Let me tell you about my absolute disaster of a first move. Picture this: It’s 2 AM, I’m sitting on the floor of my new apartment surrounded by half-opened boxes, eating cold Chinese food with my hands because I packed all the utensils in some mystery container labeled “kitchen stuff.” My $300 TV is leaning against the wall with a suspicious new crack. And I just got a text from my old landlord saying they’re keeping my deposit because I left the place “unacceptably dirty.”

That was my wake-up call. After helping dozens of friends move and surviving three more relocations of my own, I’ve learned what NOT to do the hard way. Here’s the real, unfiltered advice I wish someone had given me.

1. The “I’ll Just Wing It” Packing Strategy

My first mistake? Thinking packing was something I could do casually over a weekend. Pro tip: It’s not.

• What happened: I ran out of boxes on Saturday night and had to use trash bags for clothes (which then got mistaken for actual trash).
• The horror: My favorite coffee mug survived three years of daily use but didn’t survive my rushed packing job.
• How to actually do it:
  • Start collecting boxes three weeks out (liquor stores have the best free ones).
  • Pack room by room, but save the kitchen for last.
  • Use colored tape to mark boxes by room – life changer.

2. Not Checking the Fine Print With Movers

I went with the cheapest movers I could find. Big mistake.

• The nightmare: They showed up 4 hours late, then tried to charge me an extra $300 for “heavy items” (my bed frame).
• What I learned:
  • Always get an in-person estimate.
  • Ask point-blank: “What aren’t you telling me about hidden fees?”
  • Tip in cash at the END if they actually do a good job.

3. The “I Don’t Need Storage” Delusion

I was convinced I could make everything fit in one trip. My pride cost me $150 in extra rental truck fees.

• Reality check: That antique dresser from grandma wasn’t going to magically shrink
• What works:
  • Be ruthless about what you actually need immediately.
  • For seasonal stuff or furniture you’re not sure about, just get a damn storage unit (we offer climate-controlled. ones that won’t kill your grandma’s heirlooms).
  • Pro tip: Measure doorways BEFORE moving day.

4. The Address Change Debacle

I didn’t forward my mail properly and missed:

• A jury duty summons (hello, warrant).
• My best friend’s wedding invitation.
• Three packages I’d already paid for.

Do this instead:

• USPS mail forwarding (takes 2 minutes online).
• Update these immediately:
  • Bank/credit cards.
  • Amazon (unless you want your new neighbor getting your vibrator delivery).
  • Your employer (paychecks are nice to receive).

5. No “First Night” Survival Kit

After 14 hours of moving, I just wanted to shower and sleep. Instead I got:

• No shower curtain (improvised with garbage bags).
• No toilet paper (had to use paper towels – ouch).
• No bedding (slept in a hoodie on the mattress).

Pack these in your car, not a box:

• A roll of toilet paper (seriously).
• Bed sheets and a towel.
• Phone charger and power strip.
• Snacks that don’t require cooking.
• Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, scissors).

6. Not Taking “Before” Photos

My old landlord kept $500 of my deposit claiming I damaged walls that were already scuffed when I moved in.

Protect yourself:

• Take timestamped photos of EVERY room before you move in.
• Do the same when you move out.
• Email them to yourself so they’re dated.

The One Thing That Actually Saved Me

After my first move disaster, I started using a storage unit for seasonal stuff and furniture I wasn’t ready to part with. Game changer. No more:

• Paying for moving trucks I didn’t really need.
• Frantically trying to sell furniture last minute.
• Cluttering up my new place with stuff I might want “someday”.

If you’re in transition, seriously consider it. Our units have 24/7 access so when you finally decide what to do with that questionable futon, it’s waiting for you.

Final Thought: It’s Always Worse Than You Think

No matter how much you plan, something will go wrong. Maybe the elevator breaks when you’re moving in. Maybe it rains. Maybe you accidentally pack the box with your underwear in the truck that’s going to storage for a month (true story).

Give yourself:

• Extra time (add 25% to whatever timeline you have).
• Extra money (things always cost more than expected).
• Extra patience (with yourself and everyone helping).

And for god’s sake, label your boxes better than I did. “Miscellaneous” is not a helpful category.