This is one of the most common packing mistakes, and it can lead to stress and mess.
When you don't give yourself enough time, you tend to do things half-heartedly, which usually results in broken things or unorganized moves.
Solution: Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to pack. If possible, pack in stages, starting with the things you use the least and gradually working your way up to the essentials.
Packing mistakes? We’ve got your back! Check out our ultimate packing tips to make your move smooth like butter.
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