Relocating is always such an adventure, especially in all the buzz of a big city like New York. However, when something goes wrong, it may turn into a shambles.
In this article, we are going to examine 5 common errors that first-time movers make and how to avoid them based on actual experience.
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the packing process. Many people assume that supermarket boxes and kitchen tape will do the job, but in reality, this leads to damaged furniture and electronics. Instead, it’s worth investing in professional packing materials. We recommend using bubble wrap for electronics, blankets for furniture, and room-by-room labelling. This not only protects your belongings but also speeds up unpacking at your new place.
Choosing movers is a gamble if you don’t check their reputation. The mistake is jumping at the cheapest option on Craigslist, without checking for licenses or insurance. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reports thousands of fraud cases each year, especially in major cities like New York. Here’s a checklist of what to look for in reliable movers:
Look for companies like Elate Movers, with proper licensing, insurance, and Google reviews - they have 99.5% moves on time and 500k satisfied clients over 10 years. Their team, led by Kevin Britt, focuses on customised solutions, from residential to commercial.
Planning is key, yet many people ignore it and start packing the night before the move. Countless relocations get delayed due to the lack of a clear schedule.
5 Common Relocation Pitfalls to Dodge
1. Underestimating the Packing Puzzle
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the packing process. Many people assume that supermarket boxes and kitchen tape will do the job, but in reality, this leads to damaged furniture and electronics. Instead, it’s worth investing in professional packing materials. We recommend using bubble wrap for electronics, blankets for furniture, and room-by-room labelling. This not only protects your belongings but also speeds up unpacking at your new place.
2. Hiring the Wrong Crew
Choosing movers is a gamble if you don’t check their reputation. The mistake is jumping at the cheapest option on Craigslist, without checking for licenses or insurance. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reports thousands of fraud cases each year, especially in major cities like New York. Here’s a checklist of what to look for in reliable movers:
- Full USDOT license and insurance;
- Positive reviews on independent platforms, with no less than 4.5 stars;
- Free estimate with a detailed plan.
Look for companies like Elate Movers, with proper licensing, insurance, and Google reviews - they have 99.5% moves on time and 500k satisfied clients over 10 years. Their team, led by Kevin Britt, focuses on customised solutions, from residential to commercial.
3. Skipping the Timeline Tango
Planning is key, yet many people ignore it and start packing the night before the move. Countless relocations get delayed due to the lack of a clear schedule.
In New York, with its traffic jams on FDR Drive and strict building rules, this is especially risky - elevators may be booked, and truck parking often requires permits in advance.
Stage: Duration / Key actions
We always recommend starting one month in advance: create an inventory, book your movers, and confirm your dates. This ensures everything goes according to plan without last-minute stress.
Budgeting is a ticking time bomb. In Manhattan, for example, shuttle service for narrow streets or elevator surcharges are standard. Accounting for these in advance prevents end-of-day sticker shock. People also often forget about NYC parking (up to $100 per day), packing materials, or tips for loaders.
Here are the stages of proper preparation:
Stage: Duration / Key actions
- Initial planning: 1-2 weeks/ Inventory items; book movers; notify utilities
- Packing: 3-5 days / Label boxes; wrap fragile items
- Loading and transport: 1 day / Secure the truck; drive to the destination
- Unloading and unpacking: 1-2 days / Place furniture; organise rooms
- Follow-up: 1 week / Check for damages; adjust setup
We always recommend starting one month in advance: create an inventory, book your movers, and confirm your dates. This ensures everything goes according to plan without last-minute stress.
4. Ignoring the Hidden Costs Trap
Budgeting is a ticking time bomb. In Manhattan, for example, shuttle service for narrow streets or elevator surcharges are standard. Accounting for these in advance prevents end-of-day sticker shock. People also often forget about NYC parking (up to $100 per day), packing materials, or tips for loaders.
Working with Elate Movers makes this easier - their prices are pocket-friendly, with a transparent breakdown: packing, transport, and storage all in one package. No surprises - just efficiency. That’s why it’s better to go with them and avoid overpaying for “thin air.”
Finally, the mistake after the finish line: ignoring unpacking and settling in. Boxes are piled in the corner while you’re searching for documents for a new school or job. Some people spend literal weeks sorting things out. White glove unpacking solves this - pros will arrange furniture, organise the kitchen, then complete final touches and post-move follow-up to make sure everything is in place.
These five mistakes can ruin any move, but they’re easy to avoid with the right approach. If you’re in New York, reach out to Elate Movers for a quote - it’s free and takes just 30 seconds!
5. Forgetting the Post-Move Shuffle
Finally, the mistake after the finish line: ignoring unpacking and settling in. Boxes are piled in the corner while you’re searching for documents for a new school or job. Some people spend literal weeks sorting things out. White glove unpacking solves this - pros will arrange furniture, organise the kitchen, then complete final touches and post-move follow-up to make sure everything is in place.
Final Thoughts
These five mistakes can ruin any move, but they’re easy to avoid with the right approach. If you’re in New York, reach out to Elate Movers for a quote - it’s free and takes just 30 seconds!
