Removal Boxes & Moving House:
Moving house can be an exciting new chapter, but it is often marred by stress, complications, and unexpected issues. From broken belongings to delayed deliveries, there are numerous things that can go wrong. However, by being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking proactive steps, you can avoid the most common moving disasters. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what can go wrong when moving house and offer practical solutions to ensure your move is as smooth as possible.
1. Procrastinating and Failing to Plan Early
The Problem
One of the most significant issues people face when moving is leaving things too late. Packing, notifying service providers, and coordinating with movers require time. Without careful planning, last-minute rushing can lead to missed deadlines, disorganisation, and unnecessary stress.
Solution
Start planning your move at least eight weeks in advance. Create a comprehensive moving checklist that includes tasks such as arranging utilities, gathering packing materials, and booking removal services. Assign deadlines to each task to stay on track. Early planning allows time to handle unexpected issues, such as supply chain disruptions or delays with movers. Break the move into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
You can find various checklists here to help you plan: MOVING HOUSE CHECKLISTS
2. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack
The Problem
Many people underestimate how long it takes to pack their belongings. The process is often far more time-consuming than anticipated, leading to last-minute panic. Rushed packing can result in disorganisation and a higher chance of items breaking in transit & increases the risk of misplacing items.
Solution
Start packing non-essential items at least four to six weeks before moving day. Items like seasonal clothing, books, and decorative pieces can be packed early, leaving daily essentials until the final week. By tackling a few boxes every day, you can avoid the stress of packing everything at once. Make sure to use high-quality Moving Boxes to ensure your items are well protected.
You can find some online tools here to help you save time: MOVING HOUSE WEBSITES & APPS
3. Not Ordering Moving Boxes in Good Time
The Problem
Failing to order Removal Boxes well in advance is a common mistake. Relying on last-minute next-day delivery for your Moving Boxes leaves no margin for error in case of supply chain issues, courier delays, stock shortages or even a surges in demand during peak moving season can lead to late deliveries, leaving you without essential packing materials when you need them most. Many assume that next-day delivery is a given, only to be left scrambling when their boxes don’t arrive on time.
Solution
Order your boxes for Moving at least two to three weeks before you plan to start packing. This leaves ample time for any unforeseen delays and ensures you are not left waiting for materials. Never rely solely on next-day delivery, as this leaves no room for errors or supply chain problems. Having your Removal Boxes early also allows you to begin packing at a relaxed pace, avoiding the rushed packing that can lead to breakages.
Read more about our Delivery and Courier service: DELIVERY
4. Using Poor Quality or Inadequate Packing Materials
The Problem
Cutting corners by using weak or old boxes, insufficient padding, and low-quality tape is a recipe for disaster. Fragile items may break, and boxes may collapse under the weight, resulting in damaged belongings.
Solution
Invest in high-quality Moving Boxes and packing materials, including bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape. Ensure that you have a variety of box sizes to suit different items, and consider using specialty boxes such as dish packs and wardrobe boxes. Double-walled Removal Boxes provide extra strength and durability, reducing the risk of breakage.
Find out more about our Removal Box Sizes here: MOVING BOX SIZES
5. Overpacking Boxes
The Problem
Overfilling boxes can make them too heavy to carry or cause them to break during transport. This is especially common when packing books, which are dense and can make a box too heavy to lift.
Solution
Adhere to the general rule of not exceeding 50 pounds (about 23 kg) per box. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger boxes for lighter items such as linens and pillows. Distribute the weight evenly across boxes to prevent strain during lifting and moving.
More information about packing up you home can be found here: PACKING WITH REMOVAL BOXES
6. Failing to Label Boxes Properly
The Problem
When your Moving Boxes are not clearly labeled, unpacking becomes a confusing and frustrating task. Without proper labels, you’ll find yourself searching through numerous boxes to locate essential items.
Solution
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Use a marker to write the labels on the sides of the boxes so they remain visible even when stacked. Consider using a color-coded system for different rooms, making it easier to place boxes in the correct location at your new home. Numbering your Removal Boxes also helps keep track of them, especially if they are being handled by a removal company.
