You knew you were going to move houses a long time ago but staved off all the necessary preparations until the last two weeks. By then all the reputed moving companies in your area were completely booked. You ended up hiring an unlicensed moving company.
And they damaged your vintage dining set (worth £2,500) during the move!
To make matters worse, they held your belongings hostage to claim additional “fees” that were not mentioned in the initial quote.
Seems like an exaggerated scenario, doesn’t it? But you would be surprised by how many such horror stories we have heard from our customers.
In fact, industry studies estimate that last-minute moves can end up costing 25% to 40% more than well-planned moves due to limited availability of movers and extra rush charges.
This cautionary tale contains two of the most common moving mistakes people make.
In this Edinburgh moving guide, we will help you avoid these common moving mistakes and other pitfalls with our 10 key tips for a stress-free move.
Ready to move in Edinburgh? Get a quick, custom quote and make your move stress-free today.
1. Start Planning Early
Don’t be like the fictional you in the scenario above and start planning for your move well ahead of time.
Starting late is one of the most common mistakes people make during the moving process, and it is a moving mistake to avoid at all costs.
By not planning ahead, you can put your belongings at risk. You could also add extra costs, logistical issues, and extra stress to an already complex process.
How important is it to have a good plan?
In a word, very. If you start the process at the last minute, you might find yourself having limited time to pack, arrange transportation, or notify utility companies about your new place of residence.
Needless to say, it can completely derail your entire moving process.
How to avoid it
Start by establishing a moving timeline and checklist. Aim to begin the planning process at least 6 to 8 weeks before your move.
You can make the entire process more manageable by breaking it down into smaller steps, such as:
- Sorting through all your belongings
- Getting rid of items that you no longer intend to use
- Hiring a reputed moving company or renting a moving truck
- Organising your belongings in each room and packing them in stages
2. Declutter Before You Pack
If you don’t declutter before you start your packing process, you might significantly add to your overall moving expenditure. Avoid packing every belonging you own before first determining whether you need them in your new home.
Why does decluttering matter?
Decluttering will help reduce the volume of items you need to transport during the move. This will also help lower moving costs.
It will also provide you with a great opportunity to donate items to charity that you have always wanted to but could not get around to. You could also sell items you no longer need or dispose of them entirely before you move to a new location.
How to avoid this house-moving mistake?
Tackle the decluttering process one room at a time. Categorise all your items into four categories: keep, sell, donate, and discard.
Donate household items and clothes that you no longer use to local charities. You could host a garage sale to sell valuable or unwanted items.
By adopting a systematic approach, you can not only reduce your moving stress but also earn some extra income that will help offset some of the moving expenses.
3. Label Everything Clearly
Failing to label moving boxes clearly is a common moving mistake made by many.
It is important to label all your boxes with appropriate tags by using a numbering or colour-coded system. This will make it easier for you to understand what each box contains at your new place.
Why is labeling crucial?
Proper labeling will also ensure that your fragile items are handled with care and that your boxes are moved to the right rooms.
How to avoid it
You should avoid using generic labels like “Furniture” or “Miscellaneous.”
Instead, you should look to use specific labels like “Kitchen-Fragile,” “This Side Up,” “Living Room-Furniture,” etc. You can also colour-code your moving boxes based on either the type of items it contains or the room it needs to be moved to.
Also Read: Labelling Moving Boxes Smartly: Why It Makes a Big Difference
4. Use Quality Packing Supplies
Don’t skimp on packing supplies. You might think you’re saving money, but it could significantly increase your overall expenditure.
Poor quality packing materials often translate to damaged belongings, which could lead to costly replacements.
Why quality supplies matter
You should look to invest in high-quality packing materials. This will provide your valuable belongings with proper protection to withstand the physical rigours of the moving process.
How to avoid this mistake
You should be buying high-quality packing tape, professional-grade boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap to properly protect your belongings during the moving process.
Additionally, you should consider using speciality moving boxes for fragile or sensitive items like artwork, dishes, and wardrobes.
5. Don’t Overpack Boxes
Overpacking or underpacking is another common moving mistake made by many people. Overpacking can affect the overall efficiency of your entire moving process. You should look to pack smartly to save time, expenses, and additional stress.
Why overpacking can be problematic
Overpacking will make your boxes extremely heavy and difficult to carry or move. Moving such heavy boxes could also lead to personal injury. It could also lead to mishandling episodes that could damage valuable household items.
