Moving day is meant to mark the start of an exciting new chapter but even small missteps can turn it into a mess ‒ leaving you anxious, exhausted and financially drained. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, preparation is your best defense. To help make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, we’ll break down seven of the top moving day nightmares ‒ the most common mishaps people face ‒ and give you practical advice to help avoid them.

Rogue Movers

Rogue movers pretend to be real moving companies so they can trick and take advantage of homeowners. Their scam usually works in one of three ways.

  • The movers arrive as scheduled but then suddenly say the move will cost much more than what they originally quoted.
  • After loading the truck, they refuse to deliver your belongings unless you pay a very high “delivery” fee.
  • Once the movers take your things, they disappear and never contact you again.

In some cases, they may hold your belongings hostage and refuse to return them, even after you pay what they asked for. To protect yourself, watch for these signs that you might be dealing with rogue movers:

  • Their estimate is very low just to attract customers.
  • They provide an estimate over the phone rather than conducting an on-site inspection.
  • They don’t provide a written contract or estimate, which makes it difficult to challenge hidden charges later.
  • Their website does not show a local address, license or USDOT (Department of Transportation) number, which means they may not be a registered business.
  • They have no customer reviews on major internet platforms like Yelp, Google or Angie’s list because their company is fake or temporary.
  • Their moving truck has no company name or logo on it. Real moving companies usually display their branding on their vehicles.
  • They ask for cash payment before the job starts instead of waiting until the move is finished.

To protect yourself, take some time to research moving companies before hiring one. All interstate movers must have a USDOT number which you can verify on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. Local movers also need to be registered in the state where they operate. Request at least three quotes to get a sense of standard costs. Read reviews from past customers and ask the company for a copy of their insurance policy. Legitimate movers understand the risks and will be happy to share their information with you.

Wrong Date or Time

Miscommunication can cause serious problems. If movers show up a day earlier or later than expected, it can disrupt your entire schedule. If they arrive early:

  • Packing can become rushed and disorganized.
  • You may be forced to pay wait fees or rescheduling charges.
  • The freight elevators and loading dock may not be available.
  • Important steps, like your final walkthrough, may get skipped.

On the other hand, movers who arrive after your scheduled time can create just as many problems. Depending on how late they are, you might:

  • Lose access to the freight elevator and loading dock.
  • Miss your move-in window, forcing you to store your belongings overnight.
  • Cut the job short if the movers have another move scheduled later that day.

When a move feels rushed, there’s a higher chance that something might get lost, labeled incorrectly or damaged. That’s why it’s a good idea to call your moving company and confirm the date and time at least a week before the move. Even if you already received an email confirmation when you booked, it helps to double-check so everyone is clear about the schedule. If there happens to be a mistake with the date, you’ll still have enough time to fix it or reschedule if necessary.

Truck is Too Small

Hiring a moving truck that is too small for all your belongings can create problems and lead to extra costs. In some cases, if you’re moving locally, the company may still be able to complete the job by making extra trips, though it can double or triple your moving time. In many cases, a large portion of your belongings may have to stay behind for a day or two until the movers return to pick them up.

Homeowners moving long-distance often have no choice but to wait until the movers locate a larger vehicle, which can be difficult depending on the time of year. Demand for moving services peaks during the summer, making it harder to reallocate resources at the last minute. Delays can result in storage fees, extended hotel stays and additional costs.

To ensure your truck is large enough for your household, schedule a walkthrough with your mover. This gives them the opportunity to inspect your furniture and belongings in person. Once they’ve had a clear look at the items you’re moving, they can assign a truck and crew large enough to handle them.

Broken Items

The goal of every move is to transport your belongings safely to your destination. However, poor packing often leads to unfortunate accidents. No one wants to spend time fixing or replacing damaged items, especially after settling into a new home. Broken furniture is bad enough but broken antiques or heirlooms are even worse. While you can buy a new couch or sofa, some things simply can’t be replaced.

Proper packing takes a little extra time and effort, but using the right supplies and techniques will help keep your belongings safe. Start by purchasing the proper materials, such as:

  • Bubble Wrap
  • Packing Paper
  • Packing Tape
  • Packing Peanuts
  • Stretch Wrap
  • Moving Blankets
  • Cardboard Boxes

While some homeowners transport their possessions in bankers boxes, moving boxes provide better protection. They’re made from multiple layers of corrugated cardboard, allowing them to absorb shock much better than regular boxes. Once you’ve started packing, follow these guidelines to minimize risk.

