Planning a move in Edmonton takes more than just loading boxes into a truck. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement or stress and forget the basics. That’s when packing mistakes happen. These mistakes cause delays, break belongings, or lead to extra costs that could’ve been avoided. We’ve helped hundreds of families relocate successfully, and we’ve seen patterns repeat again and again. So, let’s walk through the biggest packing mistakes people in Edmonton make before their move, and how to do it better.

Ignoring Decluttering Before Packing

Many homeowners start putting things in boxes without sorting first. This adds unnecessary weight, cost, and time to your move. You end up packing items you no longer use or need. That means unpacking them again at your new home, and wondering why you brought them.

We always recommend setting aside time to go through every room and remove anything broken, unused, or outdated. For example, donate clothes that don’t fit or kitchen tools you’ve replaced. Edmonton has many local donation centers that accept gently used goods, and reducing your load helps both your wallet and someone in need.

The more you declutter, the fewer boxes you’ll need. That means less lifting, less fuel for transport, and fewer hours billed if you’re using a moving company in Edmonton. It’s one of the simplest ways to make a move easier on everyone.

Using the Wrong Packing Materials

Some people try to save money by using whatever boxes they find for free. Others rely on worn-out bins or reuse old tape that doesn’t stick well anymore. These choices might seem harmless, but during a move, weak materials lead to crushed boxes, lost items, or things shifting dangerously inside the truck.

Instead, we suggest choosing sturdy boxes in the right sizes. Small boxes hold books and heavy items. Medium boxes work for kitchenware and pantry items. Large boxes should only be for light things like pillows or blankets. Mix it up properly, and your items stay safe.

Also, be sure to label each box clearly on the top and one side. That way, you don’t need to open five boxes to find your coffee maker. Good packing materials also include bubble wrap, packing paper, and zip bags for small pieces. Protecting your items starts with what you put them in.

Forgetting to Pack an Essentials Box

Every homeowner should pack one box with items needed on moving day and the day after. Yet many people overlook this step. When you arrive at your new home, the last thing you want is to search through piles of boxes looking for toothpaste or pajamas.

We recommend putting together a simple essentials box for each member of the household. This can include a change of clothes, chargers, basic toiletries, medications, and snacks. Include a small toolkit, garbage bags, and paper towels too.

Having this one container within reach can reduce stress significantly during that first night in your new place. It keeps you from having to unpack everything all at once or making a late-night trip to the store.

Overloading Large Boxes with Heavy Items

We see this mistake often. Large boxes are convenient, but filling them with books, dishes, or canned goods makes them far too heavy to lift. Not only does this make moving dangerous, but it increases the chance that the box breaks under pressure.

Heavy items should go in small, sturdy boxes. Light items can fill the bigger ones. Spread the weight out evenly across all boxes so that nothing becomes impossible to carry. This also makes it easier on your back and anyone helping you on moving day.

Try packing half books and half pillows in one box if needed. That keeps things balanced and safe. It’s something we remind homeowners of often, especially those packing on their own before calling a moving company in Edmonton.

Leaving Packing to the Last Minute

Rushing through packing is one of the biggest errors Edmonton movers make. It results in poor organization, broken items, and boxes packed without a system. You might forget things, wrap breakables improperly, or end up mixing unrelated items in the same box.

Start packing early, at least two weeks before your move. Begin with seasonal items and things you don’t use daily. As moving day approaches, finish the rest in phases. Working this way allows you to stay in control, reduce pressure, and make better choices.

Having a plan is everything. Label boxes by room, use checklists, and keep a notebook of what’s packed where. That way, unpacking feels more like a process and less like a headache.

Not Measuring Furniture or Doorways

Sometimes, people pack everything perfectly and then forget a key step—checking if the furniture fits through the doors. That leads to frustration when a couch or fridge won’t fit into the elevator or through a hallway. As a result, last-minute damage or reloading is common.

Before the move, measure your largest furniture and the entrances at both homes. Know which items come apart and which don’t. Take off legs, remove cushions, or disassemble shelving if needed.

Also, protect door frames and walls with moving blankets. Being prepared with measurements helps everyone avoid scratched paint, broken corners, or delays when unloading. It’s a simple step that can save hours.

Forgetting About Fragile or Oddly Shaped Items

Not all belongings fit into neat boxes. Lamps, mirrors, plants, and artwork require special handling. Edmonton homeowners sometimes forget this until moving day. Unfortunately, without proper packing, these items are the most likely to suffer damage during transit.

Use wardrobe boxes for tall items, corner protectors for mirrors, and towels or blankets to cushion artwork. Mark these items as fragile and load them in a secure part of the truck. If you’re working with a professional moving company in Edmonton, let them know in advance which items need extra care.

Plants, in particular, don’t handle cold or rough rides well. Wrap pots in plastic, keep the soil moist, and transport them upright if possible. Odd-shaped items just need a little thought ahead of time.

Packing Cleaning Supplies and Food Incorrectly

Some items should never be packed with others. Cleaning products, bleach, aerosol sprays, and even shampoo can leak or explode under pressure. Similarly, packing food—especially perishable or open containers—can attract pests or spoil quickly.

Always pack cleaning supplies upright in sealed containers. Place them in a plastic bin with a secure lid, and label it clearly. Keep it separate from your household goods. That way, if something spills, it doesn’t ruin everything else.

The same goes for food. Eat down your fridge and pantry before moving day. If anything is open, toss it. Bring only dry, sealed items you really want to keep. Doing this protects both your belongings and your moving crew.

Skipping Help When It’s Needed

Some people try to handle their whole move without help, thinking they’ll save money. But this usually adds more stress, time, and risk to the process. We’ve seen families end up overwhelmed, hurt, or stuck mid-move because they underestimated the effort involved.

When it comes to large items or long distances, consider calling a moving company in Edmonton. Even partial help can make a big difference. Whether it’s loading, transport, or just planning support, having the right assistance means a smoother move from start to finish.

Our team is always ready to step in and make your move manageable. If you’re facing a move soon and want it done without guesswork, reach out anytime. We’re happy to walk through the steps with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I not pack in moving boxes?
Avoid packing flammables, aerosols, perishables, and liquids that can leak. These cause mess or damage during transport.

When should I start packing before moving?
Begin two weeks ahead for a typical household. Start with things you use the least and save daily essentials for last.

How can I protect my dishes during the move?
Wrap each piece in packing paper and use dividers or bubble wrap. Plates should be placed vertically like records in a box.

Should I label every box?
Yes, label both the top and one side with the room name and contents. This helps you unload faster and find things quickly.

Can movers help with packing, too?
Many moving services offer packing help for an extra fee. It’s worth considering for fragile, heavy, or valuable items.