Where’s the Coffee Pot? 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Moving Day

You can find countless checklists with tasks you need to complete for moving day, but what you don't do can be just as important. When you move into one of our Springs luxury apartment homes, keep this list of common moving day mistakes close at hand.

1. Not Planning Ahead

No matter how many times you've moved in the past, you can't afford to leave everything until the last minute. Projects usually take longer than expected (see mistake #2), so minimize the risks by getting your ducks in a row.

2. Not Allowing Enough Time

When setting a timeline for any activity, people usually assume the best case scenario, which rarely happens. Instead of pulling numbers out of the air, use a moving calculator for a more accurate estimate. Add a couple of hours to allow for unanticipated emergencies or delays.

3. Moving Unnecessary Items

Do you have boxes in storage that you haven't unpacked in years, and you just keep hauling them along from place to place? This is the time to rid yourself of furniture, clothing and other possessions you just don't need anymore. As a bonus, you can pick up a few extra bucks selling items on eBay or at a consignment shop.

4. Not Packing in Advance

Throwing things in a box may have worked when you were moving in and out of the dorm, but your possessions probably have a little more value now. Also, if your friends show up and discover they have to help you pack as well, they won't be friends much longer.

5. Forgetting to Label Boxes

A new apartment full of unmarked moving boxes is like a pantry full of canned goods with no labels. You're not opening birthday gifts, so surprises are not a good thing. Unpacking takes twice as long when you have to move boxes and items from room to room.

6. Forgetting About Kids and Pets

No, you won't literally forget about kids and pets, but you may possibly forget to make arrangements to keep them safely out of the way. Ideally, a friend or family member can take them for the day. If that's not possible, have a backup plan in place.

7. Forgetting Utilities

Spending the first night in your new apartment without power is kind of a buzzkill. Set up utilities at least a week ahead of time, and be sure to have the billing at your previous apartment taken out of your name.

8. Forgetting a Survival Kit

Once moving day is over, the last thing you'll want to do is start digging through boxes for toilet paper, the coffee pot and clean sheets. Have a separate box containing everything you'll need to get you through the first night and morning.

Do you have a funny moving day story to tell? Share it with us in the comments!