13 Big Moving Mistakes (&  How to Avoid Them)

Hiring the right moving company is one of the bigger decisions you’ll face.

Online reviews can help, but they don’t always tell the whole story. They can be bought or posted by trolls and unscrupulous competitors.

And even if you do your research, there’s no guarantee everything will go smoothly on moving day.

We’ve compiled a list of costly mistakes people often make when moving. Now that you’ve been warned, take care to avoid them!

1. Not Shopping Around

Booking the first moving company you find can invite overspending or subpar service. Rates, availability, and quality vary significantly between movers, so it’s worth doing your homework.

What to do instead

• Get at least three quotes from different moving companies.
• Compare the price and services included.
• Check reviews on trusted platforms like Google or Yelp.

2. Not Checking for Additional Fees

Many movers provide a base estimate but surprise you with extra costs later. These could include charges for stairs, long carry distances, or additional packing materials.

How to avoid it

• Ask for a breakdown of possible extra fees when getting a quote.
• Be upfront about unique conditions, like narrow staircases or heavy items (e.g., pianos).

Note: Walsh Moving will never include hidden fees on your final bill!

3. Not Getting It in Writing

A verbal agreement isn’t enough. Miscommunication or shady practices could leave you with unexpected costs or schedule changes.

What you should do

• Request a formal contract that includes pricing, services, dates, and cancellation policies.
• Read all terms before signing.

4. Not Asking About Insurance

You’ll want protection if your belongings go missing or get damaged in transit. Too often, people assume moving companies provide full insurance coverage when they don’t.

Protect yourself by

• Asking what type of insurance or liability protection the mover offers.
• Investigating third-party moving insurance for high-value items.

5. Not Vetting the Moving Company

Your movers will have access to your belongings. It’s crucial to choose a company you can trust. Unfortunately, many people skip researching movers and fall victim to scams or poor service.

How to vet movers

• Check if the company is licensed and registered (e.g., with the FMCSA in the U.S.).
• Look up their reputation on Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.
• Confirm their physical address — avoid companies that only operate online.

6. Paying Up Front

Paying the entire cost upfront  — or even a large deposit — can be risky. Reputable moving companies generally require a small deposit and payment upon delivery.

Best practices

• Never pay the full amount until your move is complete.
• Pay with a credit card for added protection in case of disputes.

7. Moving During the Busy Season

Moving during peak times (summer, weekends, end-of-month) can jack up costs and make securing high-quality movers more difficult.

How to avoid this

• If possible, schedule your move during the offseason (fall and winter) or midweek/mid-month for lower prices.
• Book movers well in advance if moving during a busy time is unavoidable.

8. Not Packing Properly

Improper packing can lead to broken valuables, misplaced items, or a drawn-out moving process. Oversized boxes or containers make for awkward handling and sometimes cause accidents. Damaged or flimsy boxes invite damage during transport.

How to avoid this

• Invest in high-quality packing materials like sturdy boxes, specialty boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
• Use appropriate-sized containers for different items (e.g., small boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items).
• Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.
• Pack fragile items carefully with padding and label them as delicate.
• Avoid overpacking; heavy boxes are harder to carry and more likely to tear.

9. Forgetting to Change Your Address

It’s easy to forget about changing your address with important institutions such as banks, credit card companies, and government agencies.

What to do

• Update your address before moving day to ensure you receive your important mail.
• Make a list of the institutions that need your updated address: This includes banks, credit card companies, utility providers, insurance companies, etc.

10. Not Measuring Doors & Hallways

Failing to measure your new home’s entryways is a recipe for disaster. Imagine reaching your new home with all your belongings, only to realize your couch doesn’t fit through the front door!

Avoid this disaster by

• Measuring your furniture and doorways in both your current and new home.
• Planning the placement of large items.

11. Not Making a Floor Plan

Arriving at your new home with no plan can make unpacking chaotic and time-consuming.

What to do instead

• Sketch a simple floor plan and decide where furniture and major items will go before moving day.
• Communicate this plan with your movers if they’ll set up furniture.

12. Forgetting Essential Items on Moving Day

It’s all too easy to pack away critical items — like medication, chargers, or important documents — only to realize you need them mid-move.

What to pack in a moving-day essentials bag

• Toiletries and basic cleaning supplies.
• A change of clothes.
• Electronics chargers.
• Snacks and water.
• Important documents like your lease or insurance papers.

13. Trying to Do It All Yourself

Moving with no or limited help is a cost-effective option. But it may not be the smartest! The physical and time demands often outweigh the savings.

Why going solo can backfire

• Heavy lifting can cause injury.
• Juggling everything yourself adds stress and increases the chance of mistakes.

When to hire help

• If you’re moving a large household or long distance.
• If you have any specialty items like antique furniture or fragile equipment.
• If you’re not as young and spry as you used to be.
• If you’re under the gun to make a move quickly.
• When the cost of movers isn’t too much more than that of a DIY move.

FAQs: Common Moving Mistakes

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make during a move?

Not planning early enough. Waiting until the last minute to pack, book movers, and organize logistics creates unnecessary stress and increases costs.

Q: How can I save money on my move?

• Move during the offseason or off-peak days.
• Declutter your belongings to reduce the load.
• Use free or recycled packing materials.

Q: Do I need professional movers for a small move?

If you’re moving a small apartment and don’t have heavy or valuable items, a DIY move may work. Otherwise, professional movers can relieve stress and save time.

Q: How far in advance should I book movers?

Aim to book movers 6–8 weeks before your move, especially during the busy season.

Q: What’s the best time of year to move?

That depends on your schedule and budget. Moving during the off-season, typically fall and winter, can save money, as demand for movers is lower. However, summer is the most convenient period for families with school-aged children.

Q: What should I do if my moving date changes?

To reschedule, notify your movers as soon as possible. Most moving companies are flexible, but they may charge a fee depending on how close the change is to the original date.

Q: How can I ensure my belongings are safe during the move?

Pack fragile items with appropriate materials like bubble wrap and label boxes clearly. Consider purchasing moving insurance. Hiring reputable and licensed movers can also ensure peace of mind.

Q: Should I tip my movers?

Tipping movers isn’t mandatory, but showing appreciation for their hard work is a common practice. A good rule of thumb is tipping $4–$5 per hour per mover, or around 10–15% of the total cost for exceptional service.