Moving to a new home is an exciting new chapter—but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful and overwhelming if not planned correctly. From misplaced boxes to last-minute chaos, small mistakes can turn into big moving day headaches.
The good news? A strategic plan and a smart checklist can help you stay one step ahead of common moving pitfalls.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common moving mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free transition into your new home.
Mistake #1: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Plan
🚨 What Happens?
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Scrambling to find movers or rental trucks at the last minute
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Running out of time to pack efficiently
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Forgetting key tasks like address changes and utility setup
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Start planning at least 6-8 weeks before moving day
✅ Set a moving budget to cover expenses like movers, supplies, and deposits
✅ Book movers or a rental truck early to secure your preferred date
✅ Make an inventory of household items to keep track of everything
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Notify Important Contacts
🚨 What Happens?
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Missing bills and important mail after the move
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Unexpected utility shut-offs or delays in service transfer
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Notify the post office, employer, and financial institutions of your new address
✅ Update utility and home services (gas, water, electricity, internet)
✅ Contact insurance providers to update policies
✅ Notify doctors, veterinarians, and service providers
Mistake #3: Overpacking and Taking Everything With You
🚨 What Happens?
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Wasting time packing items you don’t need
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Paying for extra moving costs due to unnecessary clutter
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Struggling to fit everything into your new home
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Declutter before you pack—donate, sell, or discard unused items
✅ Follow the "one-year rule"—if you haven’t used it in a year, let it go
✅ Pack by category (clothes, kitchen items, books) to stay organized
Mistake #4: Not Packing an Essentials Box for the First Night
🚨 What Happens?
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Digging through boxes for toilet paper, phone chargers, or pajamas
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Forgetting where essential documents and medications are packed
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Pack an overnight bag with essentials like toiletries, phone chargers, and important documents
✅ Label an "Open First" box with must-haves:
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Cleaning supplies
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Light bulbs
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Paper plates and utensils
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Coffee, snacks, and bottled water
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Toilet paper & hand soap
Mistake #5: Mislabeling (or Not Labeling) Boxes
🚨 What Happens?
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Wasting hours searching for items after the move
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Movers placing boxes in the wrong rooms
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Fragile items getting damaged
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Label every box clearly by room and contents
✅ Mark fragile boxes with extra care labels
✅ Use color-coded stickers to match boxes with rooms in the new home
Mistake #6: Overlooking Moving Day Logistics
🚨 What Happens?
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Movers arriving before you’re ready
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Floors and carpets getting scratched or damaged
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Leaving behind important items
✔️ How to Avoid It:
✅ Be home when movers arrive to direct them efficiently
✅ Protect floors and carpets with rugs or plastic coverings
✅ Contain pets in a safe area to avoid stress or escape
✅ Do a final cleaning and walk-through to check for forgotten items
✅ Leave labeled keys, garage door openers, and manuals for the next occupants
Avoiding Moving Mistakes = A Stress-Free Move
Moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience! By avoiding these common mistakes and following a well-organized checklist, you can enjoy a smooth transition into your new home.
At Move Utah Real Estate, we’ve been helping homeowners move for 28 years. We don’t just help you buy or sell a home—we guide you every step of the way, from moving day prep to settling into your dream space.
📞 Book a Call today to get expert real estate guidance and move with confidence!
