Look, I get it. That first move seems exciting until you’re standing in your empty apartment at midnight surrounded by half-packed boxes, realizing you forgot to buy tape and now you’re using duct tape to seal your dishes. Been there, done that, ruined a perfectly good set of Corelle.
Here’s the real deal – moving sucks. But it sucks way less when you avoid these rookie mistakes I learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Mistake #1: The “I’ll Pack Later” Approach
Remember in college when you wrote that 10-page paper the night before it was due? Moving doesn’t work like that. That “I’ll just throw everything in boxes the day before” plan? It’s how you end up moving a trash bag full of random kitchen items at 3AM.
What actually works:
- Start packing non-essentials 3 weeks out (that winter coat in July? Pack it).
- Pack one room at a time (your future self will thank you).
- Label boxes like your sanity depends on it (because it does).
Mistake #2: Keeping All Your Crap
Here’s a fun fact: You own way more useless stuff than you think. That collection of mismatched Tupperware lids? The 14 coffee mugs from companies you don’t even remember? Time to Marie Kondo that junk.
How to actually declutter:
- The “Would I Pay to Move This?” test (if not, toss it).
- Host a pre-move garage sale (beer makes everything sell better).
- For stuff you can’t part with but don’t need daily – that’s what storage units are for (shameless plug: we’ve got great ones).
Mistake #3: Hiring Movers Based on Price Alone
That $200 moving deal that seems too good to be true? It is. I learned this when my “professional movers” showed up in a U-Haul with a guy named Dave who smelled like cigarettes and regret.
Finding actual good movers:
- Get at least 3 written estimates.
- Check reviews (the real ones, not the obviously fake 5-star ones).
- Ask about insurance (because “Dave’s cousin has a truck” isn’t a business model).
Mistake #4: Packing Like a Maniac
There’s an art to packing. Throwing everything in random boxes isn’t it. My personal low was labeling a box “Kitchen Stuff?” that contained a waffle maker, three socks, and my birth certificate.
Pro packing tips:
- Heavy stuff in small boxes (your back will thank me).
- Wrap breakables in clothes (saves space and padding).
- Pack an “Open First” box with toilet paper, phone charger, and wine (priorities).
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Measure
Nothing says “moving day disaster” like realizing your couch won’t fit up the stairs. True story: I once had to leave a dresser on the sidewalk overnight because of this.
Measure:
- Doorways (all of them).
- Stairwells.
- Elevators (if applicable).
- Your dignity (just kidding, you’ll lose that during the move anyway).
Mistake #6: The “I’ll Remember That” Fallacy
You won’t. You absolutely will not remember to:
- Forward your mail.
- Cancel utilities.
- Return your cable box.
- Get your security deposit back.
Make a list. Check it twice. Moving makes you forget your own phone number.
Mistake #7: Underestimating Costs
Moving always costs more than you think. Always. Between boxes, tape, truck rentals, and the inevitable “screw it let’s just order pizza” meals, it adds up fast.
Budget for:
- 20% more than you think you’ll need.
- Emergency pizza money.
- Storage unit fees if you need temporary space (we offer month-to-month options when life gets messy).
The Bottom Line
Your first move will probably be a bit of a disaster no matter what. But avoiding these mistakes means it’ll be a funny story later instead of a traumatic memory. And when you inevitably realize you have too much stuff for your new place? That’s what storage units are for. We’ve got clean, affordable options when life doesn’t fit neatly into boxes.
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