Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Most moving-day problems are predictable, which means most can be avoided. Twelve common mistakes and what to do instead.
By Cleantique SolutionsPublished 4 min read
Moving goes wrong in surprisingly predictable ways. The same handful of mistakes cause most of the stress, extra cost and broken items. The good news is that almost all of them are avoidable with a little planning.
1. Accepting a price without a survey
The problem: A mover gives a price over the phone. On the day, there is more than expected, the lorry is too small, and the price goes up when your belongings are half loaded.
Instead: Get a survey, in person or by video, and a written quote that states what is included and what would change the price.
2. Leaving packing until the last minute
The problem: Packing always takes longer than expected. Leaving it to the night before leads to exhausted, rushed packing, poorly protected items and boxes labelled “miscellaneous”.
Instead: Start two to three weeks ahead with the things you use least. Or book a packing service.
3. Not decluttering first
The problem: You pay to pack, move and unpack things you do not want.
Instead: Sell, donate or throw away before the survey, so the quote reflects what you are actually moving.
4. Forgetting about access
The problem: The lift is out of service, the estate does not allow large lorries, the askari has not been told, or there is nowhere to park. Each adds hours to the day.
Instead: Book the lift, inform building management and the estate, and confirm parking at both ends. Tell your mover about stairs and long carries.
5. Overfilling boxes
The problem: Large boxes full of books are too heavy to lift safely and the bottoms give way.
Instead: Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes. Keep each box to a weight one person can carry comfortably.
6. Poor labelling
The problem: Boxes end up stacked in the sitting room, and you spend days searching for the kettle.
Instead: Label each box with the destination room on the side and top, and mark fragile boxes clearly. Keep a separate essentials bag with you.
7. Packing valuables and documents in the lorry
The problem: Important documents and valuables get mixed in with everything else, or go missing.
Instead: Carry passports, title deeds, certificates, jewellery, cash, laptops and medication yourself.
8. Not defrosting the fridge
The problem: Water leaks onto other belongings in the lorry, and the fridge may smell when it arrives.
Instead: Empty, defrost and dry the fridge the day before.
9. Moving hazardous items
The problem: Gas cylinders, fuel, paint and chemicals are a fire and safety risk in a moving vehicle, and most movers will not take them.
Instead: Use them up, give them away or transport them separately and safely.
10. Bringing pests with you
The problem: Bed bugs in mattresses and cockroaches in cardboard boxes move house with you.
Instead: If you have had pests, treat before moving, wash and hot-dry fabrics, inspect furniture and consider treating the new property before you move in.
11. Cleaning at the wrong time
The problem: Cleaning the old house while it is still full of boxes means a poor clean and a difficult inspection. Cleaning the new house after furniture arrives means cleaning around everything.
Instead: Clean the old property after the last box leaves and the new one before your furniture arrives. See our move-in and move-out cleaning guide.
12. Not checking before the crew leaves
The problem: You discover a missing box or a bed that has not been reassembled after the crew has gone.
Instead: Walk through with the crew leader at the new home. Check that everything has arrived and that furniture has been reassembled.
A quick summary
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Phone quote | Survey and written quote |
| Late packing | Start two to three weeks ahead |
| No decluttering | Declutter before the survey |
| Access problems | Book lifts, inform the estate, confirm parking |
| Heavy boxes | Small boxes for heavy items |
| Poor labels | Label by destination room |
| Valuables in the lorry | Carry them yourself |
| Fridge not defrosted | Defrost the day before |
| Hazardous items | Keep them out of the move |
| Pests | Treat before moving |
| Wrong cleaning timing | Clean empty properties |
| No final check | Walk through before the crew leaves |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common moving mistake?
Underestimating how long packing takes, closely followed by accepting a price without a survey.
What day of the month is best for moving?
Mid-month, mid-week dates are usually easiest to book. Month end and weekends are the busiest.
How can I make moving day less stressful?
Plan ahead, prepare access, pack early, keep an essentials bag and use a mover who surveys and puts everything in writing.
For a full plan, use our house moving checklist, or let us handle it: request a moving quote.
About this guide
Written by the Cleantique Solutions team for homes and businesses in Nairobi. It is general guidance, not a substitute for an inspection or professional advice about your specific property. If anything here is unclear or out of date, tell us at hi@cleantique.co.ke.
