Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can quickly turn stressful and expensive in no time if not planned for properly.
The purpose of this article is to help those who plan to move soon to identify these potential costly pitfalls and provide practical tips to avoid them, so you can keep your budget on track, protect your belongings, and enjoy a less stressful move.
10 Expensive Moving Mistakes People Make & How To Avoid Them:
1. Not Planning Ahead
Waiting until the last minute can lead to panic bookings, higher house moving prices, and forgotten moving tasks. Without a clear timeline, you may miss early-bird discounts and scramble for supplies.
Tip: Create a moving checklist, set a moving budget, check and hire movers at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned moving date to ensure your preferred mover company is available.
2. Choosing The Wrong Moving Company
Hiring house movers based only on the cheapest price can mean hidden fees, unreliable moving service, or even lost and damaged belongings. Some companies lure customers with low quotes, then raise their house movers price on moving day with add-on services.
Tip: Read reviews of mover companies online, and do request a written, itemized moving quotation estimate.
3. Failing to Declutter Before the Move
More items to move mean heavier loads which requires a lorry with larger capacity and a higher moving price. Packing and hauling things you don’t need wastes your time, effort, and money.
Tip: Sort through each room in your house and sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of items you no longer use to lighten the amount of your belongings that needs to be moved to the new location.
4. Moving During Peak Times
Weekends, public holidays, and month end usually are high-demand moving periods with higher rates and limited mover availability.
Tip: Aim for a weekday, mid-week, or mid-month move when demand is lower and movers pricing are more budget-friendly.
5. Not Labelling Boxes
Unmarked moving boxes may create confusion, slow down unloading, and increase the chance of fragile items breaking.
Tip: Clearly label every moving box with the designated room name, key contents, and handling notes like “fragile” or “this side up.”
6. Packing Boxes Too Full
Overstuffed boxes can split open, crush the items inside, or injure movers when lifting.
Tip: Keep each box under its maximum weight and distribute heavier items across different smaller boxes for safer handling.
7. Underestimating The Need For Proper Packing
Many people leave packing until the last minute, only to realise that they don’t have enough materials or time to pack their belongings properly. Using flimsy boxes, skipping padding, or rushing the process often leads to broken, lost, or damaged items.
Tip: Start packing early and use proper supplies including sturdy moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape to keep everything safe during the moving process.
8. Underestimating the Cost of Moving
Expenses like fuel surcharges, packing supplies, or insurance can quickly blow your moving budget.
Tip: Get at least three detailed quotes and ask the potential movers about possible add-on fees if your apartment doesn’t have a lift or for additional moving services like furniture dismantling, fixture removal and assembly services.
9. Ignoring Utility Transfers and Address Changes
Forgetting to update your address or transfer utilities can lead to missed bills, lost mail, or service interruptions.
Tip: Contact utility providers, banks, and postal services at least two weeks before your last day in the existing location to schedule transfers and updates.
10. Planning Your Move With Small Kids Or Pets
Managing children or pets on moving day can slow down the process, add stress, and even cause accidents.
Tip: Arrange for a babysitter, pet sitter, or ask for help from a family member to care for them so you can focus on the move.
A proper moving process with guidance from a professional mover will help you a lot. If you are looking for a professional moving service that can save you from these expensive mistakes, consider hiring our local movers for a stress free move.
Our movers in Klang Valley are experienced, reliable, and committed to handling your items with care while keeping your budget in check.