{"id":2879,"date":"2024-02-21T21:24:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T21:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssdcmoving.local\/?p=2879"},"modified":"2025-04-22T18:04:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T18:04:30","slug":"common-packing-mistakes-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selfstorage.com\/blog\/common-packing-mistakes-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Click on a link to learn more about that common packing mistake:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Didn\u2019t Plan Ahead<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Didn\u2019t Create a Moving Inventory<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Packed Fragile Items Incorrectly<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Didn\u2019t Have The Correct Packing and Moving Supplies<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Didn\u2019t Pack Efficiently<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Didn\u2019t Label the Boxes<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Didn\u2019t Pack a Moving Essentials Box<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Packed non-allowable Items<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Didn\u2019t Pack the Moving Truck Correctly<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Didn\u2019t Ask for Help<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019re in your living room, and it\u2019s like a scene from one of those home makeover shows \u2014 except it\u2019s real life, and it\u2019s your stuff everywhere. The moving truck\u2019s coming tomorrow, and you\u2019re standing there, hit by the reality of how much you own. And yep, it\u2019s already past your bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t worry, though. It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re new to this whole moving thing or if you\u2019ve moved so many times you could do it in your sleep. We all mess up sometimes, especially when it comes to packing. Waiting until the last second, mixing up what\u2019s in which box, these little mistakes can add a whole lot of stress to what should be an exciting time. We got a hold of the 10 most common packing mistakes and untangled how you can steer clear of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Didn\u2019t Plan Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Hey, we\u2019ve all been there \u2014 leaving packing to the last minute and then rushing through it. Not fun, right? To avoid that mess, why not start planning your packing a few weeks early? Set yourself some daily or weekly goals, and don\u2019t forget to give yourself a little extra time for those just-in-case moments. Check out or<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wondering how long it\u2019ll take to pack up your place? Check out our handy tips for creating a packing plan<\/a>. Oh, and a heads-up: don\u2019t forget about your garage, attic or basement. These spots can take longer to pack because there\u2019s usually a lot of stuff tucked away in there. Our expert advice: Add an extra day for each of these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Didn\u2019t Create a Moving Inventory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you don\u2019t keep track of what\u2019s being packed, this can lead to misplaced or forgotten items. The solution is to make a detailed inventory list<\/a> of items as you pack. Categorize items by room for easy tracking, keep similar items together and don\u2019t hesitate to incorporate a dash of technology in your inventory management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Include detailed descriptions of the most important things \u2014 in case of loss, theft or damage, it will greatly help for insurance purposes. Take the opportunity and declutter things you no longer need like impulse buys<\/a> before packing. Moving is an opportunity to purge unnecessary items, making the entire process more efficient and cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro Tip:<\/strong> Pack each room one at a time to help keep your moving inventory organized. Not sure where to start packing? Check out our handy guide that covers what to pack first when moving<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Packed Fragile Items Incorrectly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Improper packing of delicate items can lead to damage during transit, either because they bump against each other in the box or truck, or because the boxes that contain them are dropped or handled roughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can dodge these bullets by using the right materials \u2014 like bubble wrap, foam sheets and packing peanuts \u2014 and the right packing techniques<\/a>: wrapping each fragile item individually, followed by layering and nestling similar items with padding in between. It doesn\u2019t hurt to also label the boxes as \u201cFragile\u201d or \u201cHandle with care\u201d on all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Didn\u2019t Have Enough or Correct Packing and Moving Supplies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you run out of packing materials, you either lose a few hours to get more supplies from the store, or you end up using too little protection for your items. Whether it\u2019s that or the fact that your packing supplies are not the right ones, this can seriously compromise the safety of your belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The trick is to estimate how many boxes, packing peanuts and tape rolls you will need and then purchase more than you think necessary. Don\u2019t forget about bubble wrap, specialty containers, packing paper, moving blankets, mattress bags and permanent markers for labeling. Better yet, take a look at our handy packing and moving supply checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plastic bags are prone to breaking and offer no protection. They can shift and tear during transit, spilling contents. Use boxes instead for safety and stability but be cautious with using old boxes as they may break or crumple. New moving boxes are more durable, uniform in size and better for stacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also, make sure you get strong and sturdy packing tape<\/a> for sealing boxes, with shipping tape for heavier packaging, and stay clear of scotch tape, this is not a job for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Didn\u2019t Pack Efficiently<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As I mentioned when talking about the moving inventory, it is best to pack items by room and usage<\/a>. Use small boxes for heavy items like books and, in mixed boxes, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Avoid overloading boxes. This makes them unstable and can break or cause injury. As a rule of thumb, keep boxes under 50 pounds and check if they are easy to carry by lifting them before sealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s equally important not to under-pack. Fill empty spaces in boxes with towels, blankets or balled-up paper for cushioning and maintaining box integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Didn\u2019t Label the Boxes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Unlabeled boxes can cause confusion during unpacking and difficulty in finding items. Besides labeling each box<\/a> with its contents, also add the room it belongs to and consider color-coding for additional efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Use a black wide tip marker and make those labels 2 inches high on two sides and the top of each box. Number each box and keep a cross-referenced list in your inventory for easy tracking. Got any special instructions for the movers like \u201ckeep upright\u201d or \u201ctop load only\u201d? Mark them on all four sides of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to Top<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Didn\u2019t Pack a Moving Essentials Box<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ever heard of an \u201copen-first box<\/a>\u201c? Packed with the essentials you\u2019ll need during those first few days in a new place, it\u2019s your quick access to familiarity amid the chaos of unpacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure this box stands out with clear, large labels and keep it within easy reach during the move. If it has to go in the truck, pack it last so you can get to it first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What goes in this magic box? Toiletries like toothbrushes and soap, medications, important documents, a change of clothes and basic kitchen items like a few utensils, cups, snacks and coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Packed non-allowable Items<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When packing for a move, you should be mindful of items that are hazardous or not allowed by movers. The best thing you can do is check with the moving company for a list of prohibited items in advance. Properly dispose of or transport separately things that aren\u2019t allowed in the moving truck<\/a>. Here\u2019s what generally doesn\u2019t make the cut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n