Read more about Labelling Removal Boxes here: LABELLING YOUR MOVING BOXES
7. Failing to Declutter Before the Move
The Problem
Many people pack items they don’t need, use, or even want, simply because they don’t take the time to declutter before the move. This adds to the workload, requires more boxes for moving, and increases moving costs, especially if you’re paying by the hour or by weight.
Solution
Before you start packing, take the time to declutter. Sort through your belongings and categorise them into keep, donate, sell, and discard piles. This reduces the volume of items you need to move and makes unpacking easier. Decluttering is a great way to start fresh in your new home without unnecessary baggage.
Find out other mistakes made when moving: MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN MOVING HOUSE
8. Not Hiring Professional Movers or Choosing Unreliable Services
The Problem
Attempting a DIY move or hiring the cheapest removal company without checking their credentials can lead to damaged items, delays, and general disorganization. Unprofessional movers may mishandle your belongings, and you risk extra costs if you need last-minute help.
Solution
Research and hire reputable professional movers well in advance. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations, and verify that the company is licensed and insured. Getting quotes from multiple companies ensures you receive a fair price. Professional movers also offer peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are being handled with care.
View some Recommended Removal Companies here: REMOVAL COMPANIES UK
9. Overloading the Moving Truck
The Problem
Packing too much into the moving truck can lead to items shifting or breaking in transit. Overloading also puts your belongings at risk of being crushed under their own weight, especially fragile items like mirrors, glassware, or electronics.
Solution
Pack the truck carefully, placing heavier items on the bottom and lighter or fragile items on top. Make sure that everything is tightly secured to prevent movement during transit. Professional movers are skilled at efficiently packing a truck to maximise space while ensuring the safety of your belongings.
View more common mistakes made when moving house: MISTAKES MADE WHEN MOVING HOUSE
10. Neglecting to Transfer Utilities and Services
The Problem
It’s easy to overlook utility transfers amidst the chaos of packing and moving. Many people forget to arrange for the disconnection of utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet) at their old address and the setup of these services at their new home. This can leave you without essential utilities upon arrival at your new residence.
Solution
Contact your utility providers at least two weeks before the move to arrange for disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one. Schedule the setup of your services to ensure that everything is operational by the time you arrive.
View our article about changing service providers when moving house: MOVING HOUSE CHECKLISTS
11. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways
The Problem
One of the most frustrating mistakes is realising that your furniture doesn’t fit through the doors or staircases of your new home. This can cause delays and additional costs if you need to disassemble or replace furniture.
Solution
Measure your large furniture items and the doorways, hallways, and staircases of your new home before moving. This helps you determine if any items need to be disassembled or if alternate arrangements are required. If necessary, hire professionals to disassemble and reassemble bulky furniture.
12. Overlooking Insurance for Valuables
The Problem
Moving valuable items without proper insurance can lead to significant losses if they are damaged, lost, or stolen during the move.
Solution
Ensure that your home insurance policy covers belongings in transit. If it doesn’t, consider purchasing additional moving insurance. This provides peace of mind that your valuables are protected, even if the worst happens.
13. Not Packing an Essentials Box
The Problem
On moving day, you may arrive at your new home exhausted and eager to settle in, only to realise you can’t find essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, or basic kitchen supplies because they’re buried in one of the many Moving Boxes.
Solution
Pack an essentials box containing everything you’ll need in the first 24-48 hours at your new home. Include items like toiletries, snacks, basic kitchen supplies, a change of clothes, important documents, and any medications. Keep this box with you during the move so it’s easily accessible when you arrive.
Conclusion
Moving house is a complex process filled with potential pitfalls, but careful planning and proactive problem-solving can turn it into a smooth and manageable experience. From ordering your Moving Boxes well in advance to hiring professional movers and decluttering before the move, each small step contributes to a successful relocation. Keep these common mistakes and solutions in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new home without the stress of moving day disasters.