7 Costly Moving Mistakes (and How to Avoid Every One of Them)

Moving is one of the most stressful life events — and it’s also one of the easiest to do wrong. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring movers, the same mistakes come up again and again. Learn from other people’s headaches and give yourself a smoother experience this August.

Mistake #1: Not Getting Multiple Quotes

Booking the first moving company you find — or the cheapest one — without comparison shopping is a recipe for trouble. Get at least 3 quotes, check online reviews, and verify that the company is licensed and insured. In Minnesota, reputable movers should have USDOT numbers and state operating authority.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Volume of Stuff

Most people drastically underestimate how much they own. A rough rule of thumb: your home has more stuff than you think. Walk every room, every closet, and every storage space before estimating. Inaccurate volume estimates lead to underbooking trucks and crew hours — meaning extra costs on moving day.

Mistake #3: Packing at the Last Minute

Waiting until the night before to start packing is one of the most common and painful moving mistakes. You’ll end up throwing things randomly into boxes, unable to find anything for weeks, and potentially damaging items by rushing. Start packing non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks out.

Mistake #4: Not Labeling Boxes

Unlabeled boxes are a nightmare at the destination. Write the room AND a brief description on at least two sides of every box. Better yet, use a numbering system with a master inventory sheet. “Box 14 — Kitchen: pots and pans” beats “Kitchen” every time.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Transfer Utilities

Nothing is worse than arriving at your new Minnesota home to find no electricity, no heat, or no internet. Schedule utility transfers at least 2 weeks in advance. Xcel Energy, CenterPoint, and your internet provider all need notice.

Mistake #6: Not Protecting Fragile Items Properly

Wrapping dishes in newspaper is a classic — but paper ink can transfer to white dishes. Use clean packing paper or dish-specific foam wraps. Electronics should be packed in their original boxes when possible, or in foam-lined alternatives.

Mistake #7: Trying to Move Everything Yourself

DIY moving seems cost-effective until someone throws out their back, a TV gets dropped, or a doorframe gets gouged. For most households, the time, energy, and risk savings from professional movers far outweigh the cost.

Move Smart This August

Avoid all of these mistakes by partnering with 1st Class Moving. Our professional team brings the experience, equipment, and care your move deserves. Serving all of Minneapolis and the surrounding metro area. Get your free quote today!