Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it’s also a process filled with potential pitfalls. From poor planning to underestimating the time and effort involved, many people make common moving mistakes that add stress and cost to the experience. Whether it’s forgetting to label boxes, hiring unreliable movers, or failing to declutter beforehand, these missteps can quickly turn a smooth transition into a chaotic one. Often, the rush to pack or lack of organization leads to broken items, misplaced belongings, and unnecessary frustration. Understanding the most frequent moving mistakes can help you avoid them and make your relocation more efficient. With the right preparation and awareness, your move can be far more manageable—and even enjoyable.
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving things to the last minute. Moving involves a lot of steps: scheduling movers, transferring utilities, changing your address, and packing. Start planning your move at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Make a checklist and timeline to stay on track and reduce last-minute chaos.
2. Underestimating Time and Effort
Packing an entire household always takes longer than expected. People often think they can get everything done in a weekend, only to find themselves scrambling. Break the work into manageable chunks. Tackle one room at a time and give yourself realistic daily goals.
3. Not Decluttering Before Packing
Why pack and move things you don’t need? Moving is the perfect time to downsize. Go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. Fewer items mean less packing, less moving, and potentially lower costs.
4. Forgetting Label Boxes
Skipping box labels may seem harmless at first, but it leads to confusion later. Clearly mark each box with the contents and which room it belongs to. You can even color-code or number your boxes to make unpacking faster and more organized.
5. Hiring the Wrong Moving Company
Not all moving companies are reliable. Some are overpriced, unprofessional, or even scams. Always research companies thoroughly read reviews, check credentials, and get multiple quotes. Ask for recommendations and make sure they offer insurance and clear terms. You need to find the right Spartanburg Movers to carry out your move without any mistakes.
6. Packing Essentials in the Moving Truck
You don’t want to dig through boxes to find your toothbrush or phone charger on the first night. Always pack a separate “essentials” bag with toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, important documents, a change of clothes, and anything else you’ll need immediately.
7. Not Taking Measurements
Imagine getting to your new place and discovering your sofa doesn’t fit through the door. Measure furniture, doorways, hallways, and staircases ahead of time. This helps avoid moving day headaches and ensures everything fits as planned.
8. Overloading Boxes
Heavy items like books shouldn’t go into large boxes. Overpacking makes boxes difficult to lift and increases the risk of injury or broken items. Distribute weight evenly, use smaller boxes for heavier items, and reinforce bottoms with packing tape.
9. Ignoring Utilities and Address Updates
Many people forget to schedule the shutoff and setup of utilities at both locations. Make sure your electricity, water, internet, and other essential services are ready at your new home before you move in. Also, update your address with the post office, banks, and subscriptions.
10. Moving Without Insurance
Accidents happen. Whether you’re using a moving company or DIYing it, having insurance can protect your belongings in case of damage or loss. Check what coverage your movers provide and consider additional coverage if you’re transporting valuable items.
How to Identify Moving Mistakes Before They Happen
Start with a checklist: If you don’t have a detailed moving plan, chances are you’ll miss something. A timeline helps you catch gaps before they become issues.
Review your inventory: Not knowing what you’re moving leads to overpacking or forgetting items. Make a full list early on.
Vet your movers: Rushing to book the cheapest option without research can lead to unreliable service or hidden fees. Check reviews and licenses before hiring.
Test your packing strategy: Pack a few boxes and see how long it takes. If it’s slower than expected, adjust your schedule.
Measure everything: Compare your furniture measurements with doorways and staircases in the new place to prevent moving day surprises.
Double-check essential tasks: Utility transfers, change-of-address forms, and packing an essentials bag often get overlooked. Review these early.
Carey Moving & Storage: Best Spartanburg Movers
Carey Moving & Storage is your go-to Spartanburg storage and moving company, delivering trusted, professional relocation services for homes and businesses across the region. With decades of experience, we specialize in seamless local, long-distance, and international moves, backed by secure, climate-controlled storage solutions. Our dedicated team is committed to handling your belongings with care, precision, and efficiency. Whether you’re relocating down the street or across the country, Carey Moving & Storage provides customized solutions to fit your timeline and budget. As a leading Spartanburg moving company, we take the stress out of moving, so you can focus on your next chapter.
Move Smarter, Not Harder—Discover the Top Mistakes to Dodge
At Carey Moving & Storage, we take pride in offering dependable and secure Spartanburg storage solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re downsizing, in between moves, or simply need extra space, our climate-controlled storage facilities provide the perfect environment to keep your belongings safe and protected. With flexible short-term and long-term options, we make storing your items simple and stress-free. Our professional team is here to assist every step of the way, ensuring your possessions are handled with care and stored with confidence. When you choose Carey Moving & Storage, you’re not just getting space—you’re getting peace of mind. Trust our storage solutions to keep your items secure and your move on track.
You have been wonderful to work with. I was told you would be in contact with me during the move and you definitely kept the promise. It’s nice to know people meet and exceed expectations. Paul and I are happy with our experience and will definitely use you in the future should we move again.Thank you!
Melissa and Paul
Compliments to Everyone!I am very satisfied with driver Barney and Al. My compliments to everyone
Elizabeth
We are settled in, and have time to consider how easily the move was from Vonore, TN to Lansing, MI.The move not nearly as hectic as we thought it would be, this is in part due to the excellent performance by your people, namely Justin Schott the group leader. Justin had a handle on the entire move. Justin’s concerns were that the items be handled carefully and that they be placed where the client wanted them. Tim and Xavier are fine gentlemen, they too had the same concerns as Justin. Cody and Joe did their best to pack our goods so as to have little damage.The named are a credit to the Carey Moving Company. We are happy that we named you folks to do our transfer, thank you.
Frank and Mary Thomas
Pat-As mentioned we have not fully unpacked yet so hopefully all things are here. Other than that confirmation, the fellows who moved us were extremely courteous and mannerly. Much appreciated. They were very careful about not scratching the walls. They were also careful to ask where items should be placed. They arrived on time for delivery.
Renee
I would like the manager of the Arden office to know that the staff that handled our move into your storage facility was superb. Kim explained everything very clearly up front and there were no nasty surprises thereafter. Brian bossed the packing day and the loading day with ease and grace and I cannot tell you how relieved I was to know I was in good hands. The others, Lori, Doug, Tom, and Bob were also very good at what they do. Thank you. I look forward to delivery as soon as we find a place. Thank you.
Karen Coler, Hendersonville, NC
I received my shipment on Sunday Feb 23rd. All items were in perfect shape. It was a great experience working with your company. Patrick was very helpful and knowledgeable. Being that I was in South Carolina for a very short time, he succeeded in getting everything set up in a timely manner to be packed and put on the truck. The packers were very nice and efficient and obviously packed items very well. The driver was thoughtful and called me several times to assure me that my items were on the way. He was friendly and efficient when he dropped off the boxes. You were very kind and helpful every time I called with a question and quickly handled all the paperwork.Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to all the people involved in the transport of our items.
Leslie Stoecker
Hi again!I need to tell you that I am very pleased with the move. All is great!The gentlemen, Barnie and Allen were absolutely terrific. Very pleasant,careful, patient and hard working.I will recommend Allied for sure!Thanks, LoriHendersonville, NC to Westwood, MAMary Daniels
