Common Long Distance Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Planning a long-distance move can be a lot to handle. Between packing, organizing, and timing everything just right, there’s so much to think about. It’s tempting to believe you can juggle it all on your own, but the truth is, even small mistakes can snowball—and make the process way more stressful than it needs to be. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes people make during long-distance moves and how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating the Amount of Work
Moving long-distance is more than just packing boxes and renting a truck. You might think doing it yourself will save money, but without good planning, the costs—both financial and emotional—can quickly add up. Think about all the time it takes to pack, transport, unpack, and handle things like updating your address and setting up utilities. Hiring professional movers, like ADSI, can take a lot of that stress off your plate and make sure everything goes smoothly.
This is where having a reliable, experienced move coordinator can make a world of difference. When you work with ADSI, you get a dedicated point of contact who manages all the logistics for you. From planning timelines to troubleshooting any hiccups along the way, they’ll keep things on track so you can focus on other priorities.
2. Forgetting to Plan for Storage
Ever realize your moving timeline doesn’t quite line up? Maybe you’ve sold your old home sooner than expected, or you’re waiting for your new place to be ready. Storage is something a lot of people forget to plan for, but that gap between moving out and moving in can leave you scrambling.
It’s a good idea to have a storage solution ready just in case. ADSI offers secure short- and long-term storage options, giving you flexibility and peace of mind that your belongings are safe while you sort things out. Whether it’s a few days or a few months in between homes, having a storage plan can take some stress off your plate.
3. Overlooking Kids and Pets
Your move doesn’t just affect your belongings—your family feels it too. Kids may be nervous about leaving familiar surroundings, and pets can easily become stressed during a chaotic move. To keep things smooth, involve your little ones—maybe they can pack a “special box” of their favorite things to keep them occupied or help pick out decor for their new space. For pets, set aside a calm, quiet area or, better yet, find a sitter for moving day to keep them comfortable and out of harm’s way.
4. Choosing the Wrong Insurance
Skipping insurance—or not choosing the right coverage—is a risk you don’t want to take. Nationwide, about 1 in 5 moves involve some kind of damage or loss. Free basic valuation coverage offered by movers might sound like it’s enough, but it only covers a fraction of your items’ value—specifically, .60 cents per pound. That’s not much help if something valuable gets damaged. For example, if your laptop weighs about 3 pounds and is damaged during transit, basic coverage would only compensate you about $1.80.
Opt for full-value replacement coverage. It protects your belongings at their full worth, whether they need replacing or repairing. A little insurance goes a long way toward keeping your peace of mind intact.
5. Not Getting Set Up in Your New Destination
It’s easy to keep your focus on the moving process itself and forget what comes after. Before you get to your new place, make sure everything’s ready to roll—set up your utilities, internet, and any necessary services ahead of time. If you’re relocating to a new state, find out about local DMV requirements, and don’t forget to update your address with important places like your bank and the post office. The sooner you handle the small details, the quicker you’ll feel at home.
6. Forgetting an Overnight Bag
After a long, exhausting day of moving, you finally settle into your new home—only to realize your essentials are buried in a mountain of boxes. Your toothbrush, bath towels, clothes, toilet paper, and phone charger are all packed away, leaving you no choice but to dig through the chaos to find what you need. Not fun, right? Pack an easy-to-access overnight bag with all the essentials you’ll need for a couple of days. Think toiletries, chargers, spare clothes, and any important documents. If you have pets, this includes their food and medicine. It’ll make those first few days way less chaotic while you’re settling in.
7. Hiring Movers Without Proper Research
Not all movers are created equal. Picking a random moving company without looking into their track record can lead to lost items, delays, or worse. Do your homework. Look at reviews, check their credentials, and get at least three quotes to compare. A company like ADSI—with years of experience and reliable service—can make a huge difference. You’ll want movers you can trust with your stuff, especially for a long-distance move.
Pro Tip: Need help picking a reliable mover? Check out our Questions to Ask When Selecting a Moving Company.
8. Forgetting a Moving Checklist
Sure, it might seem like a small thing, but a good checklist is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a move. It keeps you organized and ensures you’re not forgetting important steps like transferring utilities, packing everyday must-haves, or taking an inventory of your stuff. Break your move into manageable steps—packing one room at a time, labeling boxes, and checking things off as you go.
Pro Tip: If you need a good place to start, check out our free moving checklists.
10. Taking Incorrect Measurements
Imagine lugging your favorite couch hundreds of miles, only to find it doesn’t fit through the door of your new place. Talk about frustrating. Avoid this nightmare by measuring doorways, staircases, and larger furniture pieces before moving day. Knowing what fits where can save you a ton of hassle—and maybe even stop you from hauling furniture unnecessarily.
11. Packing Too Late (or Too Early)
Timing is everything when it comes to packing. Leave it too late, and you’ll end up rushing, which is when mistakes happen (especially with fragile items). Start too early, and you might find yourself digging through packed boxes to retrieve the things you still need. Start with non-essential items weeks in advance, and save your daily-use stuff for last.
12. Starting Without a Budget
Long-distance moves aren’t cheap, especially when you don’t have a solid budget. You’ll want to account for everything—hiring movers, travel costs, packing supplies, and yes, even those little “I didn’t think of that” expenses. A quick tip? Declutter before your move. Fewer things mean lower costs since there’s less to haul.
Plan Your Move with ADSI
Long-distance moves can feel like a whirlwind, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you stay two steps ahead. Still, even with all the prep, moving can be a lot to juggle on your own. That’s where ADSI comes in. We offer over 55 years of experience, reliable service, and customized solutions, and we’re here to make the whole experience way less stressful for you.
Whether you need premium packing, secure storage, or dependable transportation, ADSI has your back. Reach out to us today for a free estimate and take the first step toward a stress-free move!