Moving house can be exciting, but when things go wrong on the big day, it can quickly become overwhelming. Many of the problems people face during a move aren’t due to bad luck — they’re the result of simple mistakes that are easy to avoid with a little planning.
Whether you're moving on your own or working with removalists in Newcastle, being prepared can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common moving day slip-ups and show you what to do instead so you can enjoy a smoother, more stress-free transition into your new home.
One of the most common moving day mistakes is waiting until the last minute to finish packing. It might seem manageable to leave “just a few things” for the morning of the move, but those last boxes always take longer than expected — especially when you’re tired, distracted, or rushing to meet your removalists.
Rushing leads to:
Aim to have everything packed at least one full day before your move. That includes your garage, laundry, and all those random drawers that are easy to forget. Leave out only what you need overnight (like pyjamas, phone chargers, and toiletries) and pack the rest away.
Label each box clearly with the room it belongs to and a brief description of what’s inside. This will help your movers unload faster and make unpacking far easier when you arrive.
One of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes is not setting aside a clearly packed essentials box (or bag). It might seem minor, but by the time you arrive at your new home, the last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through sealed boxes just to find your toothbrush, a clean shirt, or your phone charger.
Without a dedicated essentials pack, it’s easy to lose track of important items like medications, keys, or paperwork — things you’ll likely need during or immediately after the move.
Pack a clearly labelled essentials box or overnight bag. Luggage, a backpack, or a small suitcase works just as well. This should be put away in your personal vehicle or clearly marked “Do Not Load” so it doesn’t get packed away by the movers.
It should contain the basics you'll need for moving day and the first 24 hours in your new home, such as:
Having everything you need in one place makes settling in much easier and helps you feel more in control at the end of a long moving day.
A smooth moving day depends on clear communication with your removalist. Many issues arise because of missed details or assumptions about access, arrival times, or which items are being moved. Miscommunication can result in delays, confusion, or belongings being left behind.
Some common issues include:
Confirm all key details with your removalist the day before the move. Make sure they have:
On moving day, be present to answer questions and help guide the process. A brief walkthrough at the start can ensure nothing is overlooked and everyone’s on the same page.
One of the biggest surprises on moving day? Just how long everything actually takes. Many people assume they’ll be finished by early afternoon — only to find themselves still unloading boxes or setting up furniture well into the evening. Rushing the process or underestimating the time needed often leads to frustration, fatigue, and forgotten tasks.
Common causes of delays include:
Treat moving day as a full-day event, even if you're moving a short distance. Plan to start early and allow extra time for things that may not go according to plan. If you finish earlier than expected, that’s a bonus — but giving yourself breathing room means you're less likely to feel rushed or overwhelmed.
Additional tips:
A realistic timeline helps everything run smoother and makes the day far less stressful.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of loading boxes, dealing with paperwork, and locking up — but skipping a final walkthrough is a mistake that can cost you time and money. You might leave behind important items, forget to check a cupboard, or miss damage that could affect your bond or settlement.
Even if you think everything’s packed, it’s worth taking 10 extra minutes to double-check.
Do a slow, deliberate walkthrough of your entire property once everything is loaded. Check:
Also take a few photos of each room once it’s empty — especially if you’re renting or selling. It’s a simple way to protect yourself and ensure you haven’t left anything behind.
It’s tempting to think you can handle your entire move on your own — especially if you’re only going a short distance or don’t have a huge amount of stuff. But trying to do it all without help often leads to burnout, broken items, or injuries from lifting more than you should.
Moving involves more than just shifting boxes. You’ll be coordinating access, lifting furniture, managing timelines, dealing with paperwork, cleaning, and keeping track of important items — often all at once. Without support, it can become overwhelming very quickly.
Ask for help — and accept it. Whether you’re working with professional removalists, enlisting friends and family, or both, having support makes a huge difference. It allows you to delegate tasks, stay focused on what matters, and reduces physical and mental strain.
Some ways to lighten the load:
You don’t have to do everything yourself — and your move will be smoother if you don’t.
This checklist is designed to keep your move organised and running smoothly. Use it to stay on top of important tasks and avoid anything being overlooked.
☐ Finalise all packing — everything should be boxed, sealed, and ready to load, with no loose items remaining
☐ Double-check that every box is clearly labelled with the room it belongs to and a brief description of what’s inside (e.g. Kitchen – Plates & Cutlery)
☐ Pack an essentials box or overnight bag
☐ Include toiletries, basic clothing, medications, chargers, snacks, toilet paper, and important documents
☐ Confirm key details with your removalist
☐ Review arrival time, parking and access instructions, a list of items to be moved, and provide your contact number
☐ Charge your phone, laptop, and power bank so you're not caught out on the day
☐ Set aside basic cleaning supplies — cloths, surface spray, garbage bags — for a quick clean after the truck is loaded
☐ Begin early to allow for delays or unexpected tasks throughout the day
☐ Keep your essentials box and valuables with you — do not load them into the moving truck
☐ Be available to greet your removalists and walk them through the property
☐ Provide clear direction for loading priority items and room assignments in the new home
☐ Take regular short breaks and stay hydrated — have water and light snacks available for yourself and anyone helping
☐ Do a thorough final walkthrough of the entire home
☐ Check inside cupboards, drawers, wardrobes, behind doors, and under benches
☐ Inspect outdoor areas, including garage, balcony, garden shed, and bins
☐ Take timestamped photos of the empty property, especially if renting or finalising a sale
☐ Switch off utilities if required — water, gas, and power
☐ Lock all doors and windows securely
☐ Return any house keys, remotes, or access cards to the agent, landlord, or new occupants as arranged
Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a bit of preparation and awareness of common mistakes, you can stay in control, avoid unnecessary stress, and settle into your new home with confidence. From packing early and communicating clearly with your removalist to allowing enough time and doing a final walkthrough, each small step makes a big difference.
Use the checklist as a practical guide to stay organised on the day — and remember, a well-planned move is always a smoother one.
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