Packing is one of the biggest tasks when moving house. It’s easy to underestimate how much time and organisation it takes. A few simple mistakes can lead to broken items, wasted space, and extra stress on moving day.
Here’s a practical guide to the most common packing mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute
Packing always takes longer than you think. Leaving it too late means rushing, which leads to mistakes and disorganisation.
Avoid this by:
- Starting at least three weeks before your move
- Packing one room at a time
- Setting daily goals to stay on track
- Keeping a list of packed boxes
If you need to clear space as you go, store boxes in home storage until moving day.
2. Not Using the Right Packing Materials
Cheap boxes or thin tape can lead to damaged items. Invest in decent packing materials to keep everything safe.
Essential supplies:
- Double-walled cardboard boxes
- Strong tape
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Labels and markers
You can also get free packing boxes when you book storage with Cheap Storage Manchester.
3. Overfilling Boxes
It might seem efficient to cram everything into fewer boxes, but overpacking increases the risk of breakage and makes boxes difficult to lift.
Avoid this by:
- Using smaller boxes for heavier items
- Keeping boxes under 20kg
- Distributing weight evenly
- Filling gaps with soft materials
A well-balanced box is easier to handle and less likely to collapse during transport.
4. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly
Unlabelled boxes make unpacking a nightmare. You’ll waste time opening box after box just to find essentials.
How to label effectively:
- Write the room and brief contents on each box
- Use colour-coded tape for different rooms
- Mark fragile items clearly
- Label the sides, not just the top
See our guide on how to label boxes like a pro for more organisation tips.
5. Packing Fragile Items Poorly
Fragile items need extra care. One cracked mug or broken vase can dampen the excitement of moving day.
How to protect delicate items:
- Wrap each item individually in paper or bubble wrap
- Use small boxes with plenty of padding
- Fill empty spaces to prevent movement
- Mark boxes as fragile on all sides
For more detailed guidance, check out our how to pack fragile items safely article.
6. Forgetting an Essentials Box
You’ll be exhausted at the end of moving day, so make sure you have a few essentials ready to hand.
What to include:
- Kettle, mugs, tea and coffee
- Bedding and pyjamas
- Toiletries and towels
- Chargers and extension leads
- Cleaning supplies and bin bags
Keep this box with you, not in the moving van, so you can settle in comfortably.
7. Ignoring Furniture Preparation
Large furniture needs careful handling. Failing to prepare it properly can cause scratches, dents, or missing parts.
Prepare by:
- Dismantling large pieces in advance
- Keeping screws and bolts in labelled bags
- Wrapping corners with padding
- Using blankets or covers for protection
If your new home isn’t ready yet, our furniture storage keeps bulky items safe until you’re ready for them.
8. Packing Everything Yourself When You Don’t Have To
Doing everything alone can lead to burnout. Sometimes, a bit of help goes a long way.
Options to consider:
- Ask friends or family to help with large items
- Hire professionals for fragile or heavy loads
- Use our free collections and removals service to transport items safely into storage
Splitting tasks saves time and helps prevent mistakes caused by fatigue.
9. Mixing Unrelated Items Together
Throwing random items into one box might seem convenient, but it makes unpacking difficult and increases the chance of damage.
Avoid this by:
- Packing by room or category
- Keeping heavy and light items separate
- Avoiding mixing fragile items with others
- Sealing liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks
When everything is packed methodically, unpacking becomes much faster.
10. Forgetting to Declutter Before Packing
Packing everything you own means moving more than you need. Decluttering before you start helps reduce effort and cost.
Decluttering checklist:
- Donate clothes and books you no longer use
- Recycle old paperwork and magazines
- Sell unused appliances or furniture
- Store sentimental items you’re not ready to part with
Our decluttering guide can help you get started.
Final Thoughts
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving house, but with a bit of planning and care, you can avoid the common mistakes that cause stress and damage.
If you’re planning a move in or around Manchester, Cheap Storage Manchester can help with affordable storage, free boxes, and free removals to make moving day easier.
Visit our moving home page or get a quote through our contact page.
