Moving house involves a lot of decisions, dates, and tasks. Even with a good plan, moving mistakes can happen, such as delays, damage, or unexpected costs, which often stem from small oversights.
This guide outlines the most common moving mistakes people make, along with a list of items that are often forgotten during a move. Whether you’re packing up a small flat or a large family home, these tips will help keep things on track.
Packing often takes longer than people expect. There’s sorting, wrapping, taping, labelling, and working out what to pack when. It’s rarely done in a day or two.
Tip: Start 4 to 6 weeks before your move.
A classic moving mistake is assuming furniture that fits your old home will suit the new one. It’s common to find that large items won’t go through a front door or up a staircase.
Tip: Measure your biggest furniture pieces before moving day. Also measure entryways, corridors, lifts, and stairwells at the new property.
If anything looks tight, make a plan or consider selling the item before you move.
Moving in without power or internet makes it hard to settle in. Utility providers may also have wait times for new connections, making this a frustrating moving mistake.
Tip: Contact providers at least one week in advance to arrange connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and bins. On the day you leave, record your final metre readings and submit them to your provider.
One of the most overlooked moving mistakes is not updating your address with all the relevant services. Missed bills, lost parcels, or a lapse in insurance can follow.
Tip: Make a list of everywhere your address appears. Your list should include banks, insurance, Medicare, super funds, driver’s licence, online shopping, vet, school, work, and any subscriptions.
Australia Post offers mail redirection, but that should be a backup, not your main plan. To help you stay on top of the admin, use this 12-step checklist for changing your address when relocating.
Many people try to manage the entire move themselves. This common moving mistake can lead to exhaustion, delays, or damage from lifting heavy furniture incorrectly.
Tip: Ask friends for help or hire professional removalists. Even a small crew can speed things up and prevent damage to floors, walls, or belongings.
On moving day, a lack of access slows everything down. If the truck can’t park nearby or large items don’t fit through the entrance, you could face extra fees or delays.
Tip: Visit your new home before the move. Check for parking, lifts that need booking, or council permits. Let your removalist know in advance to avoid this common moving mistake.
Some tasks fall through the cracks because they seem small or obvious at the time.
Tip: Create a final walk-through list. Go through each room, including garages and outdoor areas. Make sure nothing has been missed.
Australian moves often involve long distances, hot weather, stairs, and apartments with difficult access. The best removalists can handle heavy lifting, awkward furniture, and tight deadlines more efficiently than most people can manage on their own.
Even if you only use them for the bulky items, it can make the whole day easier.
If you’re not sure where to start, Upmove makes it simple to find and book trusted removalists across Australia. You can get quotes, check reviews, and book everything in one place.
You don’t need to get everything perfect, but it helps to avoid the most common moving mistakes. Start early, ask for help when needed, and use checklists to stay organised. A clear plan can make all the difference when the boxes start piling up.
For a full breakdown of what to do before, during, and after your move, check out our ultimate moving house checklist.
Upmove is Australia’s trusted choice for removalist and moving company services, helping thousands of customers move homes, furniture, cars, motorcycles, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services across Australia. Our focus has always been on making moving simple and stress-free — from booking experienced removalists to completing your delivery with care. With Upmove, you get professional service, fixed prices, and peace of mind on every move.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