Heavy boxes also occupy more space, and will therefore require a larger moving truck or more trips.
How to avoid this mistake
Be strategic about your packing process. Only pack items that you will need at your new place. Sort them according to their weight and fragility. Use smaller boxes to pack heavier items like hardbound books, and fill your larger boxes with lighter items.
6. Protect Fragile Items Properly
Fragile items like silverware, artwork, electronics, and glassware need special handling during a move.
Why do fragile items need extra attention during the moving process?
If packed carelessly, delicate objects can crack, chip, or break in transit. Even minor impacts may cause damage. Careful packing and handling reduce these risks.
How to avoid this mistake?
Wrap items with quality materials like packing paper, bubble wrap, air bags, peanut foam, and sturdy boxes. Use moving blankets or pads for larger furniture made from sensitive materials. Mark every box with clear warnings so movers know how to handle them. For safe transport, consider hiring a trusted moving company in Edinburgh.
7. Book Trusted Movers in Advance
It is important to hire the right moving company to help with your house removal in Edinburgh. Hiring the wrong moving company can lead to several moving complications, such as delays, damaged items, or greater financial loss.
Why does this mistake happen?
It can be extremely tempting to choose a moving company that provides you with the lowest price estimate. But, as we have stated before, hiring inexperienced or unlicensed movers can cause you more harm than good.
It could lead to damage of goods, delivery delays, or additional inflated moving costs being tacked on to the original estimate at the last minute.
How to avoid it?
One of the top moving house tips in Edinburgh we can give is to do exhaustive research and choose a moving company that is registered, licensed, experienced, reputable, and has strong customer reviews.
Take a written estimate from each of the top moving companies you are considering. Ideally, look to choose an option that does not involve making a large upfront payment.
8. Update Important Addresses
If you fail to notify relevant parties about the change of address it could lead to delayed packages and missed bills. It will also add to the overall confusion as you’re trying to settle into a new home.
Which parties need to be made aware of the change of address?
You may need to inform the following about your impending move:
- The postal service
- Credit card companies
- Banks
- Utility companies
- Your employer
- Subscription service providers
- Insurance providers
- Healthcare providers
How to avoid this mistake?
You should start by drafting a comprehensive list of all parties that you need to notify about your change of address. You should then set aside time to inform all relevant parties about the change of address during the planning phase itself.
9. Prepare a Moving Essentials Kit
You should remember to pack a box with all critical necessities that you might need during the first few days of living in your new home.
Why an essentials kit is necessary
A well-packed essentials kit will provide you with quick access to important items during the transition period. It will also give you the time and space to settle into your new home. You can then gradually begin to unpack and organise your belongings.
How to avoid this mistake?
You should pack a clearly labelled box with essential items such as toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, medications, snacks, electric chargers, and first aid supplies. Remember to pack essential items for any small children, pets, or family members with special needs.
10. Do a Final Walkthrough
Avoiding the final walkthrough can often lead to missed cleaning responsibilities and leaving behind some household items. It could also prevent you from repairing some previous damage, which could affect your security deposit.
Why a final walkthrough matters
By carrying out a comprehensive final walkthrough, you can ensure that all your previous residence obligations are fulfilled. It can also help you recover forgotten items.
How to avoid this mistake
You should schedule your final walkthrough after the movers are done with their work. This will allow you to inspect every room, cabinet, storage area, and closet before you turn in the keys to the landlord. Keep a checklist handy to ensure you don’t overlook any important details during this final inspection.
Ready to move in Edinburgh? Get a quick, custom quote and make your move stress-free today.
Conclusion
The challenges you face during a home relocation will be different compared to office removals in Edinburgh. By adopting a more proactive planning and preparation approach, you can make the entire process more organised and stress-free.
You should also pay extra attention to the minute details during the planning process to ensure that there are no hiccups come execution time. Our top moving tips should help you plan your move down to the T, which will make the whole process considerably more stress free.
You will not only be able to protect your valuable belongings but also preserve your sanity during this otherwise chaotic time.
Jack Jasek
Jack Jasek, with years of experience in the removals industry, is the founder of EH1 Edinburgh Removals. They are a trusted moving company that specialises in local and long-distance moves, offering professional packing, storage, and transportation solutions for both home and office relocations. Jacek's commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and customer satisfaction has made EH1 Edinburgh Removals a top choice for moves in Edinburgh and beyond.