10 Packing Mistakes To Avoid When Moving

Moving doesn’t have to be chaos wrapped in cardboard. Surprisingly, packing is where many moves go sideways. I’ve been through too many moves to count, and learned a lot on the way.

Here are ten common mistakes I’ve encountered (and how to avoid them) so you can protect your belongings and your sanity. And if it all feels like too much, remember that professional packing services (I use Zip To Zip Moving Company) can handle the hard part for you.

1. Packing Everything at the Last Minute

This is the number-one trap. You promise yourself you’ll start early, then it’s two days before moving day, and you’re throwing things into boxes like a game show contestant.

Rushed packing leads to disorganization, broken items, and forgotten essentials. Start weeks ahead instead. Pack a few boxes each night, starting with the items you rarely use. Label and store them neatly. By the final week, only daily essentials should remain.

2. Reusing Weak or Damaged Boxes

Saving money on boxes sounds smart … until one collapses halfway down the stairs. Used boxes often have weakened corners or moisture damage that makes them unsafe for heavy loads.

Buy sturdy new boxes in a range of sizes. Double-tape the bottoms, and don’t forget specialty boxes for items like dishes and wardrobes. The right supplies cost less than replacing broken belongings later.

For an eco-friendly approach, choose recycled cartons from a moving supplier instead of scavenging from grocery stores.

3. Overloading Big Boxes With Heavy Items

It seems logical to put all your books in one box. The problem? You’ll need a forklift to lift it. Heavy loads in large boxes strain your back and risk the box tearing apart.

Follow this simple rule:

Heavy items, like books or tools, go in small boxes.
Lighter items, like bedding or clothing, go in large boxes.

Distribute the weight evenly so nothing crushes underneath. You’ll save yourself and your movers a lot of pain.

4. Leaving Empty Space Inside Boxes

People think extra space in a box protects items. It doesn’t. Gaps let things shift and collide. When boxes stack in the truck, that movement can cause dents, chips, or shattered glass.

Fill voids with packing paper, towels, or bubble wrap. Shake each box gently before sealing; if anything moves, add more cushioning. Think of it as packing a puzzle; everything should fit snugly, without force.

5. Forgetting To Label Boxes

Imagine arriving at your new home surrounded by 50 identical brown boxes. Somewhere in there is your coffee maker. But where?

Label every box on multiple sides. Don’t label on top since you won’t be able to see what you wrote when boxes are stacked. Write the room and a short description of the contents, like “Kitchen – Pots & Pans.” Color-codes for each room can make things even easier.

Pro tip: Keep a quick reference list on your phone with what’s in each box. That small step saves hours of searching later.

6. Ignoring Fragile and High-Value Items

People often think wrapping breakables in a towel is enough. Wrong. Fragile items need careful handling. Each piece should be cushioned, layered, and marked clearly.

Use these quick rules:

Wrap glass and dishes individually.
Line boxes with padding on all sides.
Fill spaces with paper or foam sheets.
Label “Fragile” in big letters.

If you’re moving expensive artwork, mirrors, or heirlooms, it’s worth calling in professional packing services. Zip To Zip, the service I used last time, uses specialized materials and techniques to protect valuables during long or bumpy moves.

7. Skipping the Measuring Tape

Large furniture looks smaller when it’s sitting in your living room. On moving day, it suddenly grows two sizes and refuses to fit through the door.

Before disassembling or moving anything, measure:

Furniture height, width, and depth
Doorways, staircases, and hallways
Elevator openings

If the numbers don’t match up, plan to take furniture apart or hire movers with experience navigating tight spaces.

8. Packing Essentials Too Early or Too Late

Some people get overexcited and pack every last thing. Others leave the essentials for the very end and end up digging through sealed boxes the night before the move. Both scenarios cause unnecessary frustration.

Create an essentials box with everything you’ll need in the first few days:

Toothbrush and toiletries
Medications
Basic kitchen supplies
Chargers and cables
Change of clothes
Important documents

Keep this box in your car or suitcase instead of the moving truck. That way, your first night in the new place feels comfortable.

9. Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help

The do-it-yourself spirit is admirable. But at some point, pride becomes expensive. Many people call for help only after realizing they’re out of time—or when their belongings are already damaged.

Professional packing services aren’t just for people with large homes. They’re for anyone who values efficiency and peace of mind. A skilled team knows how to wrap, stack, and secure your items in a fraction of the time it takes most people. Movers can handle your entire move or just lift the tricky stuff.

10: Photograph Before You Unplug

Before disassembling electronics or furniture, snap photos of how cords connect and where screws belong. These quick images save time and confusion when setting up your new home.

You’ll thank yourself when your TV turns on the first time instead of showing a “no signal” screen.

Move Smarter, Not Harder

Packing is as much about strategy as it is about tape and boxes. You’ll make better decisions when you pace yourself, use quality materials, and pack with care.

And if life gets in the way, it’s okay to hand off the hard part to the pros. If you live in the Northeast, I recommend Zip To Zip Moving Company.

After all, a fresh start should feel exciting. Pack smart, move steady, and give yourself the kind of moving day you’ll actually want to remember.