Moving to a new home is a fresh start—but without careful planning, it can also be stressful and chaotic. Many people underestimate how much work and organization goes into a successful move. Fortunately, most moving mistakes are completely avoidable with the right knowledge and preparation.
Here are 10 common moving mistakes, along with expert tips from Yak and Yeti Movers on how to avoid them and keep your move smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
1. Not Booking a Moving Company Early Enough
❌ The Mistake:
Waiting until the last minute to hire professional movers, especially during peak season.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Book your moving company at least 4-6 weeks in advance. This gives you more flexibility and helps you secure your ideal date and time. Yak and Yeti Movers offers flexible scheduling and early booking options for Bay Area residents.
2. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Pack
❌ The Mistake:
Thinking you can pack up your entire home in just a day or two.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Start packing at least 3 weeks before your move. Begin with non-essentials and pack a little each day. Consider professional packing services if you’re short on time.
3. Failing to Declutter Before You Pack
❌ The Mistake:
Packing and moving things you no longer use or need.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Declutter before you start packing. Donate, sell, or recycle items you don’t want to take to your new home. This reduces moving costs and makes unpacking easier.
4. Using the Wrong Packing Materials
❌ The Mistake:
Using flimsy boxes or not protecting fragile items properly.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Use sturdy, high-quality boxes and plenty of padding like packing paper, bubble wrap, and foam. Yak and Yeti Movers provides professional packing supplies designed to keep your belongings safe.
5. Not Labeling Boxes Properly
❌ The Mistake:
Skipping labels or only writing the room name on boxes.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Label boxes clearly and thoroughly with the contents, room destination, and if they contain fragile items. Color-coding or numbering systems help streamline unpacking.
6. Packing Essentials in the Moving Truck
❌ The Mistake:
Packing things you’ll need right away (like toiletries, documents, or chargers) into the truck.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Keep an essentials box or bag with everything you need for the first 1–2 days: clothes, medications, chargers, important documents, and a few kitchen and bathroom basics.
7. Forgetting to Update Your Address and Services
❌ The Mistake:
Not updating your address or transferring services in time.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Update your address with USPS, banks, subscriptions, and billing services at least 1–2 weeks before your move. Schedule utility transfers to ensure power, water, and internet are ready at your new home.
8. Ignoring Building Rules and Parking Permits
❌ The Mistake:
Overlooking building move-in/move-out policies and local parking regulations.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Check with building management ahead of time to reserve elevators or loading docks. In cities like San Francisco, arrange for temporary parking permits to avoid fines or delays. Yak and Yeti Movers can assist with these logistics.
9. Trying to Move Everything Yourself
❌ The Mistake:
Underestimating the physical and logistical demands of moving.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Hire professionals for the heavy lifting—literally. Yak and Yeti Movers offers full-service moving, labor-only options, and specialty moving for things like pianos, antiques, and large furniture.
10. Skipping the Final Walkthrough
❌ The Mistake:
Leaving your old home before double-checking for forgotten items.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, drawer, and cabinet. This ensures you haven’t left anything behind and gives you one last chance to clean or take photos for your records.
Final Thoughts: Move Smart, Not Stressfully
Avoiding these common moving mistakes can save you time, money, and headaches. And with a trusted, professional team by your side, your move doesn’t have to be stressful.
Make Your Move the Right Way with Yak and Yeti Movers
Whether you’re moving across town or across the bay area, we Yak and Yeti Movers are committed to making your experience smooth, organized, and hassle-free. From packing services to full-service residential and apartment moves, we’re the Bay Area’s trusted choice for reliable, professional moving help.Get your free moving quote today and let us, Yak and Yeti Movers help you move without the mistakes!
