Packing is often the most daunting, yet important task when it comes to moving and even the most organized individuals can make mistakes that complicate the process. By avoiding common packing mistakes, you can make your move stress free, protect your belongings, and make the overall process quicker. Here’s a guide to help you steer clear of packing mistakes to avoid during your move.
1. Starting Too Late: A Packing Mistake to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is procrastinating on packing. Waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed, inefficient packing, making it more likely for items to get damaged or misplaced.
How to Avoid It:
- Begin packing as soon as you know you’re moving.
- Start with non-essential items, like seasonal clothing or décor.
- Dedicate time each day to packing a few boxes to stay ahead of the game.
2. Overloading Boxes: Avoid This Packing Mistake
While it might seem efficient to fill boxes to the brim, overloading them can make them too heavy to lift and increases the risk of breakage.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep the weight of each box manageable – no more than 50 pounds.
- Pack heavy items, like books, in smaller boxes and lighter items, like linens, in larger ones.
3. Skipping Labels: Key Packing Mistake to Avoid
Failing to label boxes is a sure way to create chaos on moving day. Unmarked boxes lead to confusion and make unpacking much more difficult.
How to Avoid It:
- Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to (e.g., “Kitchen: Pots and Pans”).
- Use color-coded stickers for different rooms for added organization.
4. Neglecting Fragile Items: Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Improperly packing fragile items, such as glassware, artwork, or electronics, can lead to costly damage.
How to Avoid It:
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, packing paper, or moving blankets.
- Use sturdy boxes and add padding at the bottom, sides, and top.
- Label the boxes “Fragile” so your movers know to handle them with extra care.
5. Not Decluttering Before Packing: A Costly Mistake
Packing everything you own without sorting through it first is a missed opportunity to reduce clutter.
How to Avoid It:
- Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
- Focus on items you haven’t used in the past year or that no longer serve a purpose.
6. Packing Prohibited or Hazardous Items: Key Mistakes to Avoid
Many moving companies have restrictions on what they can transport, such as flammable materials, chemicals, and perishables.
How to Avoid It:
- Check with your moving company for a list of prohibited items.
- Dispose of or properly transport restricted items yourself.
7. Leaving Important Items Unpacked: A Packing Oversight
Many people forget to set aside essentials they’ll need immediately after the move.
How to Avoid It:
- Pack an “essentials box” with items like toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, and important documents.
- Keep this box easily accessible during the move.
8. Improperly Sealing Boxes: A Packing Error
Using low-quality packing tape or failing to seal boxes securely can lead to disaster during transit.
How to Avoid It:
- Invest in high-quality packing tape.
- Securely tape the bottom and top seams of each box, reinforcing heavier boxes with extra layers of tape.
9. Overlooking Specialty Items: Avoid These Packing Mistakes
Large or awkwardly shaped items like mirrors, musical instruments, or gym equipment often require special packing techniques.
How to Avoid It:
- Use specialty boxes, such as wardrobe or mirror boxes.
- Consult with your moving company about packing or moving unusual items safely.
10. Forgetting About Weather Conditions: Packing Errors to Avoid
Packing without considering the weather on moving day, especially in extreme heat, cold, or rain, can damage certain belongings.
How to Avoid It:
- Pack weather-sensitive items, like electronics and artwork, in waterproof materials.
- Have tarps or plastic covers ready to protect boxes during bad weather.
Packing for a move is more than just stuffing random items into boxes – it takes time and planning! By avoiding these packing mistakes to avoid during your move, you’ll save time, money, and frustration while properly protecting your belongings. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consult the Parkview Moving team on packing tips and we’ll ensure you’ve got all the information you need to pack successfully.
