How to Avoid Things that go Wrong when Moving
A move is stressful on its own. It gets even more stressful when things go wrong. The good news: you can avoid most of the problems that cause that stress simply by choosing a good moving company. As you’ll see, making that one smart decision can save you time, money, and a few damaged belongings along the way. Here are five of the most common problems that plague a move — and how to prevent each one.
Moving without Mistakes: Key Takeaways
- The most common moving problems trace back to one thing: hiring the wrong moving company.
- Choose a licensed, insured, experienced mover with strong reviews — never a rushed, last-second decision.
- Start packing and decluttering early; underestimating packing time is the No. 1 packing mistake.
- Insist on a written, binding estimate so there are no surprise charges or hidden fees on moving day.
1. Problems with the moving company
Unexpected price increases. Failing to show up on time. Sending an unprofessional crew — or not enough people. Those are just a few of the problems people run into with movers, and they aren’t even the worst case. The worst is when a mover loads your belongings onto the truck and you never see them again.
Don’t rush when selecting a mover. Look for professionals with experience and a great reputation, who offer all the moving services you’ll need, and who are fully licensed and can connect you with insurance. Verify the company’s USDOT and MC numbers at FMCSA SAFER for interstate moves, and learn the warning signs of bad movers and the questions to ask a mover. This is not the time for a last-second decision — our guide on how to hire a moving company walks through the whole process.
2. Packing issues When Moving
So many things can go wrong with packing, but the No. 1 issue is that people underestimate how long it takes to pack a home. In most cases, you want to start as early as possible with a major clean-out, getting rid of what you don’t need. The key is to plan your move ahead of time and hit your decluttering and packing deadlines as moving day approaches. Following smart steps for packing your move — quality materials, room-by-room labeling, professional packing for fragiles — prevents the last-minute chaos that damages belongings and blows up timelines.
3. The moving truck isn’t adequate
If you go the DIY route, the rental truck can quickly become a problem. The most common one is that it’s not big enough, forcing you to stop mid-load and start throwing things away — not a recipe for a smooth move. This is exactly where the time spent finding a professional mover pays off, since the crew brings the right truck and equipment for your home. (Wondering if it’s worth it? See is moving yourself really cheaper than hiring a mover?)
4. Damaged goods
If something breaks during a DIY move, you’re simply out of luck. With a professional mover, you get at least the basic Released Value coverage that all movers are required to provide — about 60 cents per pound, per item. That’s important to know, and if a mover doesn’t offer it, that’s a red flag. A good mover will also connect you with a third-party insurer or offer Full Value Protection for higher coverage. Understanding your moving insurance options before move day is one of the smartest things you can do.
5. Moving Costs that run up
Many people underestimate what a move will cost — another frequent source of stress. That’s why it pays to work with a professional moving company that provides a written estimate of your total cost: no sudden price increases on moving day, and no extra charges buried in the fine print. Knowing the price ahead of time helps you budget with confidence. Learn how to get accurate moving quotes, and remember that decluttering before the move is one of the best ways to save money, since movers charge by weight or volume.
Avoid moving-day trouble with the right mover
These are some of the issues that can come up during a move — and most of them are avoided by choosing a professional company to handle it. Take the time to do your research and find a mover that meets high standards; accepting anything less can lead to a lot of moving-day trouble.
Good Greek Moving & Storage is licensed, insured, and built on customer service, with background-checked crews, free in-home and video estimates, and written, binding pricing. Call (561) 683-1313 or request a free moving quote today.
Moving without mistakes: Frequently asked questions
What’s the most common thing that goes wrong with a move?
Hiring the wrong moving company. Unexpected price hikes, no-shows, understaffed crews, damage, and outright scams almost all trace back to choosing an unvetted mover. Verifying the license and reading reviews prevents most of it.
How do I avoid surprise charges on moving day?
Get a written, binding (or binding-not-to-exceed) estimate after an in-home or video survey, and read the contract for potential add-on fees like long carry, stairs, or shuttle service. Avoid phone-only quotes, which often precede bait-and-switch pricing.
Are my belongings insured during a move?
With a professional mover, yes — at minimum, basic Released Value Protection (about 60 cents per pound, per item). For valuable belongings, choose Full Value Protection or a third-party insurer. A mover that won’t explain coverage is a red flag.
How early should I start packing?
As early as possible — most people underestimate how long it takes. Begin with a decluttering clean-out weeks ahead, then pack room by room toward move day. Starting early prevents damage, rushed mistakes, and last-minute stress.
Why is a DIY move riskier than hiring a mover?
DIY moves often run into truck-size problems, packing delays, injuries, and uninsured damage with no recourse. A professional mover brings the right equipment, trained crews, and insurance, usually for a smaller cost difference than people expect once time and risk are factored in.