Moving to a new home in Melbourne can feel exciting, stressful, and confusing all at the same time. There are boxes everywhere, lots of things to organise, deadlines to meet, and many decisions to make. And while most people try to do everything right, many still make simple mistakes that end up costing them money, time, and sometimes even their belongings.
As a Melbourne moving expert, I’ve seen these mistakes happen again and again. The good news is that most of them are completely avoidable — if you know what to look out for.
Whether you’re moving for the first time or have moved many times before, this guide will help you understand the 10 most common moving mistakes that can cost you big, and exactly how to avoid them. Let’s dive in.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Packing
One of the biggest mistakes people make is delaying packing until the last week — or even worse, the last couple of days. Packing always takes longer than you think. When you rush:
You forget things
You pack poorly
You break fragile items
You stress yourself out
You end up paying movers to wait while you scramble
A good rule is to start at least 3–4 weeks before the move. Begin with items you don’t use daily — books, decorations, extra clothes, seasonal items, and spare kitchenware.
Starting early keeps you in control and saves you from last-minute chaos.
2. Not Decluttering Before the Move
Another costly mistake many Melbourne families make is moving everything, including things they don’t need. When you take unnecessary items with you:
You pay more for movers
You need more boxes
You take longer to pack
You clutter up your new home
Before you start packing, go through each room and sort items into:
Keep
Sell
Donate
Throw away
The fewer things you move, the faster and cheaper your move will be.
3. Using the Wrong Boxes
It might look easy to collect free boxes from grocery stores, but those boxes are usually:
Weak
Already damaged
Easily torn
Exposed to pests
This can cause your items — especially heavy or fragile ones — to break during the move.
Always use strong, high-quality moving boxes, especially for:
Books
Kitchen items
Electronics
Glassware
Heavy household items
Professional-grade boxes are reliable, tested, and worth the small extra cost.
4. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
Many people pack in a hurry and forget to label their boxes. But when you don’t label:
You waste hours searching for things
Movers don’t know where to place each box
Fragile items may be handled roughly
Unpacking becomes a nightmare
The best way to label boxes is by writing:
Room name (Kitchen, Bedroom 1, Garage, etc.)
Contents (Plates, Clothes, Toys, etc.)
Fragile if needed
Use big, clear writing and label on at least two sides of every box.
5. Not Packing a “First-Night Box”
A first-night box (or essentials box) contains the most important things you’ll need on your first day in the new home. Many people forget this, and then struggle to find basic items buried in piles of boxes.
Your essentials box should include:
Toothbrush and toiletries
Fresh clothes
Phone chargers
Small toolkit
Important documents
Medicine
Towels
Snacks
Water bottles
Basic kitchen supplies
Having these items easily accessible saves time and reduces stress.
6. Hiring the Wrong Movers — or No Movers at All
Trying to move everything yourself might sound cheap, but it can quickly turn into the costliest mistake of all. People who choose DIY moves often deal with:
Back injuries
Damaged furniture
Scratched floors and walls
Broken electronics
Rental truck fees
Much longer moving time
Stress and exhaustion
On the other hand, hiring unprofessional or unlicensed movers can be just as risky. Cheap movers may:
Show up late
Damage your belongings
Overcharge you
Use unsafe methods
Lack proper insurance
Always hire a trusted, professional moving company in Melbourne with good reviews, proper equipment, and transparent pricing.
7. Ignoring Insurance
Many people assume their items will be fine, but accidents can happen — especially during big moves or long-distance relocations.
If your belongings aren’t insured, a single damaged item (like a TV or glass cabinet) can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Always ask your moving company about:
Transit insurance
Liability coverage
What items are included
What items are excluded
A few dollars spent on insurance today can save you a big bill tomorrow.
8. Forgetting to Measure Furniture and Doorways
Imagine moving a couch across Melbourne only to find out it doesn’t fit through your front door. Or discovering that your fridge can’t fit into the new kitchen space.
This mistake happens more often than you’d think — and it can cost you:
Time
Stress
Money for dismantling
Money for returning items
Before moving day, measure:
Doorways
Hallways
Staircases
Big furniture pieces
Appliances
The new space
This helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
9. Poor Handling of Fragile Items
Fragile items — like glassware, mirrors, TVs, and decorative pieces — are often the first things to break when people rush or pack carelessly.
Common mistakes include:
Not using bubble wrap
Leaving empty space in boxes
Stacking heavy items on fragile ones
Using blankets as padding (not enough protection)
Not labelling fragile boxes
Always pack fragile items with:
Bubble wrap
Packing paper
Strong boxes
Extra padding
Clear “FRAGILE” labels
And never mix heavy and delicate items in the same box.
10. Not Preparing for Moving Day
The final big mistake is simply not being ready on moving day. When you’re unprepared:
Movers wait (and charge extra)
Boxes are still open
Items get lost
Move takes longer
Stress levels skyrocket
To avoid this, make a simple moving day checklist:
Pack everything the day before
Keep pathways clear
Protect floors
Unplug and defrost the fridge 24 hours earlier
Keep important items aside
Confirm arrival time with movers
Good preparation makes the whole day smoother.
How to Avoid These Mistakes Altogether?
Here’s the simple truth: most moving mistakes happen because people rush or underestimate the moving process. A successful move needs:
Early planning
Smart packing
Proper tools
Expert help
A clear schedule
If you follow the steps above — and avoid the common mistakes — you’ll save money, protect your belongings, and make your move stress-free.
Moving Soon in Melbourne?
Let Best Ozi Movers in Melbourne help you avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a smooth, safe, and stress-free move. Our trained moving professionals use the best packing methods, high-quality equipment, and years of experience to handle your belongings with care.
From local moves to full-service packing, we’ve got you covered.
Contact Best Ozi Movers today — the team Melbourne trusts for a flawless move!
FAQ — Moving Mistakes
1. What is the most common moving mistake people make?
Starting too late. Most people underestimate how long packing takes.
2. Should I hire professional movers or move by myself?
If you want to save time, avoid injuries, and protect your belongings, hiring professionals is usually the better choice.
3. How early should I book a moving company in Melbourne?
It’s best to book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during weekends and end-of-month periods.
4. Can packing wrong really damage my belongings?
Yes. Poor packing is the top cause of broken glassware, scratched furniture, and damaged electronics.
5. Is moving insurance really necessary?
Absolutely. It protects you from costly losses if something is damaged or goes wrong during the move.