5 Common Moving Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them (Learned the Hard Way!)
Moving mistakes can turn what should be an exciting fresh start into a marathon of stress and comedy. Between the mysterious junk drawer that somehow fills three boxes, the couch that refuses to fit through the door, and the emotional support coffee maker you can’t find until three days later, it’s easy to slip up. And those slip-ups add up fast—both in time and sanity.
At Cargo Atlanta, we’ve seen it all. From “Oops, I forgot to rent a van big enough” to “Wait, where’s my toothbrush?” We built this list of the five most common moving mistakes—complete with cautionary (and occasionally hilarious) examples—so you can avoid them and keep your move on track.
1) Underestimating How Much Stuff You Own
Confidence is high… until the closet turns into a black hole of shoes, tangled hangers, and a Halloween cape you swore you tossed in 2019. Suddenly, the sedan that “can totally handle it” looks like a toy.
Cautionary tale: A customer once swore they’d need two carloads. Six sweaty trips later (and one wobbly lamp lighter), they admitted a cargo van would’ve saved the whole weekend—and their friendships.
How to avoid it: Do a quick audit by room. Snap photos, estimate box counts, and be honest with yourself about that “miscellaneous” pile. When in doubt, book a cargo van. One enclosed trip beats five trunk-Tetris attempts—your back and gas budget will thank you.
2) Forgetting to Label Boxes
There’s nothing like collapsing on your new floor and realizing your sheets are somewhere inside 27 identical brown cubes. Or hunting for a charger and finding… tree ornaments.
True story: One family packed the coffee maker with board games. Two caffeine-light mornings later, they learned labels are cheaper than therapy.
How to avoid it: Mark boxes by room plus 2–3 key contents: “Kitchen — Coffee Maker, Mugs, Toaster.” Add a big number on two sides (e.g., “Kitchen #3 of 8”) so you can track what’s missing. If you love order, color-code tape by room for instant drop-off clarity.
3) Skipping Proper Packing Supplies
Hope is not padding. Wrapping plates in yesterday’s mail or trusting socks to protect glass is how you create a box of confetti.
Lesson learned: A DIY mover wrapped stemware with T-shirts “just for the short ride.” Half the set became modern art. T-shirts are for wearing, not shock absorption.
How to avoid it: Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, stretch film for furniture, and dish/glass dividers for the fragile stuff. Want a simpler path? Grab a ready-made moving kit so you’re not guessing at the store. A small spend now beats replacing a TV later.
4) Not Measuring Furniture (or Doorways)
The classic stairwell scene: two people at a 37-degree angle, one shouting “Pivot!” If your sofa could talk, it would ask for dimensions.
One customer’s reality: Gorgeous sectional? Check. Beautiful new building? Check. Hallway too narrow by two inches? Also check. The Craigslist listing read: “Brand new couch—never used, won’t fit through door.” Ouch.
How to avoid it: Measure length, width, depth, and diagonal clearance of your biggest pieces, then compare to doors, stairs, and elevator openings. Remove detachable legs and cushions. A cargo van’s wide rear opening makes loading easier—once the doorway puzzle is solved.
5) Leaving Everything for the Last Minute
“We’ll just pack tonight.” Famous last words. If you’re filling trash bags at 2 a.m. and using grocery sacks for dishware, the sun will greet you before the van does.
Real-life chaos: A renter started one hour before the final walk-through. Result: three broken frames, missing keys, and a move that ended at 4 a.m. Their security deposit is still somewhere out there.
How to avoid it: Start 2–4 weeks out. Pack one room a day, begin with low-use zones (guest room, decor), and save kitchen/essentials for last. Set a 30-minute daily timer—habit beats heroics. Create a “first-night box” so you can crash without a scavenger hunt.
Bonus Tip: Booking the Wrong Vehicle
Your cousin’s pickup sounds great—until a surprise shower hits or a mattress tries to surf I-75. Open beds, loose straps, and Atlanta weather are a chaotic trio.
How to avoid it: Choose an enclosed cargo van: weather-proof, secure, and sized for furniture plus boxes. No begging favors, no juggling tarps. You control the timeline—and the outcome. Reserve your van before the weekend rush.
Build Your “First-Night Box” (Thank Us Later)
- Sheets, pillows, light blanket
- Toiletries + meds (toothbrush, soap, pain reliever)
- Phone + laptop chargers, power strip
- Basic dishes (2 mugs, 2 plates), paper towels
- Snack kit + water bottles (moving hunger is real)
- Small tool kit + scissors + box cutter + tape
- Cleaning wipes + trash bags
Atlanta-Specific Pro Tips
- Time your route: Avoid peak BeltLine/connector traffic and game days near Midtown/Downtown venues.
- Loading zones: Check apartment rules for loading dock windows and elevator reservations.
- Weather swings: Summer pop-ups happen—an enclosed van protects furniture and boxes.
Quick Recap: Avoid These Moving Mistakes
- Inventory honestly—book enough vehicle capacity the first time.
- Label by room + key items; number boxes to track progress.
- Use real packing materials (dividers, bubble wrap, stretch film).
- Measure furniture and doorways before moving day.
- Start packing 2–4 weeks out and prep a first-night box.
- Pick an enclosed cargo van—control, protection, and fewer headaches.
Final Thoughts
Moving will never be 100% stress-free, but sidestepping these moving mistakes keeps the whole process sane, swift, and surprisingly smooth. Plan ahead, pack smart, and choose the right vehicle for the job.
With Cargo Atlanta, you get reliable, affordable cargo van rentals that make move day feel organized—not chaotic. Book early, breathe easier, and start enjoying your new place faster.