Moving to a new home is an exciting, albeit challenging, process. While many people are attracted to the idea of starting anew in a different place, the actual move requires a fair amount of planning and organizing. To get a head start on one’s move, packing well is crucial. However, many people continue to make packing mistakes during this process. This article sheds light on four common packing mistakes one can avoid while moving.

Waiting until the last minute to pack
Packing is an art and a science. Beginning this process too late can lead to unnecessary rushing on moving day. It is also likely to be more disorganized, making setting up one’s new home difficult. Ideally, one must start two weeks to a month before the moving day. Begin packing less-used items and wrapping them up properly. Recognize items that are no longer needed and donate them to charity, give them to friends and family, or set up a yard sale for them. This process will help declutter and make space for new things in the house.

Mislabeling or not labeling the boxes
Labeling the boxes correctly is an essential part of the packing process. Skipping this step or doing a shoddy job can create a lot of confusion and lengthen the unpacking process. If creating a detailed inventory for each box sounds like too much work, take some time to note which room each box goes in and label them accordingly. Some basic label titles may include kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, kid’s room, study, books, etc.

Overloading the boxes
When packing, it is important to prevent overpacking boxes. This is because overpacking may lead to odd lumps and bumps on the packing material, making it difficult to stack. It can also make the boxes extremely heavy and difficult to handle or cause tears. This may ruin any items stored inside the boxes. To avoid this, make sure that each box weighs under 50 pounds. Alternatively, pick each box before taping it shut to check how easy it is to lift.

Packing hazardous items
One needs to ensure that all products in the boxes can be moved safely. By law, movers are not allowed to transport aerosol, ammonia, batteries, bleach, cleaning solvents, fertilizers, firearms, fire extinguishers, fireworks, kerosene, matches, motor oil, nail polish remover, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, propane, rat poison, and weed killers. Dispose of these items safely before moving day.