Moving day is a big deal whether you are located relocating to a new flat in Portsmouth or shifting your business to a new office space UK. But as exciting as it is to start fresh moving day and quickly turn chaotic if you are not prepared. At go move Removals we have helped countless families and businesses moving seamlessly the UK and we have seen the same mistakes trip people up time and again. to help you avoid the stress we are sharing the 10 most common moving day mistakes and how to stay clear of them let’s make you move, smooth and hassle free!
1. Not booking movers early enough
One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving their moving company booking to the last minute in the UK, especially during peak seasons, like summer or around the holidays. professional movers get booked up fast.
How to avoid it: plan ahead! Whether you need to house Removals for a family move or a man and van for a small job Book with GoMove Removals at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance this ensures you get your preferred date and avoid the stress of scrambling for help.
2. Forgetting to Declutter before packing
Moving is the perfect time to declutter, but many people skip this step and end up packing items they don’t need. This not only increases your moving costs but also makes unpacking more overwhelming.
How to avoid it: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Haven’t used that old coffee maker in a year? Donate it! Decluttering saves time and space, especially if you’re using our moving services for a local relocation. Less stuff means a quicker, cheaper move.
3. Not Packing an Essentials box
Ever arrived at your new home only to realize you can’t find your toothbrush or phone charger? Forgetting to pack an essentials box is a common oversight that can make your first night a nightmare.
How to avoid it: Pack a box with must-haves for the first 24-48 hours: toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, and basic kitchen items. Keep this box with you or let our team know to load it last for easy access. Whether you’re moving with our house removals service or a smaller option, this tip keeps you prepared.
4. Overpacking Boxes
It’s tempting to stuff as much as possible into each box, but overpacking can lead to broken items, torn boxes, or even injuries when lifting. This is especially risky for fragile items like glassware or electronics.
How to avoid it: Keep boxes under 50 pounds. Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and larger ones for lighter items like bedding. If a box feels too heavy, redistribute the weight. Our team at GoMove Removals is trained to handle heavy loads safely, but balanced boxes make the job easier for everyone.
5. Not Labeling Boxes Properly
Unlabeled boxes turn unpacking into a guessing game. You don’t want to be opening every box to find your kettle while your movers are waiting to place items in the right rooms.
How to Avoid it: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots and Pans”). For added efficiency, use a color-coded system–assign a color to each room and mark boxes accordingly. This is especially helpful for Office Removals, where organization is key to getting back to business quickly.
6. Ignoring Fragile Items
Fragile items like glassware, mirrors, or electronics need extra care, but many people rush through packing them, leading to breakages during the move.
How to avoid it: Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper, and fill gaps in boxes with crumpled paper to prevent shifting. Label these boxes as “Fragile” and “This Side Up.” At GoMove Removals, we specialize in handling delicate items, whether you’re using our man and van service in Portsmouth or a full-service move across the UK.
7. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways
There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new place only to realize your sofa won’t fit through the door. This mistake can delay your move and even damage your furniture or property.
How to avoid it: Measure your large furniture and the doorways, staircases, and elevators at your old and new places. If something won’t fit, disassemble it beforehand, or let us know, we can help! This is a common issue for house removals in urban areas like Portsmouth, where tight spaces are the norm.
8. Forgetting to notify Important Parties
Moving day isn’t just about packing and transporting, it’s also about updating your address. Forgetting to notify utility companies, banks, or your employer can lead to missed bills or important mail.
How to avoid it: Make a checklist of everyone to notify: utility providers (gas, electric, water), internet and phone companies, your bank, and the post office for mail redirection. Do this at least a week before your move. If you’re relocating your business with our office removals service, don’t forget to update clients and suppliers too.
9. Underestimating the time it takes to pack
Packing always takes longer than you think. Many people underestimate the time needed, leading to a frantic rush the night before moving day.
How to avoid it: Start packing 3-4 weeks in advance, beginning with items you use less often (like seasonal decor or guest room items). Tackle one room at a time to stay organized. If you’re short on time, GoMove Removals offers packing services as part of Portsmouth moving services, we’ll handle the hard work so you can focus on settling in.
10. Not preparing for Move Day Logistics
Moving day involves more than just loading a van. Forgetting to plan for parking, access to your building, or even snacks for the day can cause unnecessary delays and stress.
How to avoid it: Check parking rules at both locations and reserve a spot for the moving van if needed. Clear pathways for easy access, and pack snacks, water, and a first-aid kit for the day, whether it’s a man and van job or a larger office removals project, we’ve got the details covered.
Bonus tips for a smooth moving day with GoMove Removals
- Take Photos before Disassembling: Snap pictures of furniture or electronics setups to make reassembly easier.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Pack Jewelry, important documents, and other valuables seperately and keep them with you.
- Communicate with your movers: Let us know about any special items or concerns. At GoMove Removals, we pride ourselves on clear communication to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Moving in the UK doesn’t have to be a headache. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re already on the right track, but having a reliable moving company by your side makes all the difference. At GoMove Removals, we offer a range of services to suit your needs:
- House removals for families of all sizes.
- Office removals to get your business up and running quickly.
- Man and van for smaller, local moves.
- Specialized Portsmouth moving services for residents in the area.
We’re committed to making your move stress-free with affordable rates, professional service, and a team that genuinely cares. Ready to move? Contact us today or click here for a free quote.
