10 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
No matter how many times you’ve moved before, it always seems like something goes wrong. Maybe you underestimated how many boxes you needed, forgot to update your address, or left packing until the night before. The truth is, moving is a big job, and it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you time, money, and sanity.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable if you know what to look out for. At Hyper Movers, we’ve seen it all — and we’ve helped countless Australians avoid the pitfalls that can turn moving day into a nightmare.
Here are the 10 most common moving mistakes (and how you can avoid them for a smoother, stress-free relocation).
1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute
The mistake: You think you have plenty of time, but suddenly moving day is around the corner and you’re still surrounded by unpacked cupboards. Cue the all-nighter and a mountain of stress.
Why it’s a problem:
- Rushed packing leads to broken items.
- You end up tossing everything into random boxes.
- Unpacking becomes a nightmare because nothing is labelled.
How to avoid it:
- Start packing 6 weeks before moving day.
- Begin with items you don’t use often (books, seasonal clothes, décor).
- Pack one room at a time.
- Label every box with the room and contents.
👉 Pro tip: Aim to be 90% packed at least 2–3 days before the move. That way, you only have essentials left for the last minute.
2. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have
The mistake: Booking a small truck or not enough movers because you think you don’t own much.
Why it’s a problem:
- Movers need to make multiple trips (higher cost).
- Furniture may not fit in the truck.
- Increased risk of damage from stacking too tightly.
How to avoid it:
- Do a full home inventory.
- Show movers photos or videos of your furniture.
- Always overestimate rather than underestimate. It’s cheaper to have extra space than to run out.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
The mistake: Writing vague labels like “Misc.” or forgetting to label at all.
Why it’s a problem:
- Unpacking takes forever because you’re opening every box just to find your kettle.
- Movers don’t know which room to place boxes in.
How to avoid it:
- Write room + main items on each box (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”).
- Use colour-coded stickers or tape for each room.
- Mark fragile boxes clearly on multiple sides.
👉 Pro tip: Write a number on each box and keep a master list. If Box #12 goes missing, you’ll know exactly what was in it.
4. Not Booking Movers Early Enough
The mistake: Waiting until the last week to book movers and hoping for availability.
Why it’s a problem:
- Movers may be fully booked, especially on weekends and end-of-month dates.
- You might end up paying more for last-minute service.
- Less time to compare companies = higher risk of dodgy movers.
How to avoid it:
- Book professional movers 4–6 weeks in advance.
- If moving during peak season (Dec–Jan or May–June), book even earlier.
- Confirm all details (date, time, services) in writing.
5. Forgetting to Set Up Utilities in Your New Home
The mistake: You move into your new house and realise you have no electricity, no internet, and no hot water.
Why it’s a problem:
- You’re stuck without essentials for days.
- It’s stressful if you work from home or have kids.
How to avoid it:
- Contact electricity, gas, and internet providers at least 2 weeks before moving.
- Arrange disconnection at your old place and connection at the new one for the day before your move.
- Don’t forget to update billing addresses too.
6. Overpacking Boxes
The mistake: Filling boxes to the brim to “save space,” especially with heavy items like books or dishes.
Why it’s a problem:
- Boxes tear or collapse.
- Movers risk injury.
- Items inside can break from pressure.
How to avoid it:
- Keep boxes under 20kg.
- Use smaller boxes for heavy items.
- Fill empty space with packing paper, towels, or soft clothes.
👉 Pro tip: Use suitcases for heavy things like books — they’re sturdy and have wheels!
7. Forgetting to Update Your Address
The mistake: Realising weeks later that your mail is still going to your old address.
Why it’s a problem:
- Bills and important documents get lost.
- Identity theft risk if personal mail is received by new occupants.
- Missed deadlines for things like car rego renewal.
How to avoid it:
- Update your address with banks, Medicare, insurance, and work.
- Set up mail redirection with Australia Post for at least 3 months.
- Tell friends and family your new address too.
8. Not Having an Essentials Box
The mistake: Packing everything into the moving truck, only to realise you can’t find your toothbrush, phone charger, or kettle.
Why it’s a problem:
- First night in your new home = chaos.
- You’ll waste time digging through boxes just to find basics.
How to avoid it:
Pack a clearly labelled “First Night Box” with:
- Toiletries.
- Bedding.
- Clothes for 2–3 days.
- Chargers.
- Basic cooking items.
- Snacks.
Keep this box with you, not in the truck.
9. Trying to Move Everything Yourself
The mistake: Thinking a DIY move will save money, so you hire a truck and rope in some friends.
Why it’s a problem:
- Injuries from lifting heavy furniture.
- Damage to belongings or property.
- Longer moving times = higher stress.
How to avoid it:
- Hire professional movers for heavy, bulky, or fragile items.
- If you want to save money, do a hybrid move: pack small boxes yourself, let movers handle the big stuff.
- Consider the value of your time and peace of mind — sometimes professional help is worth every cent.
10. Forgetting to Clean Before Moving Out
The mistake: Leaving your old place dirty, especially if you’re renting.
Why it’s a problem:
- Risk of losing your bond.
- Bad impression if selling your home.
- More stress later when agents call you back to fix it.
How to avoid it:
- Book professional cleaners, especially for end-of-lease cleans.
- Schedule cleaning after movers have left (so the place is empty).
- Don’t forget hidden spots like ovens, carpets, and blinds.
Bonus Mistake: Not Getting Insurance
A common oversight is assuming nothing will go wrong. But even with the best movers, accidents happen — a scratch on your TV, broken glassware, or water damage during rain.
How to avoid it:
- Check if your contents insurance covers moves.
- Ask your mover about transit insurance.
- Keep valuables (jewellery, passports, electronics) with you.
Moving doesn’t have to be a disaster. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you’ll save yourself time, stress, and money. The key is to plan ahead, stay organised, and know when to call in the professionals.
At Hyper Movers, we’re here to make moving as smooth as possible. From careful packing to reliable transport, we’ve got the experience to help you avoid every one of these mistakes.
👉 Planning a move soon? Get in touch with Hyper Movers today for a free, no-obligation quote — and let us do the heavy lifting.
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