Expert tips from Quick Moves Ottawa to help you move smarter, safer, and stress-free.
Moving can feel overwhelming—but many of the headaches people experience during a move are avoidable. At Quick Moves Ottawa, we’ve seen it all—and we know what separates a smooth move from a chaotic one. Here are seven of the most common moving mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Packing
Procrastination is the enemy of a smooth move. Waiting until the last minute to pack leads to rushed decisions, broken items, and unnecessary stress. Start early, pack a few boxes a day, and stay ahead of schedule. This gives you time to organize, declutter, and pack with care.
2. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Moving things you no longer use wastes time, space, and money. Take the opportunity to donate, sell, or dispose of items you don’t need. The fewer things you move, the faster—and cheaper—the move will be.
3. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
Unlabeled boxes turn unpacking into a frustrating guessing game. Always label boxes with both the room and a short description of contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”). This helps both you and your movers handle everything more efficiently.
4. Hiring Unreliable or Unlicensed Movers
Choosing a moving company based solely on the lowest price can be a costly mistake. Look for licensed, insured, and reviewed professionals like Quick Moves Ottawa. A trustworthy team ensures your belongings are handled with care and professionalism.
5. Underestimating Moving Day Logistics
People often forget to book elevator access, reserve parking space, or notify building management of the move. Confirm all logistics in advance to avoid delays and last-minute surprises on moving day.
6. Packing Heavy Items in Large Boxes
Books, tools, and other heavy items should always go in smaller boxes. Overpacked large boxes are hard to carry and more likely to break. Distribute weight evenly and avoid injuries by packing smarter, not harder.
7. Forgetting to Pack a First-Night Box
You won’t want to dig through boxes for your toothbrush or pajamas after a long moving day. Pack a clearly marked “Essentials” box with toiletries, clothes, chargers, important documents, and snacks to get through the first 24 hours comfortably.
Final Thoughts
Moving mistakes can cost time, money, and peace of mind—but with a little planning, you can avoid them entirely. Whether you’re moving across Ottawa or to another province, Quick Moves Ottawa is here to make your move stress-free and seamless. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our professional movers help you do it right the first time.
