Packing Panic? Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes (and Save Your Sanity!)

We at Upmove see it all – the excited anticipation, the last-minute scrambles… and sometimes, the packing pitfalls. Let's be honest: packing isn't everyone's favourite activity. But doing it right makes a world of difference in how smoothly your move goes.

This post is about those common mistakes we see people make when they’re boxing up their lives. We'll break down what to avoid, and offer some practical tips so you can feel confident and (dare we say?) even enjoy the process!

1. The "Just Throw It In" Mentality: A Recipe for Disaster

We get it. You're busy. But haphazardly tossing items into boxes is a surefire way to create chaos later on. Think about it – fragile items buried under heavy books? Clothes crushed beyond recognition? It’s not pretty, and unpacking becomes an archaeological dig.

• The Fix: Take your time! Wrap breakables individually (newspaper works great!), use plenty of cushioning, and distribute weight evenly in each box. Don't be afraid to use more packing material than you think you need – it's better to over-protect than under-protect. We offer professional packing services if you’d rather leave this part to the experts!

2. Labeling? What Labeling? (The Mystery Box Syndrome)

How many times have you unpacked a box only to find… well, nothing you needed? Or worse, something fragile that shattered because you had no idea what was inside? Vague labels like "Kitchen Stuff" just don't cut it.

• The Fix: Be specific! Label each box with its contents AND the room it belongs in (e.g., “Living Room – Books & DVDs”). A quick inventory list taped to the outside is even better. This will save you so much time and frustration when unpacking. Plus, if a box gets lost or damaged, knowing what’s inside helps immensely.

3. The Heavy Box Trap: Back Pain Alert!

We've all been there – trying to be efficient by cramming as much as possible into one box. But those super-heavy boxes are a nightmare for movers (and your back!). They're difficult to lift, awkward to carry, and more likely to get dropped.

• The Fix: Distribute weight wisely! Heavy items like books should go in smaller boxes. Lighter items can share larger boxes. Think about the ergonomics of lifting – a box that’s too heavy is just asking for trouble.

4. Ignoring the "Liquids" Rule: A Sticky Situation

Toiletries, cleaning supplies… liquids are notorious for leaking and ruining everything they touch. Nobody wants to open a box to find their clothes soaked in shampoo!

• The Fix: Seal all liquid containers tightly (double-check!). Place them in zip-lock bags inside the box. Wrap the bag with bubble wrap or packing paper for extra protection. This simple step can prevent a major mess.

5. Forgetting About Valuables & Important Documents: Don't Leave It to Chance!

Jewelry, passports, financial documents… these are things you absolutely do not want to entrust to movers (or risk losing in the shuffle).

• The Fix: Keep valuables and important documents with you at all times. A small, secure bag or briefcase is ideal. This includes medications – don't pack them!

6. The "I’ll Do It Later" Procrastination Spiral

We understand that packing can feel like a chore. But putting it off only makes the stress worse. That last-minute rush often leads to shortcuts and mistakes (like all the ones we just discussed!).

• The Fix: Start early! Even packing one box a day is better than nothing. Break down the task into smaller, manageable chunks. Create a packing schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Moving Doesn't Have To Be Stressful

Packing can be challenging, but with a little planning and attention to detail, you can avoid these common pitfalls and make your move smoother than ever. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to save yourself some time and hassle, Upmove is here to help! We offer comprehensive moving services, including professional packing and unpacking, so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter.

Ready to get started? Check out our pricing page for an estimate or contact us today – we’re here to make your move easy!