They say that moving house is one of the most stressful things that people go through. But it really doesn’t have to be. Flexi Removals have helped thousands of homeowners move smoothly, and over the years, we’ve seen the same mistakes crop up time and time again.

If you’re planning a move, avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle.

1. Leaving Everything to the Last Minute

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Prepping a house appropriately for a move is vital. Life is busy and preparing a house for a move can be a daunting task, and one of the easiest and costly mistakes to make is underestimating how long everything takes. From packing and labelling boxes to notifying utility companies, there’s a lot to do. We offer free advice and even a full packing service with boxes and packaging materials included.

Tip: Create a moving checklist in advance. There’s a lot to do and a lot to remember. If you’re unsure where to start, our team is always happy to help with planning advice.

2. Not Decluttering Before the Move

You should get rid of unwanted clutter before the move. Why pay someone to move things you’re going to throw away anyway? Many people pack everything (clutter included), and end up wasting time and money shifting unwanted items from one home to another.

Tip: Go room by room and be ruthless. Donate, sell, or recycle anything you haven’t used in the past year.

3. Choosing a Removal Company Based Only on Price

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote, but in this industry, you often get what you pay for. We hear horror stories every week from customers who say ‘we went with so and so last time and this happened!’. Poor service, hidden fees, and damaged belongings are just some of the risks. When it comes to moving everything you own, all those items you’ve worked hard to acquire, it’s worth moving with a reputable, fully insured removals company.

Tip: Look for a reputable company with genuine reviews. At Flexi Removals, we’re proud to be Preston’s highest-rated removal company on Google, known for our attention to detail, flexibility, and professionalism.

4. Underestimating How Much Stuff You Have

Most people have more than they think. Underestimating the volume of belongings can lead to last-minute panic, not enough van space, or needing extra trips. Let us come and survey your property. We’ll take a look at all of your items and ensure that our team is prepared with the correct tools and knowledge to ensure that your move goes smoothly.. maybe even enjoyable!

Tip: Use our experience to your advantage. We offer free, no-obligation surveys to help accurately assess the size of your move.

5. Not Packing Properly

When we stack our vans, we stack them properly. We try to utilize as much space as possible. That’s why, when we pack for our customers, we pack properly, so that we have the confidence to pack our vehicles efficiently. Throwing things into boxes the night before the move is never a good idea. Without proper materials and packing techniques, items are far more likely to get damaged in transit.

Tip: Consider our packing services. Whether you want us to pack everything, just your fragile items, or simply supply the best materials, we’ll make sure your belongings are protected.

6. Forgetting to Label Boxes Clearly

This seems small but it can really halt the flow of a house move. Not knowing which box belongs in which room wastes time and makes unpacking chaotic.

Tip: Label each box with its destination room and a short list of contents. We even recommend to number each box and cross reference them to a spreadsheet. That way you know exactly what each box contains! You’ll thank yourself later.

7. Not Thinking About Access

Tight driveways, narrow staircases, or flats with no lift.. these things matter. Many moves are delayed or disrupted by access problems that could have been addressed in advance. Now this might be an ‘us’ problem. We’ll check out access at both addresses before a move, but please let us know if there is any information that you think we need to know.

Tip: Always tell your removal company about access restrictions, parking, and stairs. We’re happy to visit your home beforehand to check all the details.

8. Overloading Boxes

It’s common to see people pack heavy items into huge boxes, making them impossible (or dangerous) to lift. Overloaded boxes are also more likely to split open.

Tip: Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books, and larger ones for lighter things like bedding. Or ask us about our strong, high-quality packing materials, available to purchase separately even if you’re not moving with us.

9. Forgetting About Storage

Sometimes moving dates don’t align, or renovation work is still ongoing in the new property. Unfortunately, delays are very common in this industry. Many people panic at the last minute when they realise they need temporary storage.

Tip: Plan ahead. We offer secure storage solutions for exactly this reason, whether it’s for a few days or a few months. We can also calculate how much storage space you require to make sure you aren’t overpaying for unneeded storage space.

10. Not Asking for Help

Trying to do everything alone is overwhelming. Many people don’t realise how much support is available until it’s too late.

Tip: Ask friends or family early if they’re available to help, or better still, hire professionals who do this every day. We’re here to take the pressure off. Whether that’s with advice, packing, lifting, transport or all of the above.

Final Thought

Moving house doesn’t have to be stressful. Most of our customers end the day with a big smile on their faces. With the right planning, support, and a reliable removals team on your side, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable process.

If you’re moving in or around Preston, speak to Flexi Removals. We offer tailored solutions, honest advice, and a professional, friendly service that puts your needs first.

Ready to avoid these mistakes?

Call us on 01772 382582 or get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.