10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Moving House

Moving house is one of life’s most significant transitions. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or simply relocating to a new neighbourhood, there's a lot to manage. Between booking services, packing belongings, and adjusting to a new space, it’s easy for mistakes to creep in—especially for first-time movers.

If you’re planning a move and looking for removalists in Port Macquarie, this guide will help you avoid the most common moving mistakes. By identifying these early, you can enjoy a more organised and stress-free relocation.

One of the biggest moving day stressors is packing in a rush. When time is tight, boxes get packed haphazardly, valuables are left unprotected, and items are misplaced or forgotten entirely. This often results in last-minute panic, lost items, and higher risks of breakages.

How to avoid it:

Start packing as soon as your move is confirmed. Begin with non-essentials like books, seasonal clothes, and decorative items. Allocate time each day to focus on a different room, and make use of a checklist to track progress. Aim to finish packing at least a day before moving to allow time for final checks.

Most people underestimate the volume of items they’ve accumulated over time. This often leads to ordering a truck that’s too small, buying too few boxes, or underestimating how long packing and loading will take.

How to avoid it:

Do a full walkthrough of your home before your move. Note everything in cupboards, storage areas, sheds, and garages. Create a clear inventory so you can estimate packing supplies and moving vehicle size more accurately. Decluttering early also helps reduce what you need to move.

Unlabelled or vaguely labelled boxes slow down both packing and unpacking. Without clear identification, you may end up opening every box just to find essentials like kettle cords, toiletries, or important documents.



How to avoid it:

Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Use large, legible writing and consider colour coding for each room. Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly on multiple sides, and place arrows indicating the upright position to avoid handling mistakes.

4. Choosing the Wrong Moving Day

Moving at the wrong time—such as during peak traffic, on public holidays, or over a weekend—can add unnecessary pressure. Removalist availability may be limited, and costs may rise during high-demand periods.



How to avoid it:

Plan ahead and book early to secure your preferred day. If possible, choose a mid-week move, which tends to be quieter and more flexible. Also, consider school term dates and weather forecasts, particularly if moving in or out of Port Macquarie’s coastal areas where summer storms can disrupt schedules.

5. Forgetting to Arrange Utilities & Address Changes

Many movers overlook essential admin tasks, like disconnecting utilities or updating their address with service providers. This can result in delayed internet, missed mail, or billing issues after you’ve moved.



How to avoid it:

Create a list of all utility and service providers—electricity, gas, internet, water, bank, insurance, and subscriptions—and notify them at least two weeks in advance. Don’t forget to arrange for mail redirection through Australia Post and update your driver’s licence and voter registration if needed.

6. Trying to DIY When It’s Not Practical

While a DIY move might seem cheaper, it often involves hidden costs and physical risk. Without the right equipment, experience, or help, moving heavy furniture or fragile items can lead to injury, damage, or prolonged timelines.



How to avoid it:

Consider your household size, the volume of furniture, and access points (e.g. stairs, narrow doorways) before deciding on a DIY approach. Engaging professional Port Macquarie removals services means trained staff, proper lifting tools, and vehicles suited for the job—saving time and reducing risk.

7. Not Protecting Furniture Properly

Moving without proper furniture protection can result in scratches, dents, or upholstery stains—especially when navigating tight corners or stacking items in a truck.



How to avoid it:

Use protective covers, furniture blankets, and shrink wrap to guard against bumps and dust. Secure drawers and doors on wardrobes or sideboards, and disassemble larger items to make them easier to move. If hiring removalists, confirm whether they provide protective materials as part of the service.

8. Overloading Boxes

Overfilled boxes not only become heavy and difficult to carry, but they also increase the likelihood of contents breaking through the bottom or becoming damaged in transit.



How to avoid it:

Distribute heavy items—such as books—across multiple small boxes. Fill gaps with soft items like towels or clothing to cushion the contents. Avoid stacking breakables in large boxes, and keep overall weight manageable for safe lifting.

9. Ignoring Access & Parking Requirements

Removalists arriving to find blocked driveways, steep gradients, or lack of parking access may face delays or require alternative arrangements that could increase your moving costs.



How to avoid it:

Check access at both your current and new property. Clear pathways, inform your neighbours if access may be restricted, and reserve parking space for the moving truck if needed. Let your removalists in Port Macquarie know in advance about any potential access challenges so they can plan accordingly.

10. Not Researching Your Moving Company

Not all removalists offer the same level of service, and choosing based on price alone can lead to disappointment. Poor communication, damaged goods, or unclear costs are some of the risks of hiring without research.



How to avoid it:

Choose a trusted local provider like. Look for customer reviews, transparent pricing, and a proven track record of reliable service. Ask about inclusions, insurance options, and any additional fees so you know exactly what to expect on moving day.

Book Reliable Port Macquarie Removals Today

Relocating doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy a more organised and confident move—whether you’re shifting across town or settling into a new neighbourhood.

At Easy Choice Removals and General Freight, we help homeowners and renters manage smooth, safe, and timely moves. As trusted removalists in Port Macquarie, our team brings local knowledge, careful handling, and clear communication to every job—big or small.

Contact us today to request a quote or book your move with a team you can count on.