  • Add a layer of bubble wrap, packing paper or packing peanuts at the bottom of each box to cushion the items.
  • Wrap delicate items separately before placing them in the box.
  • Do not pack heavy and lightweight items together in the same box.
  • Use packing paper or packing peanuts to fill empty space inside the box.
  • Seal the bottom of the box with two strips of packing tape for extra support.
  • Place another layer of bubble wrap, packing paper or packing peanuts on top before closing the box.

Wrap large items in moving blankets, using as many as needed to cover the entire piece, then secure them with stretch wrap. If your furniture can be disassembled, take it apart so you can wrap and transport each component separately. You can also ask your moving company to handle it for you for added peace of mind.

moving mistakes

Rain or Snow

When you move, you can’t always count on the weather to cooperate. Storms can arrive without warning, even during the summer. Besides soaking you and your crew, rain and snow can cause several problems, including:

  • Accidents: Wet and slippery sidewalks can increase the chance of slips and falls.
  • Water Damage: Moisture can get into boxes and damage the items inside. Electronics are especially sensitive, but books, paperwork and photographs can also be affected. It can also lead to mold or mildew in clothing, furniture and mattresses.
  • Home Damage: When it’s wet outside, movers may bring in water, snow and dirt on their shoes, which can damage rugs and floors.
  • Exhaustion: Working in cold and wet weather can quickly drain your energy and leave you feeling tired and slow.

While there’s no way to prevent bad weather, you can prepare for it. Check the weather forecast a few days before your moving day so you have an idea of what to expect. If you see reports of a particularly bad storm, call your moving company and discuss rescheduling. Most movers have experience working in lousy weather, so they can adapt quickly as conditions change. Still, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the job easier for everyone.

  • Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Cover furniture and cardboard boxes with stretch wrap.
  • Place electronics inside plastic bags for protection.
  • Put down towels or tarps on the floor to keep it safe.
  • Wear proper clothing for the weather, such as rain jackets, hats and gloves.
  • Clear leaves and other debris from the paths leading to your home.
  • Spread salt on the sidewalk and stairs if there is ice or snow.

No Water or Power

After moving into a new home, most people want to relax, freshen up and maybe have a glass of water. It can be frustrating to find out that the electricity is off and the taps aren’t working. Since moving involves many tasks, it’s easy for people to forget to set up their utilities, especially when they’re managed by multiple providers.

To stay organized, create a checklist at the start of your moving process. Write down every task you need to complete, such as booking movers, packing your belongings and updating your address, then set a date for each one. Updating utilities doesn’t need to be the first item on the list but it should be done at least a week before you move. Make sure you research the gas, water, electric and internet providers in your area so you know who to contact.

Most movers recommend activating the utilities in your new home the day before you plan to move in, to ensure everything is ready. At the same time, contact your current providers and ask them to cancel your service the day after you leave, so the lights don’t go out in the middle of your move. Keep their information handy, either in your phone or in a binder, so you can call them if something changes.

No Parking Permission

Most communities have strict laws regarding commercial vehicles. They not only limit parking but also restrict loading and unloading outside certain time windows. Anyone caught violating these rules can face serious penalties, including fines and parking tickets. In some instances, authorities have even towed and impounded moving trucks with the person’s belongings still inside!

Because they own the truck, movers are responsible for fines and impound fees, though they’re usually allowed to pass these costs on to you if you instruct them to park in a restricted area. Even if you’re not liable, these types of delays can cause all kinds of problems. You might miss your move-in window and be forced to keep your belongings in storage until you can reschedule ‒ stretching the process out by days or even weeks.

To avoid delays and extra costs from parking tickets or towing:

  • Scout the area ahead of time to find legal parking options.
  • Get any required parking permits from your city, HOA or apartment building.
  • Make sure your crew is large enough to load or unload the truck within the available time.

Avoiding Moving Day Nightmares

There’s no doubt that moving day can be challenging but most disasters aren’t inevitable. From rogue movers to bad weather to poor scheduling ‒ understanding what can go wrong helps you prepare ahead of time and adapt when needed. Organizing tasks, creating backup plans and communicating with your team can help turn moving day nightmares into moving day wins.

Full Service Moving Experts

STI Moving & Storage has been helping people relocate for over two decades. No matter how far you’re going, we have the tools, training, and experience to get you there smoothly. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery ‒ there’s nothing we can’t handle. Make your move a dream instead of a nightmare. Contact us today for a free quote!