The #1 Biggest Mistake Most People Make When Packing, According to a Moving Expert

Moving houses or apartments is a great way to start new beginnings. A move can be a great fresh start and even though it might be bittersweet, it can be a fun new adventure. Unfortunately, we can’t just teleport everything where it needs to go; you have to pack everything for moving day to make that big leap into your new home. For anyone who’s ever moved, you know that it is not fun and not easy. And there’s a common error a lot of people make that can become the biggest mistake you can make when moving.

It comes down to planning and underestimating just how much time you need to pack everything and move it. With the help and expertise of Ross Sapir, Founder & CEO of Roadway Moving, we’ve laid out the biggest mistake people make on moving day and other common mistakes you should try to avoid when moving house. 

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What is the biggest mistake most people make when moving?

We get it: moving is already stressful as is. You want to streamline and make it as easy as possible, and sometimes that comes off as a plan-as-you-go approach. Or maybe you think you have it all figured out in your head so that you don’t have to worry about it as much in real life. Everything will just fall into place, right? Wrong.

“The ‘I'll just wing it’ approach is a big no-no,” Sapir tells Parade. “Packing without a plan is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe—it's a recipe for disaster.”

Planning things out for a move is a no-brainer. But sometimes we severely underestimate how much time something will take, and if you have multiple rooms to pack up and move out, you not only need a plan but also a realistic timeline.

“Take it slow, room by room, and don't skimp on the tape,” the CEO of Roadway Moving says. “And remember, don't go all superhero and overpack those boxes. A burst box is not a pleasant surprise.”

Slow and steady wins the race, right? You want to give yourself enough time to take it slow and pack things carefully so that your belongings are safely ready to move, and so that you get everything done in more than enough time. It’s never fun scrambling to get everything in boxes with just a day to spare. 

“You can’t do it all in one day. Nope, not happening,” Sapir says. “Moving is a process, not a magic trick. Although some people have called us magicians when they hire us to do all the packing for their move.” 

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Other common moving mistakes and moving misconceptions to avoid

Don’t pack this household item in a box

It’s a common thought that everything needs to be in a box, even plants. And if you’re moving into a dorm or somewhere that isn’t far, you might think that putting your favorite plants in boxes is the right thing to do so that it doesn’t take up more room or is one extra thing to carry. However, Sapir notes that this is the one household item he suggests not boxing up.

“Let's talk about plants. Look, I get it—you love your leafy companions. But moving can be traumatic for them,” he says. “Keep them in your car, where you can control the temperature and avoid any accidental squishing.”

Don’t underestimate the amount of stuff you own

We already stated this above, but understanding how much you actually own and need to pack is key to having a really smooth move.

“You might need an extra truck just for all those ‘surprises,’” Sapir says. He suggests being realistic and taking stock of everything. Packing far in advance can help with this.

Also, if you’re not reserving a truck or movers far enough in advance? “That's like playing Russian roulette with your move,” he explains. Again, planning is essential in a move.

Don’t skimp on the bubble wrap and padding

Sapir notes that sometimes people think their stuff can handle a move without bubble wrap. That is definitely a misconception he wants to squash.

“Trust me, your fragile items are like delicate works of art, and they deserve the royal treatment,” he notes. “Don't skimp on the bubble wrap—they'll thank you for it.”

Label, label, label everything!

This might seem like another common sense thing, but labeling everything and where it goes is so important to have a good move. Sapir says it’s “very optimistic” to think you’ll remember what is in every single box. The reality is, though, you probably won’t when moving day hits, not to mention the days or weeks that follow during the unpacking period.

"Labeling will save you heaps of time and frustration,” Sapir says.

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What does an expert suggest doing to have a smooth move?

Now that you know what not to do when moving or what mistakes to avoid, what else can you do to make sure you have a smooth move? Sapir tells Parade that, again, planning is the most vital thing you can do. This can include checklists, decluttering beforehand and labeling. He also suggests packing one emergency box to have on hand for your first night in the new house.

“Don't forget essentials like a first-night box with your toothbrush and PJs, because nobody wants to dig through boxes for those,” he says. Emergency or first-night boxes can include toilet paper, trash bags, scissors and more things you’ll need on hand when you get to your new place.

And if you’re moving in with your significant other for the first time, Sapir says that “communication is your secret weapon.”

“Lay out all your expectations, quirks and, yes, even those embarrassing habits,” he says. “Make decisions together about what to bring and what to leave behind—this move is a team effort. And never forget the power of compromise. Sharing a space means sharing the responsibilities of making it work.”

Using those communication skills with your partner and with any movers you have helping you move is sure to make it a good moving day. 

Next up: Not at the moving stage yet? If you're looking for your new home, here is how to successfully win a bidding war on your dream home.