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7 Mistakes People Make the Week Before Moving House – And How to Avoid Them

The final week before moving house can feel like a whirlwind — boxes everywhere, nerves frayed, and to-do lists out of control.

At Wrekin Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of families move across Shropshire and beyond, and we’ve seen just how much smoother the process can be with the proper planning in place.

Here are seven mistakes people often make in the week before moving, and most importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute

Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute
Start packing early — non-essentials first — to avoid a last-minute scramble the week before your move.

Mistake: People often underestimate how long it takes to pack a home.

Solution: Start packing non-essential items at least three weeks before moving day. In your final week, focus only on daily-use items and an essentials box.

2. Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly

Forgetting to Label Boxes Properly
Label every box clearly with the room name and contents to streamline your unpacking at the new home.

Mistake: Unlabelled boxes cause chaos when it’s time to unload.

Solution: Clearly mark each box with the room it belongs to and a short list of key contents. Use a marker on two sides of each box and label fragile items appropriately.

3. Not Booking Removals Early Enough

Not Booking Removals Early Enough
Book your removals company in Shropshire well in advance to secure your preferred date and avoid premium charges.

Mistake: Waiting too long can leave you without a professional team or stuck paying a premium.

Solution: Book your removals company at least 4–6 weeks in advance. For summer moves or peak periods, earlier is better. Wrekin Removals offers free, no-obligation quotes.

4. Overlooking Final Meter Readings and Address Changes

Overlooking Final Meter Readings and Address Changes
Take photos of final meter readings and notify all utility providers to avoid post-move billing issues.

Mistake: Many forget to notify utility providers or take final readings, leading to billing headaches.

Solution: Use the last week to notify gas, electricity, broadband, and water providers. Take dated photos of all meters before leaving.

5. Ignoring the Need for a Moving Day Essentials Kit

Ignoring the Need for a Moving Day Essentials Kit
Pack an essentials kit with toiletries, chargers, and paperwork — it’ll be a lifesaver on moving day.

Mistake: People forget to set aside daily essentials, leaving them searching for kettles, chargers or medication.

Solution: Pack a labelled “essentials box” including snacks, toiletries, chargers, and important paperwork. Keep it in your car or close to hand.

6. Not Arranging Childcare or Pet Care

Not Arranging Childcare or Pet Care
Keep pets and children safe on moving day by arranging trusted care ahead of time.

Mistake: Moving day can be stressful and even dangerous for little ones and animals.

Solution: Arrange for family, friends, or professionals to look after children and pets so you can focus fully on the move.

7. Not Confirming Final Details with the Removals Company

Not Confirming Final Details with the Removals Company
A quick call to your removals team to confirm all details can prevent unnecessary delays or confusion.

Mistake: Lack of communication in the final week can cause last-minute confusion.

Solution: Contact your removals company a few days before moving day to confirm timings, addresses, parking arrangements, and any special requirements.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these seven mistakes in the week before moving house will save you time, money, and stress. At Wrekin Removals, we offer friendly, professional removals services tailored to your needs — whether you’re moving across Telford, Shropshire, or further afield.

Need help planning your move?

Call us on 01952 427 801 or get your free removals quote here today.