8 Common Packing & Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

You might be reading this for one of two reasons: You are currently sitting in your apartment trying to figure out how the heck you are going to pack up all of your stuff and move it without losing your mind; or, if you have moved before and it was such a disaster that you are determined not to make the same mistakes again. If so, you are not alone.

Many people experience problems when moving that they did not foresee; this does not make them negligent but indicates they were unaware of some of the common pitfalls. They hire someone that they think is professional and, then, on moving day find out that there are hidden costs associated with using that company. They begin packing everything in their apartment with good intentions but, by the end, they are just throwing everything into boxes with no regard for what belongs where. They attempt to save money by doing everything themselves and end up with a sore back and broken furniture.

They start packing all of their stuff into boxes with the best of intentions, but towards the end, they are just throwing everything into boxes with no concern for what goes where. They try to cut costs by doing everything themselves and end up with a sore back and busted furniture.

These are not just problems, but they also cost a lot of money, time, and sanity. The bright side is that there are fixes for all of these problems. Also, all of these problems can be avoided with the right information and a little bit of planning.This guide will talk about the most common mistakes that occur during a move and give you tips on how to avoid them.

Let's fix these issues before they occur.

1- Starting the Packing Process Too Late

One of the biggest reasons people run into trouble when moving is that they wait until the last minute to pack. Packing usually takes more time than you anticipate. It isn't merely putting things into boxes. You'll need to sort, wrap breakables, disassemble furniture and arrange everything neatly in the moving boxes. Consequently, you may have items that break in transit, and significantly more anxiety as a result of a last minute push to move.

How to avoid it: To avoid issues with packing, start the process at least 3 weeks prior to moving, if possible. Start with items that you do not use on a daily basis.Create a simple room-by-room guide to help with packing.
 

2- Not Decluttering Before You Pack

Most of us don't realize how much unnecessary stuff we've accumulated until we start packing. We hold onto things out of guilt ("it was expensive"), hope ("I might need it someday"), or pure habit of keeping everything. But here's the thing: you end up packing, moving, and unpacking boxes of things that you'll never actually use.

The hidden cost: Most packers and movers services charge based on volume or weight. That means that every single thing you pack that you don’t need is literally costing you money.

How to avoid it: Go through each room within the home and be brutal in your decision-making process. If you have not used an item in over a year, you should sell, donate, or throw it away (if necessary). Taking all of those things out of your house will not only save you money on your move, but you will be starting fresh in your new house without being weighed down by all of your extra stuff.

3- Choosing Movers Based Only on Price

Look, we all want to save money. But when it comes to household shifting services, if you choose the least expensive quote to begin with, it is most likely going to turn into an extremely expensive mistake.

Many people have shared their bad experiences with low quotes being given by moving companies and then having to deal with hidden fees, damaged furniture and being held hostage until additional fees were paid to have their belongings delivered.

How to avoid it: In order to find the best packing and moving company for your move, you should research thoroughly. Start by reading reviews of companies, asking for referrals from family or friends, and obtaining a minimum of three quotes. Yes, moving companies that provide good service may be slightly more expensive initially, but they're worth it for the peace of mind. You need to make sure they are registered, insured, and have a physical location where you can visit if necessary. For example, with ShiftingWale, we are very open and honest about our service—there will never be hidden charges, only transparency in everything we do.

4- Not Getting Everything in Writing

When people only discuss details and don't put anything in writing, there is no way to prove what was agreed upon. Folks will forget items or a shady mover might avoid putting anything in writing so they can change what was originally promised at a later time.

How to avoid it: Always ask for a written estimate that lists everything, including packing materials, labor, transportation fees, insurance, and delivery date. Make sure both parties sign it. This document is your protection if anything goes wrong. Any reliable packers and movers in India will happily provide this without hesitation.

5- Skipping Insurance Coverage

"Nothing will happen to my items," is a famous last statement. Even the most careful movers create accidents. Hitting a pothole, slamming on the brakes, or even just plain bad luck will cause issues with moving your items.

How to avoid it: To protect your items—always utilize insurance coverage. This costs additional money but compared to the cost of replacing high-end electronics and furniture, it will not be large.

6- Poor Labeling and Organization

When you're packing, everything makes sense in your head. You know what's in each box. But fast forward to unpacking day, and all those identical brown boxes look exactly the same. Without clear labels, finding anything becomes a frustrating treasure hunt that wastes hours or even days.This gets worse when you need something urgently—medicines, important documents, work essentials, or even just a clean towel for a shower. 

How to avoid it: Label every box clearly with the room it belongs to and a brief description of contents. Pack a separate "first night" box with essentials—toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, important documents, and maybe some snacks. You'll need these immediately, so keep this box with you rather than loading it onto the truck.

7- Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Look, I get it: you're trying to save money, and hiring a professional packing and moving company seems like another expensive way to spend your money. But the reality is that moving is very physically demanding and quite time-consuming. Doing it all yourself often means taking multiple days off work, borrowing friends' vehicles, risking injury from lifting heavy items, and still not having the proper equipment or expertise to do it safely.

How to avoid it: Be realistic about what you can handle. Maybe you can pack your own belongings but hire professionals for the heavy lifting and transportation. Or perhaps you need full-service help. Either way, professional movers have the experience, equipment, and manpower to do in hours what might take you days. They know how to pack fragile items, disassemble furniture properly, and navigate tight spaces.

8- Ignoring the Weather Forecast

Weather can have a significant impact on your move. Rain can ruin your belongings if they are not protected properly.

How to avoid it: Check the forecast for your moving week. If rain is predicted, ensure your moving company has proper covering for your items. Good household shifting services will have weatherproofing measures.

Conclusion

Whether you're moving across the street or across the country, trusted packers and movers in India like ShiftingWale can handle the heavy lifting.Remember, the cheapest move isn't always the smartest move. Invest in proper packing materials, choose the best packers and movers who are transparent and trustworthy, and protect your belongings with adequate insurance. 

Safe moving!