Let’s face it — moving can be a whirlwind. Between packing, updating your address, locking in a move date, and juggling a hundred other things, it’s easy for stuff to go sideways. Just ask anyone about their first move, and you’ll probably get a laundry list of things they wish they’d done differently.

At Alliance Moving & Storage, we get it. We want every single person to have the best moving process possible. We’ve rounded up the 16 most common moving mistakes, plus some solid tips on how to steer clear of them.

1. Skipping the Moving Checklist

No matter how much experience you have, it's a must to have a moving checklist for any relocation. Whether you’re heading to a new house or moving your business, a checklist keeps you on budget and on schedule.

The best ones break down tasks into chunks, so you always know what’s coming next. Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step moving checklist that’ll guide you through the whole process without missing a beat.

2. Not Shopping Around for Quotes

Here’s a mistake that happens way too often: folks rush into booking movers without comparing quotes. We get it — there’s a lot to do, and it feels good to check something off your list. But different moving companies offer different rates for similar services, and skipping the comparison step might mean paying more than you should.

It’s well worth the time investment to compare quotes from movers to find the best price. To make getting a quote easy, we offer a free quoting tool. By entering basic information about your move, you can receive a free, transparent, and competitive quote in minutes.

3. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Movers

Procrastinators, this one’s for you. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your movers, especially if you’re moving during peak moving season. Moving slots fill up faster than you think. Even if you're moving during the quieter months (like in the winter), locking in your date early gives you more options — and often better prices. Plus, who doesn't love having one less thing to worry about?

4. Hauling Too Much Stuff

We all have that box (or ten) of stuff we’ve been lugging around from place to place. But here’s the hard truth: not everything needs to come with you. Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Think of it as a fresh start.

If you haven’t touched something in years or it’s easy to replace, maybe it’s time to let it go. Hosting a garage sale or donating items can even help cover some moving costs. And trust us, your wallet will thank you when you're not paying to move that extra weight.

What NOT to pack:

What Items Are Not Worth Moving

When you’re moving, it’s the perfect time to lighten your load. If you haven’t used something in ages or it’s easy to replace, it’s probably time to part ways with it.

Leave behind the things that just take up space — like old paperwork, junk mail, outdated gadgets, clothes you haven’t worn in forever, half-used cleaning products, and those extra kitchen gadgets you never use. The less you bring, the easier (and cheaper!) your move will be.

5. Underestimating How Many Packing Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s a rookie mistake: running out of boxes mid-pack. It’s easy to underestimate just how many moving materials you’ll need — after all, it’s not just about the number of boxes. You’ll also need bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, and probably a few other things you haven’t even thought of yet. For a small apartment, you might need 30-40 boxes.

For a larger home? Think over 100. Take inventory early and grab extra supplies just in case. Trust us, it's way better to have more than you need than to be frantically searching for boxes on moving day.

6. Packing at the Last Minute

We’ve all done it — waited until the night before a trip to throw everything into a suitcase. Moving like that? Not recommended. Forgetting to pack until the eleventh hour for a move takes that stress and multiplies it tenfold. Get a head start on packing so that you can do it efficiently. Starting your packing process too late prevents you from being judicious about what comes with you and what stays behind. By getting an early start, you can pack your possessions with only the items you want to bring along, instead of everything you were able to throw in a box.

7. Packing Too Early (Yes, There’s Such a Thing!)

On the flip side, packing too far in advance can cause its own set of issues. If you box up non-essentials months ahead of time, you might find yourself digging through those boxes to find everyday items.

Plus, early-packed boxes tend to gather dust and confusion about what's in them. A better approach is to declutter first, then focus on packing a few weeks before your move. That way, your home stays livable until moving day.

8. Packing Items Incorrectly

We all have fragile items — whether it’s your grandmother’s antique vase or some delicate artwork — that you’d hate to see broken. Unfortunately for antiques and delicate art, moving is one of the main ways those precious items end up damaged. First-time movers often skip the important step of using proper packing materials, which leaves fragile pieces bouncing around in a cardboard box.

To avoid heartbreak, invest in quality packing supplies. Trust us, it’s the difference between arriving with Grandma’s favorite china intact or a box full of porcelain dust. And here’s an insider tip: always double-tape the bottom of your boxes. A single strip of tape just won’t cut it. For heavier boxes, go for a third layer. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your valuables safe

9. Labeling Boxes Before Packing Them

Pre-labeling boxes sounds like you’re ahead of the game, but it often leads to more confusion when you start unpacking. You think you’re being organized, but when you’re unpacking and can’t remember what you actually packed and where it all is, it turns into a mess.

Instead, label your boxes after they’re packed so you know exactly what’s inside. It’ll save you from frustration when you’re settling into your new place.

10. Skipping Mail Forwarding and Change of Address

This one seems simple, but it’s easy to overlook. Many first-time movers forget to update their address in time, leading to missed mail and packages showing up at the old place. Don’t be that person! Set up a change of address with the post office ahead of time and forward your mail so that everything important makes it to your new address without a hitch.

11. Taking on Too Much by Yourself

Moving isn’t as easy as it seems. There’s a lot of heavy lifting, logistics, and coordination involved — things most of us aren’t prepared to handle solo. Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for help, or, better yet, hire professionals if it fits your budget. Professionals can handle heavy items moving and can help you avoid the pitfalls that come with trying to do it all yourself. You’ll thank yourself when your back isn’t sore for days afterward.

12. Skipping Moving Insurance

Moving insurance might seem like an extra cost, but it’s one you don’t want to skip. Even if your movers offer basic coverage, it might not be enough for valuable items. A little extra investment in insurance can give you peace of mind, knowing that your prized possessions are protected.

13. Forgetting About Parking Permits

Moving in the city? Don’t forget the parking permits! Whether you’re using a moving truck or a professional service, you’ll need parking permits for both your current and future homes. Start this process early because permits can take time to get. Trust us, the last thing you want is to spend moving day circling the block looking for parking.

14. Not Measuring Your Furniture

Just because your furniture fits in your current place doesn’t mean it’ll fit in the new one. Before moving day, make sure to measure the doorways, stairwells, and any tight spaces in your new home. A few minutes with a tape measure can save you a lot of frustration — and possibly your couch.

15. Forgetting to Pack Personal Luggage

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of moving and forget about the essentials. But don’t make the rookie mistake of leaving your personal luggage behind. You’ll want quick access to things like clothes, medications, and important documents. Pack a bag with all your must-haves and keep it with you in your vehicle. Even if everything else is delayed, you’ll have what you need on hand.

16. Unpacking Boxes Out of Order

Most new movers start to unpack the second they arrive in their new home. This mistake can cause a lot of frustration since boxes get scattered easily. Having an unpacking scheme will save you time and frustration. To make things easier, place each box in the room where it belongs right away. Then, unpack from heaviest to lightest. This way, you’ll get your big furniture in place first and create space for your smaller items as you go.

Ready to Make a Mistake-Free Move?

Got a move coming up? Let Alliance Moving & Storage take the stress off your shoulders. We offer a full range of services, from packing and storage to disassembly and reassembly, storage options, and more, making sure your move goes off without a hitch. Head to our free quote to see the great rates we provide for commercial and residential moves or contact us today to find out how we can help you set up a mistake-free move.