Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving

(And the 5 Biggest Packing Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid)

No one talks about how chaotic moving can be until you’re knee-deep in boxes and wondering if you packed the can opener or donated it by accident. Between the checklists, packing tape, and surprise emotions, it’s easy to overlook the small stuff that ends up making a big difference. If you ever thought, “There are so many things I wish I knew before moving!” you are not alone.

At Heroes Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of people move across Richmond and nearby neighborhoods, and we’ve seen it all. In fact, we were featured in a Redfin roundup of moving mistakes to avoid because even seasoned homeowners get blindsided by the same avoidable problems.

Here are some good ideas we wish you knew before your next move.

The 5 Biggest Packing Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re wondering where things tend to go sideways during a move, it almost always starts with packing. The following five areas cause the most headaches. Fortunately, they’re also the easiest to fix with a little planning.

1. How to Pack Clothes for Moving

Many people leave clothing for last, thinking it’s easy. But stuffing it all in trash bags or overpacking large boxes leads to wrinkles, wasted space, and broken box bottoms. Use wardrobe boxes for anything on hangers, and fold soft items neatly into medium-sized boxes. Keep a few outfits separate in a suitcase for easy access.

2. How to Pack the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most overwhelming areas to pack, and it’s often rushed. The kitchen has a mix of fragile, sharp, oddly shaped, and perishable items, and all of these items need their own strategies. Use dish dividers, bubble wrap, and plenty of labeling. Don’t forget to use up or donate pantry items and defrost your freezer ahead of time.

3. How to Pack Your Bathroom

People forget how many liquids, toiletries, and small loose items live in their bathrooms. Start by tossing expired meds and half-empty bottles. Wrap anything that could spill in plastic or resealable bags. Keep essentials like soap, a toothbrush, and medication in a clearly marked “day one” kit.

4. How to Pack Fragile Items for Moving

Overconfidence is a common mistake. Even if something “seems padded,” it might not survive the bumps of moving day. Wrap fragile items individually, and avoid letting them shift inside boxes. Don’t stack heavy objects on top. Clearly label every box that contains breakables.

5. What to Do on Moving Day

You should know where your essentials are, have a clear path from the door to the truck, and be ready before the movers arrive. Being prepared includes having boxes packed and sealed, securing your pets, and ensuring the kids are either helping or safely entertained. Don’t try to do last-minute packing while the truck is being loaded. Packing at the last minute always leads to forgotten items or damaged goods.

What I Wish I Knew Before Moving Out

Here’s the truth: most moving mistakes happen long before moving day. These are a few of the most common regrets we hear from clients:

Not downsizing before packing.

Moving is a perfect time to declutter. Don’t pay to move things you won’t use.

Assuming everything will fit.

Measure furniture before moving it into your new space. Doorways and stairwells aren’t always forgiving.

Waiting too long to start.

Packing always takes longer than expected. Spreading it over time reduces stress during the moving process.

Underestimating what the movers need to know.

Be honest about volume, access points, and special handling needs of your boxes and furniture. Surprises slow everything down.

Overlooking how emotional it can be.

Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, packing up a home brings up memories. Give yourself a little grace.

What Do I Need to Do on Moving Day?

By the time the movers show up, your job should be 90% done. That final 10% is about coordination, clarity, and staying out of the way when needed.

Keep snacks and water handy. Have your phone charged. Place important paperwork and valuables in your personal vehicle. If you have helpers, give them clear roles. Even better is if you’re working with a full-service team like Heroes Moving & Storage. You can let them handle the logistics so you can focus on the transition itself.

A Smoother Move Starts With Better Preparation

Moving is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. If you have the right packing materials, inventory list, and are working with one of the best moving companies, you’ll have some peace of mind on moving day. Plus, when you know what to expect and avoid the common packing mistakes people regret most, your move gets a whole lot easier.

Heroes Moving & Storage provides full-service packing, professional supplies, and stress-free moving help across Richmond and surrounding neighborhoods. Start your next chapter with a free, detailed estimate from a team that gets it right the first time.