Moving: The 7 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

A move often marks a fresh start—whether personal or professional. But between logistics, tight deadlines, administrative tasks, and the unexpected, it can quickly become a source of stress. At Déménagement Pro Service, we help hundreds of families and professionals navigate this crucial stage each year. And over time, one thing has become clear: certain mistakes just keep coming back.

To help you avoid them, here are the 7 most common moving mistakes—and how to dodge them—for a smoother, more efficient, and even satisfying experience.

1. Underestimating How Much Preparation Is Needed

One of the most common mistakes is thinking a move can be organized “in just a few days.” The result? Rushed decisions, forgotten details, wasted time… and often, wasted money. Planning a move requires foresight—even for the most organized individuals.

✔ Our tips:
• Start planning 6 to 8 weeks in advance
• Create a week-by-week task calendar
• Check out our article: Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Think About

Good organization is 80% of a successful move.

2. Misjudging the Volume to Be Moved

Another frequent pitfall is underestimating how many items need to be transported. This often leads to renting a truck that’s too small, unexpected overtime charges, or exhausting trips back and forth.

✔ Best practices:
• Take inventory of your belongings, room by room
• Sort out what can be donated, sold, or recycled
• Use online volume calculators or contact our team for a free assessment

3. Poor Packing and Unlabeled Boxes

Overstuffed, unbalanced, or unlabelled boxes—and fragile items with little to no protection—are common mistakes that can lead to chaos and damaged belongings.

✔ Our packing advice:
• Use quality materials: packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets
• Pack by category and by room
• Clearly label each box with the room name, contents, and if it’s fragile

👉 Need a full checklist? Read our article: First Move: What Should You Buy? for packing essentials and home setup tips.

4. Forgetting Administrative Tasks and Address Changes

Changing your address isn’t just about Canada Post. You’ll need to inform several services and institutions—banks, employers, subscriptions, insurance providers, government offices, and more. Skipping this step can cause serious issues: missed bills, lost mail, or interrupted services.

✔ Our suggestions:
• Create a list of all organizations you need to notify
• Handle these tasks 2–3 weeks before moving day
• Use mail forwarding services

📌 For the full checklist, read: Who Should You Notify When Changing Your Address?

5. Hiring a Moving Company at the Last Minute (or Blindly)

Your choice of mover has a direct impact on your experience. A disorganized company can result in delays, damaged belongings—or surprise fees.

✔ Smart moves:
• Compare several companies: rates, services, insurance policies
• Read customer reviews on Google and other trusted platforms
• Choose a local mover known for reliability

📌 Also read: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company

6. Ignoring the Weather and Seasonal Conditions

Weather is often overlooked. Yet a move during a Quebec winter or a July heatwave requires different precautions.

✔ Plan ahead:
• Protect your furniture and electronics from humidity or extreme temperatures
• Prepare anti-slip mats, salt, or tarps for winter moves
• Book your time slot early—especially around July 1st, Quebec’s busiest moving day

📌 More tips in our guide: Preparing for Cold Winter Moves

7. Trying to Do Everything Yourself—At the Expense of Your Well-being

Many people think that moving solo will save money. But they often forget the real cost: time, fatigue, injuries, and logistical mistakes. A move also carries a mental load that shouldn’t be underestimated.

✔ Our advice:
• Don’t hesitate to hire experienced professionals
• If friends or family are helping, assign clear roles
• Prepare a “survival bag” with essentials for moving day

🎄 Moving during the holidays? Don’t miss our seasonal guide: How to Move Stress-Free During the Holidays

🎯 Bonus: Other Mistakes to Watch Out For

• Forgetting to reserve elevators or parking spots in advance
• Not checking furniture and doorway measurements
• Failing to plan for kids or pets on moving day
• Transporting restricted or hazardous items unknowingly

These mistakes may seem minor—but they can lead to delays, frustration, or unexpected costs.

📘 In Summary

Moving isn’t just about getting your stuff from point A to point B. It’s about managing a complex logistics project under time pressure. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for a much smoother transition.

At Déménagement Pro Service, we believe a great move comes down to three pillars: planning, execution, and human support. That’s what we deliver to every client—every time.

FAQ

What’s the ideal timeline to plan a move?
It’s recommended to start planning your move 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This gives you time to sort your belongings, book a reliable moving company, notify all relevant services, and handle unexpected issues without stress.

How do I choose the right moving company?
Before signing, ask essential questions: Are you insured? What services are included? What’s the final cost? Check customer reviews and request a detailed quote. 👉 For more, read our article: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mover.

How can I avoid forgetting administrative steps?
Make a checklist of services to notify: Hydro-Québec, RAMQ, your bank, employer, internet provider, and more. Use our comprehensive guide Who to Notify When Changing Your Address to keep everything in one place.

Should I move by myself or hire professionals?
Moving solo may seem cheaper, but it comes with risks: fatigue, mistakes, injuries, and potential damage. A professional mover offers peace of mind, safety, and efficiency—especially if you have a busy schedule or large furniture.

How do I manage a winter move or bad weather conditions?
Protect your furniture from moisture, wear slip-resistant shoes, clear snow from pathways, and allow extra time for the move. For more advice, see our article How to Prepare for Cold Winter Weather.

Can Déménagement Pro Service help with a first-time move?
Absolutely. Whether it’s your first move or not, we support you every step of the way. Discover our expert tips in First Move: What Should You Buy? to get equipped from day one.