Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but the packing process can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, avoiding common packing pitfalls can save you time, money, and headaches.
Here are the ten biggest mistakes people make when packing their homes—and how to avoid them. Or to save you the stress and headache, drop us a line and find out how we help can take the stress out of moving – info@relokate.com.au or call 0438 128 472
1. **Starting Too Late**
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the time it takes to pack. Many people leave packing until the last minute, leading to a rushed and chaotic process. Start packing as early as possible—ideally, six to eight weeks before your move. This gives you ample time to sort, organize, and pack everything carefully.
2. **Not Decluttering First**
Packing up items you no longer need or want wastes time, space and money. Before you even think about packing, take the time to declutter. Go through each room and decide what you can sell, donate, or throw away. You’ll have less to pack, and your new home will feel more organised from day one.
3. **Using the Wrong Packing Materials**
Using low-quality or inappropriate packing materials can damage items during the move. Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other protective materials. Specialty boxes for items like electronics, dishes, and clothing can also make packing easier and more secure.
4. **Overpacking Boxes**
It might seem efficient to cram as much as possible into each box, but overpacking can lead to boxes that are too heavy to lift or that break under the weight.
5. **Failing to Label Boxes Properly**
Unlabeled boxes create confusion and extra work when you’re trying to unpack in your new home. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This simple step can save you hours of frustration on the other end of your move.
6. **Neglecting an Essentials Box**
Once you arrive at your new home, the last thing you want is to search through dozens of boxes for your toothbrush or phone charger. Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new place—things like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and important documents.
7. **Not Taking Inventory**
If you’re hiring movers or transporting your items over a long distance, it’s crucial to know what you’ve packed. This list will be invaluable if something goes missing or gets damaged during the move.
8. **Ignoring Fragile Items**
Fragile items require special care when packing. Don’t just wrap them in a single layer of newspaper and hope for the best. Use plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper, and clearly mark boxes containing fragile items so movers know to handle them with care.
9. **Packing Hazardous Materials**
Certain items are considered hazardous and shouldn’t be packed or transported by movers. This includes things like paint, chemicals, lpg tanks, and even certain cleaning supplies. Check with your removalist about what can and cannot be packed, and dispose of hazardous materials properly before your move.
10. **Forgetting to Pack a Moving Day Bag**
On moving day, you’ll need easy access to items like snacks, water, important documents, and your phone charger. Pack a moving day bag with these essentials so you’re not scrambling to find them when you need them most.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you avoid these common mistakes. With proper planning and organisation, you can make the process smoother and more efficient. Remember, the key is to start early, stay organised, and be mindful of the little details.
Happy moving! And remember, if you need help packing or unpacking, we’re just a phone call or email away.
info@relokate.com.au or call 0438 128 472