Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Home: Advice for Agents and Clerks

A removals industry professional with over 30 years of experience has outlined several common mistakes people make when moving home. The advice, published by The Negotiator, is relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks supporting clients through the moving process.

The report identifies choosing a removal company based solely on price as the most frequent and significant error. The expert notes that the cheapest quotation can often result in unreliable or low-quality service. Issues such as insufficient staff, inadequate vehicle size, lack of proper assessment, and missing insurance are highlighted as potential risks when selecting a mover based only on cost. The report also mentions that some customers have experienced movers not turning up on moving day after opting for the lowest price.

Another common mistake is underestimating the amount of belongings to be moved. The expert observes that people often accumulate more items than they realise, especially after living in a property for several years. This can lead to problems such as selecting the wrong size vehicle, not having enough packing materials, or not allocating enough time or movers for the job. The report stresses the importance of a proper survey before the move, which can be conducted in person or by video, to ensure an accurate understanding of the volume to be moved.

The article also warns against leaving packing until the last minute. Packing typically takes longer than expected, and it is common for customers to believe they are nearly finished when significant packing remains. The expert recommends starting early, using proper boxes supplied by the removals company, and avoiding overloaded or weak cartons. For those short on time, using the removals company’s packing service is suggested as a way to reduce pressure.

These insights are particularly relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks who play a key role in advising clients and ensuring smooth transitions during property moves.