Moving can feel like a juggling act. You must manage time, money, and energy simultaneously. According to a recent survey, more than half of people say the process is one of the most stressful events in their lives, often ranking it above significant life changes, such as marriage or a new job. One wrong step can turn a manageable move into an expensive headache. The problem is that most people don’t realize which mistakes are actually costing them the most until it’s too late.

This guide will walk you through the most common and costly moving mistakes and how to avoid them so you can keep your budget intact and your sanity in check.

1. Leaving the Planning Until the Last Minute

A successful move begins with a well-planned strategy made in advance. Waiting until a week before the moving date to start organizing often leads to rushed decisions, missed details, and unnecessary expenses. Giving yourself at least six to eight weeks to prepare means you can secure the best service providers, lock in better rates, and arrange your schedule without pressure. Early planning also gives you time to sort through your belongings, handle paperwork, and address small tasks that tend to accumulate quickly as moving day approaches. The earlier you start, the more control you keep over both the process and the cost.

2. Choosing Movers Without Proper Research

Not all moving companies offer the same level of quality, reliability, or pricing. Some people book the first provider they find, only to discover hidden fees, delays, or careless handling of their belongings. Doing proper research before hiring is essential. Compare at least three options, check reviews, and ask for clear, itemized quotes. Professionals from a reputable local moving company can often provide a more personalized service and better rates because they are familiar with the area. Taking the time to choose wisely protects your belongings and can save you from costly mistakes in the future.

3. Misjudging the Size of Your Move

It’s easy to underestimate how much you own - especially if you’ve lived in one place for years. People often think they can fit everything into one truck or that they’ll only need a handful of boxes. On moving day, this can lead to extra trips, last-minute supply runs, or even renting more storage than initially expected. The most straightforward fix is to take an inventory of your belongings well in advance of the move. Walk through each room, open closets, and check storage spaces. Knowing precisely what you have helps you book the correct size truck and ensures you have enough packing materials without wasting money on surplus supplies.

4. Packing Items You Don’t Actually Need

Many people end up moving things they haven’t used in years, such as clothes that no longer fit, outdated electronics, or stacks of old paperwork. This adds to packing time, increases transportation costs, and creates additional work at the new location. Decluttering before packing is one of the smartest moves you can make. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. You’ll save on moving expenses and start fresh in your new home without unnecessary clutter. Even spending a couple of hours a week on this task in the lead-up to moving day can make a big difference.

5. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly

Labeling boxes might seem like a minor step, but skipping it can cause significant frustration later. Without clear labels, you waste time opening box after box to find one item. It also slows down movers, which can lead to higher labor costs if you’re paying by the hour. A simple system works best - write the room name and a short description of the contents on at least two sides of each box. Using a consistent format helps everyone know where each box belongs, making unloading and unpacking faster and more organized.

6. Packing Fragile Items Without Proper Protection

One of the most expensive moving mistakes is packing fragile belongings carelessly. Glassware, electronics, mirrors, and artwork need more than just a cardboard box and some newspaper. Poor packing increases the risk of damage, which means you could end up paying to replace or repair items that were perfectly fine before the move. Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, foam sheets, or packing paper to cushion delicate objects. Always fill empty spaces inside boxes to prevent items from shifting during transit. Label these boxes as “fragile” and mark which side should face up. Spending a little more on quality packing materials is far cheaper than replacing valuable or sentimental items.

7. Failing to Update Your Address Promptly

Delaying your address change can lead to missed bills, delayed deliveries, and potential service disruptions. In some cases, it can even affect your credit if important statements don’t reach you. Before you move, create a checklist of everyone who needs your new address to ensure a smooth transition. This should include your bank, employer, insurance providers, subscription services, and government agencies. You can also set up mail forwarding through your postal service to cover any gaps. Ideally, this should be done at least two weeks before moving day so the change takes effect quickly. Staying ahead of this step avoids unnecessary stress and keeps your essential correspondence uninterrupted.

8. Not Preparing for Moving Day Obstacles

Even the most carefully planned moves can run into problems. Bad weather, heavy traffic, and restricted access to elevators or parking can all cause delays. These issues can raise costs if you’re paying movers by the hour. To avoid this, check the weather forecast in the days leading up to your move and have protective covers ready for your furniture in case of rain. If you’re moving into an apartment or high-rise building, book the elevator in advance and confirm parking availability for the truck. Having a backup plan for potential problems helps you stay on schedule and prevents last-minute stress.

Moving doesn’t have to be a chaotic or costly experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save both time and money while protecting your belongings and reducing stress. Planning early, taking an accurate inventory, choosing the right movers, and staying organized throughout the process are key steps to a smooth transition. Paying attention to details, such as properly packing fragile items, updating your address, and budgeting for hidden costs, can prevent unnecessary problems. With the proper preparation and a clear plan, you can focus less on the stress of moving and more on settling into your new home with confidence.