Moving to a new place in London can be exciting — a fresh start, a new neighbourhood, and a chance to organize your life. But without careful planning, your dream move can quickly turn into a stressful and expensive experience.
Many people make simple but costly moving mistakes in London — from last-minute bookings to forgetting essentials like parking permits or address changes.
This guide breaks down the 10 most common moving mistakes London residents make, with expert tips to help you avoid them and enjoy a smooth, affordable relocation.
If you want professionals to handle everything stress-free, check out Best Movers in London for trusted, budget-friendly help.
1. Not Planning the Move Early Enough
One of the biggest moving mistakes in London is waiting too long to start planning. With heavy traffic, limited parking, and busy schedules, early preparation is essential.
Why it matters:
- London movers get booked quickly, especially on weekends.
- Short notice means higher prices and fewer available dates.
- Late planning often causes packing chaos and forgotten tasks.
How to fix it:
- Create a moving checklist at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Schedule your move early with Home Movers.
- Start collecting packing materials ahead of time.
2. Underestimating Moving Costs
Budgeting is often overlooked — another top moving mistake in London. Many people assume moving will cost less than it actually does, leading to unpleasant surprises.
Why this happens:
- Forgetting to include packing supplies or parking permits.
- Ignoring insurance or extra services like dismantling furniture.
- Choosing cheap but unreliable movers.
Here’s a quick comparison table to help:
| Option | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Move | £200–£350 | Cheapest | Physically demanding, risk of damage |
| Man with a Van | £350–£600 | Flexible & fast | Limited space for large homes |
| Full-Service Movers | £800–£1,500 | Stress-free, professional | Higher upfront cost |
Tip: For a budget-friendly option, explore Affordable Moving in London.
3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Moving Service
Not every move is the same — and picking the wrong service is one of the biggest moving mistakes London residents make.
Common confusion:
- Small flat moves may only need a Man and Van.
- Larger family moves require full-service movers with trucks and packing teams.
How to choose correctly:
- For one-bedroom or student moves: Man with a Van Cost in London.
- For full-home relocations: choose Home Movers.
- Always compare services and reviews before booking.
4. Ignoring Decluttering Before the Move
Packing everything you own — including things you no longer need — is a waste of effort and money. One of the smartest ways to avoid moving mistakes in London is to declutter early.
How to declutter efficiently:
- Donate old clothes, books, and kitchenware.
- Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
- Recycle broken or unused items before packing.
Less stuff means fewer boxes, less time, and lower transportation costs.
5. Not Labelling Boxes Properly
Unlabelled or poorly labelled boxes are a nightmare when unpacking. You’ll waste hours trying to find essentials like your kettle or bedding.
Avoid this mistake by:
- Labelling each box by room (“Kitchen,” “Bedroom,” “Bathroom”).
- Use colored tape or stickers for each room.
- Marking fragile boxes clearly.
Example Labelling System
| Room | Label Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Green | Mark fragile glassware |
| Bedroom | Blue | Include bedding & decor |
| Bathroom | Yellow | Keep toiletries separate |
6. Forgetting to Protect Fragile Items
Another common moving mistake in London is underestimating how easily fragile items can break.
Quick fixes:
- Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or soft towels.
- Use small boxes for glassware to avoid movement.
- Clearly label boxes as “Fragile.”
If you’re short on time, consider hiring professional packers through Home Movers who handle fragile items with care.
7. Booking Movers at the Last Minute
London’s moving calendar fills up fast — especially around weekends and month-ends. Waiting too long to hire movers can lead to higher prices or unavailability.
Avoid this mistake by:
- Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
- Confirming your date and deposit early.
- Checking reviews and insurance before hiring.
Trusted companies like Best Movers in London often offer early-bird discounts and flexible scheduling.
8. Not Checking Parking or Access Restrictions
Many parts of London require parking permits, loading bays, or restricted access times. Failing to arrange this is one of the most frustrating moving mistakes in London.
How to fix it:
- Contact your local council for temporary parking permits.
- Reserve a spot close to your building for easy loading.
- Notify neighbours if the van might block access briefly.
Avoiding this step can save you parking fines and time delays.
9. Overpacking Boxes or Furniture
Overpacking makes boxes heavy and unsafe to lift, increasing the chance of injury or breakage.
Best practices:
- Use smaller boxes for books and heavy items.
- Spread weight evenly — mix heavy and light items.
- Dismantle large furniture when possible.
- Hire Home Movers to handle bulky furniture safely.
10. Forgetting to Update Address and Utilities
One of the easiest moving mistakes London movers make is forgetting to update essential services.
Don’t forget to change your:
- Council tax and electoral register.
- GP and dentist address.
- Bank accounts, insurance, and utilities.
- Subscription services and delivery addresses.
Updating your address early prevents missed bills or lost mail.
Bonus Tip – Don’t Forget to Clean Before You Leave!
Whether you’re moving from a rented flat or a family home, a good clean ensures you get your deposit back and leave a good impression.
Hire professionals from House Cleaning for a thorough pre-move clean — it saves time and energy during a hectic move.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to London doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these 10 common moving mistakes London residents often make, you can save money, time, and energy.
Start planning early, choose the right movers, and don’t skip on details like labelling, parking, or address changes.
For smooth, affordable, and professional moving help, contact Affordable Moving in London — your trusted partner for stress-free relocation anywhere in the city.
FAQs
The biggest mistakes include poor planning, last-minute bookings, underestimating costs, and forgetting about parking or fragile items.
Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during weekends or month-ends when most movers are fully booked.
Yes — for small or short-distance moves, a man with a van is cheaper. Larger moves may need a full-service moving company for better efficiency.
Avoid packing flammable items, cleaning liquids, or perishables. Dispose of them safely before the move.
Start early, declutter, label boxes clearly, and hire reliable movers like Best Movers in London.