Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes

Planning a move is one of life’s more stressful undertakings—and for good reason. From packing to paperwork, it’s easy to underestimate how many details are involved until you’re knee-deep in boxes and tape. Whether you’re moving across town or just a few suburbs over, many people rely on local removalists in Newcastle to help smooth the transition. But even with professionals on your side, simple missteps can turn moving day into a logistical headache.

According to Joao Damiani, operations manager at Moving Mates,

“Most of the issues we see on moving day could’ve been avoided with a bit more prep. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about knowing what usually goes wrong so you can plan around it.”

In this post, we’ll explore the most common moving mistakes—and how to avoid them—so your next relocation runs as smoothly as possible.

1. Underestimating How Long Packing Takes

One of the most frequent mistakes people make is starting to pack too late. What begins as “a few things here and there” often ends in a panic the night before the truck arrives. Rushed packing not only increases stress but also leads to broken items and poorly labeled boxes.

How to avoid it:

• Start packing at least 2–3 weeks before your move.
• Begin with non-essentials like books, seasonal clothes, and décor.
• Clearly label boxes by room and contents.

Damiani notes, “People always think they have less stuff than they do. The garage alone can be a full-day pack if you haven’t touched it in years.”

2. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways

It’s a frustrating (and expensive) surprise when your sofa or fridge doesn’t fit through the door or stairwell. This happens more often than you might think, especially in older homes or apartments with narrow access.

How to avoid it:

• Measure your large furniture and appliances before moving day.
• Measure doorways, staircases, and elevators at the new property.
• Let your removalists know in advance if you anticipate tight access—they can bring special equipment or make a plan.

3. Forgetting to Update Utilities and Address Details

In the chaos of packing and logistics, it’s easy to forget things like changing your address with service providers or disconnecting utilities. Unfortunately, this can mean delayed internet, continued billing at your old place, or missing out on important mail.

How to avoid it:

• Create a checklist of all utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.) and notify them at least a week before the move.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, subscriptions, and the postal service.
• Set up mail redirection for at least a month.

4. Not Decluttering First

Packing and transporting things you don’t need is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes. Every extra box adds to the time and size of your move, which often means a higher bill.

How to avoid it:

• Take time to declutter each room before packing.
• Donate, sell, or recycle items you haven’t used in the last 12 months.
• Be honest about whether you’ll actually use or need something in your new place.

“It’s amazing how much stuff people realise they don’t need once they start packing,” says Damiani. “There’s no better time to let it go.”

5. Booking Movers Too Late

Removalists—especially good ones—can book out weeks in advance, particularly during peak seasons like school holidays and the end of the financial year. Waiting until the last minute may leave you scrambling or settling for a company with poor reviews.

How to avoid it:

• Book your local Newcastle removalists as early as possible—ideally 3–4 weeks in advance.
• Be clear about your inventory, access points, and special requirements so they can prepare properly.
• Confirm your booking a few days before the move for peace of mind.

6. Not Labeling Boxes Properly

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home and having no idea which box contains your kettle or bedsheets. Poor labeling leads to wasted time and frustration when unpacking.

How to avoid it:

• Label each box with the room it belongs in and a short list of contents.
• Use color-coded tape or stickers for different rooms to make unloading easier.
• Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly on multiple sides.

7. Overpacking Boxes

It might seem efficient to cram as much as possible into one box, but if it becomes too heavy, it can burst—or worse, injure someone lifting it.

How to avoid it:

• Keep box weight under 20kg where possible.
• Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and tools.
• Don’t skimp on packing materials—bubble wrap and newspaper are your friends.

8. Not Setting Aside a “First Night” Box

By the time you get to your new home, you’ll likely be exhausted. The last thing you want is to rummage through a mountain of boxes looking for your toothbrush, phone charger, or clean sheets.

How to avoid it:

• Pack an “essentials box” with everything you’ll need in the first 24 hours:

• Toiletries
• Basic kitchenware
• Chargers
• Medications
• Change of clothes
• Toilet paper

Damiani adds, “The first night in a new place is chaotic enough. Having one box that gets opened first can make a big difference.”

9. Trying to DIY Everything

While a DIY move might seem cheaper, it often comes with hidden costs: truck rental, fuel, equipment, time off work, and the risk of damaging furniture—or your back.

How to avoid it:

• Get quotes from a few local removalists to compare.
• Factor in what your time and safety are worth.
• Even if you handle packing yourself, having professionals move your heavy items is usually worth it.

10. Not Doing a Final Walkthrough

People often forget important items like chargers still plugged in, food in the fridge, or valuables hidden in drawers. Skipping a final walkthrough means these things are left behind or thrown out.

How to avoid it:

• Walk through each room once it’s empty.
• Check all cupboards, drawers, behind doors, and under sinks.
• Turn off lights, lock all windows and doors, and take a final meter reading if needed.

Final Thoughts

Moving is never entirely stress-free, but avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference to how smoothly your day unfolds. Whether you’re relocating within the neighbourhood or across town, relying on experienced local removalists in Newcastle can eliminate many of the unknowns.

So plan early, pack smart, and avoid the pitfalls above—and your next move might even be (dare we say it?) enjoyable.