7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Moving: A Guide to a Stress-Free Relocation
Moving often means starting a new chapter, whether switching cities or just relocating to a different neighbourhood.
However, it can also be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially if you do not avoid the most common mistakes that can cost you a lot of money.
This guide to help you plan and execute a smooth and successful, and stress-free move, whether you’re a first-time mover or have moved before.
So without further ado, let’s discuss the top 7 costly mistakes to avoid when moving.
You leave a messy, damaged rental
From not properly cleaning your rental to not giving yourself enough time to pack, there are many pitfalls you should avoid when planning your move.
One of the worst possible costly mistakes you could make before moving out is not making sure the rental you leave is immaculate. Don’t expect to simply clean and mop the floors and get away with it.
If you have a security bond backing up your tenancy agreement, you are obliged to deep clean the property upon moving out.
Simply put, you should empty out every room of personal belongings and properly clean all surfaces with suitable detergents.
The best possible way to achieve this is to book an end-of-tenancy cleaning service that covers the checklists of landlords and leasing agencies.
In the meantime, any property damage to the rental is also a valid subject of discussion. According to your tenancy agreement, the repair costs might come from your security bond.
You don’t plan your moving budget
A move out from start to finish may cost you more than you might expect. Especially if the last time you moved was more than a couple of years ago before we really started to feel the effects of rising inflation. That is why it is important to budget your move properly and ensure you will have available cash to cover it.
You don’t compare moving prices
Don’t book the first moving company you stumble upon after a single Google search. Instead, take your time to explore your options. Most moving company websites have tables with example prices or price calculators.
If a website doesn’t offer either, so you can get a basic understanding of what you might pay, that is a major red flag.
You don’t research your moving company
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential moving companies, it’d be best to research them before you make the final choice. You can read customer reviews of people who have used these companies.
This way, you can pick the ones that provide the most excellent customer service and a seamless moving experience. When researching your moving company options, be sure to inquire about their experience in handling hot shot loads to ensure a reliable and efficient relocation process.
You don’t give yourself enough time to pack
As they say, time is money, which means packing early can save you a lot of cash.
As soon as you know that you will be moving out, you should start to plan and organise your move with packing in mind.
Otherwise, you might have to resort to a packing service, which is another added expense.
Your packing is messy and wasteful
Another critical point is to pack neatly.
You should stack everything in boxes or wrapping, and have everything ready prior to moving day.
Proper packing means that your movers can quickly load and unload your belongings. This will lower the service time, affecting your service’s total cost.
You don’t throw away things that you don’t use anymore
One of the ways to optimise your packing is to simply let go of the things you don’t use anymore. Otherwise, you will be wasting time and packing materials on them just to have them transported. Which is not financially reasonable since you are probably going to continue not to use them.
A good rule of thumb is to discard items and belongings you have not used for over six months. And the best part is that you can simply resell some items in good condition, which will earn you some cash back.
Tips for a better moving experience
The right preparation and planning can help make moving less stressful and overwhelming.
These tips will help you move smoothly, no matter where you are moving in the city or across the country.
All in all, here’s what you need to know to ensure a better moving experience:
• Start planning early: Moving requires a lot of planning and organisation, so start as early as possible. Create a checklist of everything that needs to be done, and break down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Hire a reputable moving company: Research and read reviews before hiring a moving company to ensure they are reputable and reliable. Make sure to get a written estimate and confirm the cost and scope of the services.
• Budget for additional costs: Moving costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to budget for unexpected expenses such as packing supplies, storage, and insurance. Ensure to include a cushion in your budget to account for unforeseen costs.
• Declutter before you move: Take the opportunity to declutter and eliminate items you no longer need or use. This will help reduce the number of items you need to move and can also help you earn some extra cash by selling or donating items.
• Use proper packing techniques: Proper packing ensures items arrive safely and reduces the space required in a moving truck, saving you money. Use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or newspaper, and label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
• Plan for cleaning: Plan to clean your rental before you move out to avoid losing your security deposit. If you want to ensure the job is done correctly and to the landlord’s satisfaction, hire a professional cleaning service.
• Stay organised: Keep all necessary documents and information related to your move, such as contracts, estimates, and receipts, in a designated folder or binder. This will help you stay organised and make the process smoother.
Conclusion
When moving, you can experience excitement and anxiety, but if you plan and organize properly, you can avoid costly mistakes that can add frustration and expense.
Practical tips and strategies can help make your move as stress-free and budget-friendly as possible, including cleaning your rental, packing correctly, and researching your moving company.
You May Also Enjoy
Rightmove’s Most Searched Locations in 2025
Consistent support for apprenticeships helps construction
6 tips for a stress-free Christmas move
Why 2026 could be the year the market turns
Why Dumpster Rentals Simplify DIY Kitchen Demolition Projects
