Common Moving Mistakes Your Removalist Wishes You’d Avoid

Moving to a new home or office can be an exciting new chapter, but let’s be honest—it’s also stressful, chaotic, and exhausting. That’s why many people turn to professionals like National Removalist to make the process smoother. With years of experience handling everything from delicate heirlooms to bulky furniture, professional removalists have seen it all—and they’ve also seen a lot of common mistakes that can slow down the process, cost you extra money, or even damage your belongings.

If you’re planning a move, avoid these pitfalls and make your removalist’s job easier (which, in turn, makes your move faster, safer, and more affordable). Here’s what your removalist wishes you knew before moving day.

Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they can pack everything up in a day or two. Spoiler alert: You can’t.

Professional removalists often arrive to find clients still shoving items into boxes—sometimes even as the truck is being loaded. This not only delays the move but also increases stress and the risk of breakage.

Pro Tip:

Start packing at least two weeks in advance, beginning with non-essentials like books, seasonal clothing, and decor. Label every box clearly and indicate which room it belongs to. Bonus points for marking boxes with “fragile” if needed.

Not Decluttering Before the Move

Why pay to move things you no longer use or need? Another frequent misstep is packing and transporting clutter—old clothes, broken appliances, outdated electronics—that will just collect dust in your new place.

Pro Tip:

Before packing, go room by room and declutter. Sell, donate, or toss anything you haven’t used in the past year. Not only will this lighten your load, but it can also reduce your moving costs significantly.

Forgetting to Measure Furniture and Doorways

Imagine the truck arrives, everything’s packed, and you discover your oversized couch won’t fit through the new apartment’s front door. Yes, it happens more often than you think.

Pro Tip:

Measure your large furniture and the doorways, staircases, and elevators at your new location before moving day. Share these details with your removalist so they can prepare with the right tools or techniques.

Not Booking Your Removalist Early Enough

Many people wait until the last minute to book a moving service, especially during peak times like weekends, the beginning/end of the month, or holiday seasons. This can lead to limited availability and higher prices.

Pro Tip:

Book your removalist at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during a busy period. Companies often get fully booked well ahead of time.

Packing Boxes Incorrectly

Overloading boxes or failing to secure items properly is a recipe for disaster. Not only can boxes break, but unbalanced loads also make stacking in the truck more difficult.

Pro Tip:

• Don’t overpack—keep boxes under 20kg (around 44 lbs) if possible.
  
• Use proper packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes.
  
• Put heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
  
• Seal boxes securely with packing tape.

Not Labeling Boxes Properly

You may think you’ll remember what’s in every box, but trust us—by the end of the day, every box will look the same. Improper labeling leads to confusion, misplaced items, and wasted time during unpacking.

Pro Tip:

Use a marker to label each box with:

• Contents
  
• Destination room
  
• Fragile or not
  

Some movers even recommend color-coded stickers for easy room sorting.

Ignoring Insurance Option

Accidents are rare, but they can happen. Not purchasing or reviewing insurance coverage for your move is a mistake that could cost you dearly if something valuable is damaged.

Pro Tip:

Ask your removalist about their insurance policies. Some offer different levels of coverage so you can choose what works for your needs and peace of mind.

Not Communicating Special Requirements

If you have fragile antiques, a piano, or a steep driveway, don’t wait until moving day to mention it. Failure to communicate these things can cause delays and additional fees.

Pro Tip:

Give your removalist a complete overview of your inventory and any special considerations when booking. That way, they can bring the proper equipment and team size.

Trying to Do Too Much on Moving Day

Trying to clean, pack, direct the movers, and manage kids or pets all at once can lead to chaos. Moving day is exhausting enough—don’t make it harder by juggling everything alone.

Pro Tip:

Delegate. Hire cleaners, arrange for child or pet care, and let the pros handle the heavy lifting. That’s what they’re there for.

Forgetting the Essentials Bag

Nothing’s worse than arriving at your new home and realizing you have no idea where your toothbrush, charger, or pajamas are.

Pro Tip:

Pack a bag with essentials for each family member:

• Medications
  
• Toiletries
  
• Chargers
  
• Snacks and water
  
• Change of clothes
  
• Important documents
  

Keep it with you, not on the truck.

Final Thoughts: Help Your Movers Help You

Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only make your move more efficient and less stressful—you’ll also make your removalist’s job easier.

Removalist’s  goal is to help you move safely, quickly, and without hassle. When clients are prepared, informed, and communicative, everything goes more smoothly—for everyone involved.