Moving Day Mistakes to Avoid – Tips from Reading Man and Van

Moving house is one of life’s most exciting yet stressful events. Whether you're relocating across Reading or venturing further afield, moving day can be full of unexpected surprises. As seasoned professionals at Reading Man and Van, we've seen it all—last-minute panics, damaged belongings, and logistical nightmares. But the good news is: most moving day disasters are completely avoidable.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top moving day mistakes to avoid, with expert tips to make your relocation smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable.

1. Not Hiring a Professional Man and Van Early Enough

One of the most common moving day mistakes is leaving the hiring of a man and van service until the last minute. Quality providers like Reading Man and Van often get booked weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer).

Pro Tip:
Book your moving service as soon as you confirm your move-in date. This ensures availability and allows time to discuss logistics, access, and special requirements.

2. Underestimating How Long Packing Takes

You'd be surprised how many people wake up on moving day only half-packed. Not only does this delay the loading process, but it also increases the risk of damage or leaving things behind.

Pro Tip:
Start packing at least 2–3 weeks before your move. Pack non-essentials first (e.g. books, decorations), and leave essentials for last. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in.

3. Failing to Declutter Before the Move

Moving everything you own—regardless of its usefulness or condition—adds time, cost, and stress to your move. Many customers regret not taking the chance to declutter before packing.

Pro Tip:
Before moving day, go room by room and donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer use. A lighter load means a faster move and potentially lower costs.

4. Choosing the Wrong Size Vehicle

Too small a van means multiple trips or the dreaded “everything won’t fit” moment. Too large a van could mean paying for more space than you need.

Pro Tip:
When you book with Reading Man and Van, we help assess the volume of your belongings and recommend the right van size to avoid unnecessary hassle or expense.

5. Not Considering Parking and Access

Imagine your moving van arriving, only to discover there's nowhere to park—or worse, narrow hallways and staircases that prevent easy loading.

Pro Tip:
Check parking availability and restrictions at both your old and new homes. Inform your moving team of any access issues such as steps, lifts, or tight corridors in advance.

6. Packing Heavy Items in Large Boxes

Putting all your books or tools into one giant box might seem efficient, but it’s a recipe for injury or breakage.

Pro Tip:
Use smaller boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for lighter items like linens and pillows. Always distribute weight evenly and use quality packing materials.

7. Forgetting an Essentials Box

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new home and not knowing where your toothbrush, phone charger, or clean clothes are.

Pro Tip:
Pack a clearly marked “essentials” box or bag with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival—things like toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents.

8. Not Taking Inventory

Losing track of what’s been packed, moved, or left behind is a common issue, especially during a hectic move.

Pro Tip:
Create a simple inventory checklist while packing. For larger moves, take photos of valuable or fragile items. This makes unpacking easier and helps if you need to file an insurance claim.

9. Trying to DIY a Complex Move

While it’s tempting to save money by doing everything yourself, DIY moves can become more costly if things go wrong—think broken items, vehicle hire, or injury.

Pro Tip:
Use professionals for complex or large-scale moves. At Reading Man and Van, we provide affordable, flexible services—from single-item transport to full-house removals—so you can move efficiently and safely.

10. Not Communicating with Your Movers

Last-minute surprises, like discovering you have an upright piano or four flights of stairs, can derail your moving day plans.

Pro Tip:
Be open and clear with your moving company. Share a full inventory and details of both properties. The more we know, the better we can prepare and quote you accurately.

11. Neglecting Pets and Kids

Moving day can be stressful for little ones—both the two-legged and four-legged kind. Chaos, noise, and open doors are not ideal for pets or children.

Pro Tip:
Arrange for someone to look after your pets and young children during the move. If that’s not possible, create a safe, quiet room for them away from the action.

12. Skipping Insurance Coverage

Accidents, though rare, can happen during a move. Not having coverage can turn a simple mishap into a costly ordeal.

Pro Tip:
Ask your moving service about their insurance coverage. At Reading Man and Van, we’re fully insured for goods in transit, so you have peace of mind throughout your move.

13. Leaving Cleaning to the Last Minute

Landlords and new buyers expect a clean property. Rushing the clean after loading everything up adds stress—and could affect your deposit return.

Pro Tip:
Plan your clean in stages during the packing process. Consider hiring professional cleaners to do a final sweep once the van is loaded.

14. Not Planning for Unexpected Delays

Road closures, weather, or keys not being released on time can throw off your entire day.

Pro Tip:
Stay flexible and build in buffer time. Keep snacks, water, and chargers handy. A good moving team will adapt with you if plans shift slightly.

Final Thoughts: Let Reading Man and Van Handle the Hard Work

Avoiding these common moving day mistakes can mean the difference between a chaotic, stressful move and a seamless, successful transition to your new home. At Reading Man and Van, we pride ourselves on being more than just transport—we’re your trusted moving day partner.

Whether you’re moving a studio flat or a five-bedroom home, our friendly, professional team is here to take the stress out of your move. Let our experience guide you, from the first packed box to the final unload.

Ready to Move?

Contact Reading Man and Van today for a free quote and expert advice tailored to your move. Call us, message us, or fill out our quick online form—we're here to make your next move your best one yet.