Whether your move is spontaneous or planned, residential or office, preparing for this process is still necessary in advance. Proper and timely preparation is the key to a successful and smooth move, yet many people mistakenly skip this step.

If you have less than a week to prepare your apartment for the move, you can still make your life easier by starting preparations immediately. It's also extremely helpful to be aware of the most common moving mistakes and know what you need to do to avoid them.

Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 1. Skipping Preliminary Packing

The biggest mistake when organizing a move is waiting until the last moment to start packing. If you leave it to the last day or two before the move, you will probably run out of time and the whole process will turn into a nightmare. Start packing as early as possible. A good tip is to start with seasonal clothing and items you rarely use, leaving essential items for last. Also, pack a separate bag with what you will need in the first few days at your new place.

2. Skipping Inventory Check

If you don’t conduct an inventory check, you may end up taking unnecessary items with you. It’s unlikely you’ll need old things that you no longer want to use. Plus, it’s cheaper to move fewer items. Avoid the temptation to keep everything—during the inventory, categorize your items:

• Needed: Take with you
• Unnecessary or broken: Throw away
• Unnecessary but in good condition: Sell or give away

3. Skipping Sorting of Items

If you don’t sort your things before moving, you’ll be dealing with a chaotic mess at your new home. It will be hard to find items like medicine, phone chargers, or your favorite sweater if they’re packed in different boxes. To avoid stress, group items by category: toiletries and cosmetics in one box, clothes in another, kitchenware in a third, etc.

4. Insufficient Packing Materials

If you run out of boxes, tape, or bags while packing, you’ll waste time looking for supplies, disrupting the process. Avoid this by purchasing enough packing materials in advance, possibly with some extra just in case.

5. Saving on Packaging Quality

When packaging materials tear or boxes fall apart, it can prolong the moving process and spoil your mood. Don’t skimp on quality. Invest in strong boxes and packing materials to ensure your items stay secure during transport.

6. Lack of Box Labeling

It’s tempting to quickly pack everything into one box, but this will only lead to confusion later. After the move, you’ll be scrambling to find your clothes, dishes, or electronics. Label boxes with their contents to make unpacking easier.

7. Wrapping Only Fragile Items in Protective Film

Often, people only wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or stretch film. However, furniture, appliances, and even decor can be damaged in transit. Protective film is needed for almost all items to prevent damage from impacts or drops.

8. Transporting Furniture Unassembled

Large, heavy furniture is difficult to move. When assembled, items like sofas and beds take up more space in the truck, and lifting them can be exhausting. It’s safer and easier to disassemble furniture before the move to make it more compact and manageable.

9. Violation of Household Appliance Transport Rules

When moving appliances, there are specific rules to follow. For instance, you should empty water from washing machines, dishwashers, coolers, and water heaters. Refrigerators must be defrosted and transported upright. Familiarize yourself with the specific rules for each appliance to avoid damage.

10. Transporting Digital Devices Without Extra Protection

Delicate digital devices like TVs, monitors, and computers need extra protection. These items are sensitive to physical impacts and environmental changes. Be sure to pack them with extra layers of bubble wrap or padding to keep them safe.

11. Trying to Move a Large Home or Office in One Trip

Trying to fit everything into one trip can backfire. Even if you manage to load everything into the truck, it can cause damage to the items at the bottom due to pressure. Additionally, an overloaded vehicle can be dangerous and less maneuverable.

12. Choosing the Wrong Moving Day and Time

Most people move on weekends, which is generally a good choice to avoid traffic. However, consider the specifics of your area—if you’re moving to a country house, weekdays might be better. Try to plan your move for the morning when traffic is lighter.

13. Choosing the Wrong Transport

Choosing the right-sized truck is crucial. You can use online calculators to help determine the truck size you need. Always order a vehicle slightly larger than necessary to avoid cramming everything in.

14. Lack of a Furniture and Appliance Layout Plan

Before moving into your new home or office, have a plan for where everything will go. Knowing the layout in advance will help movers place items in the correct spots, saving you from having to move heavy furniture later.

15. Moving Without External Help

It’s tempting to handle everything yourself, but moving is a big task that’s best done with help. Whether it’s family, friends, or professional movers, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance to ensure a smooth move.

Preparing for a Move – A Responsible Task That Determines Success

Moving mistakes can happen, but they’re usually fixable. If things aren’t going according to plan and you’re feeling stressed, don’t panic. With proper organization and timely action, you can resolve most problems. If you’re not confident in handling it yourself or need a quick move in Moscow, consider calling professional movers to make the process faster and smoother.

Moving can be a stressful task, but with the right support, it can be an easy and successful process. Let professional movers take care of everything for you – efficiently and safely.