5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it's also one of the most stressful parts of life. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, the process comes with plenty of opportunities for mistakes. Some of them might seem small, but they can quickly spiral into huge headaches!
Two Amigos moves people daily, and with 34 years of service and 35,000 moves under our belt, we’ve recognized 5 common moving mistakes that people make and have devised some tips to help you avoid them.
Continue reading to learn more!
1. Not Labeling Boxes
Unlabeled boxes might not seem like a big deal while you're packing, but you'll quickly regret it when you're knee-deep in a mountain of cardboard at your new home. You’ll waste time opening boxes just to figure out what’s inside, and things often get lost or misplaced in the shuffle.
How to Avoid It:
Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room.
Use color-coded tape or stickers for even faster sorting.
For fragile items, mark the box with "FRAGILE" and arrows showing which way is up.
This one small habit can save you hours of stress when unpacking.
2. Overlooking the Importance of the Pre-Move Survey
A pre-move survey is when your moving company evaluates your belongings before the move. Skipping this step often leads to surprises like underestimated costs, too-small trucks, or not enough movers on the big day.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule an in-home (or virtual) survey with your movers. (Pst. Two Amigos offers FREE in-home surveys, so you can get the most accurate estimate possible.)
Be thorough—show everything that needs to be moved, including items in closets, garages, and storage units.
Ask questions about what’s included in your estimate so there are no surprises.
This step ensures your movers are fully prepared and can provide you with the most accurate estimate possible.
Pro-Tip: Two Amigos offers a Free Moving Calculator form, which helps us make your moving estimate even more accurate.
3. Failing to Declutter Before the Move
Packing and moving things that you no longer use is a waste of time, money, and energy. Not only will your move cost more, but you'll end up bringing clutter into your fresh new space.
How to Avoid It:
Sort items into keep, donate, sell, or toss piles.
Host a garage sale or use online marketplaces to sell unwanted items.
Schedule donation pickups from local charities if you're short on time.
Decluttering before you pack means fewer boxes, lower moving costs, and a cleaner start in your new home.
4. Start Packing
It might seem logical to throw all your heavy items into one large box. One big heavy box is better than 3 small heavy boxes, right? Wrong! This leads to boxes that are too heavy to lift or that fall apart in transit. It’s also a safety hazard for both you and your movers.
How to Avoid It:
Pack books, tools, and heavy items in small, sturdy boxes.
Reserve large boxes for lightweight items like bedding, pillows, and clothing.
Distribute the weight evenly across all boxes to prevent accidents.
Remember: If a box feels too heavy to lift, it’s probably too heavy to move safely.
If you want to skip the hassle all together, Two Amigos offers professional packing services so you can enjoy peace of mind throughout the entire moving process.
5. Asking Friends to Help You Move
Sure, your friends love you, but that doesn’t mean they want to haul your fridge up three flights of stairs. Relying on friends for a move can lead to damaged belongings, injuries, and strained relationships, especially if something goes wrong.
How to Avoid It:
Hire professional movers who are trained, covered, and equipped for the job.
Save your friends for unpacking parties, pizza nights, or just emotional support!
If you do ask for help, keep tasks light and limited.
Investing in professionals saves time, ensures your items safety, and keeps your friendships intact.
By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll be better prepared, more organized, and far less stressed on moving day. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring help, a little planning goes a long way!