Moving can be both exciting and stressful. On average, a person moves around 11.7 times in their lifetime, which means most of us will face moving challenges more than once. Between packing, transportation, and settling into a new home, it’s easy to overlook important details that can lead to common moving mishaps.
Here are five common moving issues and how you can avoid them to make your next move smoother and stress-free.
1. Damaging Furniture
Furniture is heavy and bulky, but that doesn’t make it damage-proof. From wooden tables to leather sofas, furniture damage is one of the most frequent moving problems. Even professional movers sometimes run into mishaps during lifting, moving, or transportation. Wooden tables can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 to repair and $400 to $1,000 to replace. Leather sofas often cost $150 to $500 to repair and $800 to $2,500 to replace. Glass coffee tables can cost $80 to $200 to repair and $200 to $700 to replace, while bookshelves may cost $50 to $150 for repairs and $150 to $400 for replacement. DIY moves have a higher chance of causing damage—up to 25% for wooden tables and 30% for glass coffee tables—while professionals reduce the risk significantly.
How to Prevent Damage:
Invest in moving blankets to protect your furniture. Unlike regular blankets, moving blankets are thick and designed to prevent scratches and dents. Reputable moving companies provide these and carefully wrap your furniture—not just for your items, but to protect walls and doorways as well.
2. Poor Planning
Even if moving seems straightforward—pack, load, transport, unload—it involves many smaller tasks that can be easy to forget. Poor planning often leads to last-minute stress.
To plan effectively, start at least a month in advance. Consider hiring childcare or pet care so you can focus on moving efficiently. Decluttering before your move can save time and money, allowing you to sell, donate, or give away items you no longer need. Gather packing supplies early, including boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Pack essentials like toiletries, clothes, and important documents separately in a bag to make your first few days in the new home comfortable. Finally, make sure to switch utilities ahead of time to avoid being left without electricity, water, or internet.
3. Not Having a Packing System
Randomly throwing items into boxes may save time in the moment, but it makes unpacking a nightmare—and increases the risk of damage.
The best approach is to take inventory of everything you’re moving. Not only does this help if a box goes missing, but it also keeps the process organized. Pack by room and type, keeping fragile items together and labeling each box with its contents, the destination room, and whether it’s fragile. Some people like to color-code their boxes, which can make unpacking even easier. A systematic packing method saves time, reduces stress, and prevents accidental breakage.
4. Falling for a Moving Scam
Moving scams are increasingly common, costing customers over $1.5 million annually. Scammers may overcharge, hold items hostage, or fail to show up entirely.
To avoid scams, verify the company’s website, address, and Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Ask questions about estimates, hidden fees, and cancellation policies, and make sure you get all agreements in writing, including contracts, quotes, and inventories. Standard insurance often only covers a fraction of lost or damaged items, so consider third-party moving insurance for extra protection. Doing your research and hiring reputable movers is the best way to protect your belongings.
5. Injuries
Moving heavy furniture and boxes requires proper technique. Even frequent gym-goers can injure themselves if they’re not careful. Stairs, tight hallways, and oddly shaped furniture add to the risk.
Hiring professional movers is the safest option—they know how to lift and carry items safely, and they’re insured in case of accidents. If you move yourself, avoid overloading boxes, use smaller boxes for heavy items, and invest in hand trucks or dollies to make lifting easier. Enlist friends or family for help when handling bulky furniture, and always pay attention to proper lifting techniques to prevent strains and injuries.
For a smooth and stress-free move in New York, trust Movers Not Shakers. As experienced New York movers, we handle every step of your relocation—from packing and loading to transporting and unpacking—safely and efficiently. Let our professional team take the hassle out of your next move. Contact us today to get started.
