The Top 10 Packing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Moving can be an exciting time, but packing all your things? Not so much. Between the boxes, bubble wrap, and countless fragile items, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before your journey even begins.

To help you avoid any potential setbacks, we spoke to Mark Allan, Training Manager at Bishop’s Move, about some of the biggest packing mistakes people make while preparing for their move.

“Performed correctly, a move can be a seamless, exciting adventure. On the other hand, a bad packing job can create a domino effect that carries stress and headaches into what should be a fresh start.” — Mark Allan, Training Manager at Bishop’s Move.

The following article provides 10 tips and tricks for avoiding potential problems while packing for your move. 

The Mistakes You Can Make, and the Solutions You Need

“Many of the biggest problems with a move start at the packing stage. Putting in the right thought and effort early on can save you a substantial amount of time and tears.” — Mark Allan, Training Manager at Bishop’s Move.

With this in mind, here are some of the mistakes Mark says DIY movers tend to make:

1. Skipping the Moving Checklist

Before you start preparing for your move, it’s a great idea to write up a checklist for yourself. If you don’t, it’s easy to lose track of who has done what. Plus, you might end up with crucial tasks being missed or doubled up on.  

With a checklist, delegating tasks, such as packing, becomes easier. Tracking your progress is a breeze, and stress will be a bygone memory. 

2. Failure to Properly Label Boxes 

You might be tempted to skip labelling your boxes, but if you do, you’ll have no guidance when it comes to loading and unloading your moving van. 

Properly labelled boxes allow you to place them where they belong in your new home instead of having to open them to see what’s inside. Once it’s time to unpack, everything will already be in the room it needs to be in. How’s that for simple?

3. Failure to Declutter

Moving everything you want is already hard enough, so don’t make it harder for yourself by bringing unnecessary items to your new location. 

Before moving, it’s a great idea to declutter your home by donating or discarding anything you don’t want to keep. There’s nothing worse than opening boxes in your new house only to discover unwanted clutter.

“Chaotic packing makes for chaotic unpacking. Taking the time to pack carefully and in an orderly way will greatly increase your ease of unpacking in the new place.”  — Mark Allan, Training Manager at Bishop’s Move.

4. Using Incorrect Boxes 

You may be tempted to use a variety of boxes around the home to pack, but this can be a mistake. Using a hodgepodge of boxes can make loading them into vehicles much more challenging if they don’t fit properly. More importantly, household boxes may not be strong enough, which can lead to items breaking, boxes collapsing during transit or storage, or boxes becoming too heavy to lift—especially when filled with books.

Always use correct boxes and packaging to help avoid this problem.

5. Overpacking Boxes

Just like using improper packaging, you may be tempted to maximise a box’s efficiency by stuffing it to the brim. The consequence of this will be heavy, bulging boxes that are prone to being dropped, spilt, or torn. 

It’s always a better idea to use an extra box than to overfill and risk damaging your belongings.

6. Improper Packing Techniques

If you rush when you pack, you could accidentally make mistakes that come back to bite you later. Folding a box’s top and bottom without tape can hurt its structural integrity, ultimately leading to a pile of clutter at the bottom of your moving van.

7. Forgetting to Pack an Essentials Box

While most items in your home can be unpacked at a later date, some items are considered essential and should be packed separately (also known as a ‘first-open box’). 

Think toothbrush, phone charger, medication, batteries, or toys. The exact contents per box will vary depending on your specific needs, but as long as you identify what those contents are for you, you can help ensure a stress-free first day at your new location.

8. Underestimating the Difficulty of Moving

Packing, moving, and unpacking your things can be a lot harder than it seems. Plus, the fewer people you have available to move, the harder it will be on you, your office, or your family. 

“It’s better to plan with setbacks and delays in mind, so that you won’t be rushing to meet an impossible deadline. Working with a professional mover can help mitigate this from the beginning.” — Mark Allan, Training Manager at Bishop’s Move.

9. Waiting Too Long

Putting off packing until later can result in a monster of a moving day.

To avoid this scenario, start preparing well before the move date. That way, all you have to do on moving day is put all your boxed-up items onto the moving van.

10. Trying to Move Yourself

Given the amount of planning, preparation, and execution that moving involves, it’s a great idea to get some help. Even one or two extra pairs of hands can spare you from the intense labour and logistics of moving alone.

“These are some of the most common mistakes we see when people move. But fortunately, all of them can be prevented with a little planning and preparation.” — Mark Allan, Training Manager, at Bishop’s Move.

Bishop’s Move: The Easier Way to Pack

The professionals at Bishop’s Move pride themselves on 170+ years of moving the right way — including the use of the best techniques for packing your things.

You just sit back, relax, and focus on the big day. Our team will help with all the specifics, including planning your preparation and move, packing with the best and most suitable materials, and providing peace of mind so that you can focus on starting fresh in your new home.

Thinking about your next move? Give us a call at Bishop’s Move, you won’t be disappointed.