Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes in Hurst, TX

Relocating to a new home, whether within Hurst or somewhere nearby, can feel overwhelming. Between packing up your life, organizing schedules, and trying not to misplace anything important, it’s easy to make missteps that cost time, energy, or money.

Hurst might be a modest-sized city in the DFW Metroplex, but moving within it is still a major undertaking. The good news is that a smooth move is possible with the right planning and a clear understanding of what to avoid. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make during a move—and how you can avoid them.

1. Moving Without a Checklist

Trying to remember everything you need to do for your move is a recipe for frustration. Without a clear checklist, critical steps can slip through the cracks. This includes setting up utilities, transferring your driver’s license, booking movers, or notifying your landlord.

The fix: Create a moving checklist at least six weeks before your move date. Break it into categories, such as tasks to do before moving day, the week of the move, and after you’re settled. Apps like Google Keep or even a physical planner can help you stay organized and hold yourself accountable.

2. Procrastinating on Packing

Putting off packing until the last minute is one of the biggest mistakes people make. It often results in rushed jobs, broken items, or disorganized boxes that make unpacking a nightmare.

What works better:

• Begin packing early, starting with items you use the least.
• Pack seasonal clothes, books, and décor first.
• Label every box clearly with the room and contents.
• Group similar items together to make unpacking easier.
• Save essentials like kitchen tools and toiletries for the final days.
• Prepare a first-night box with key supplies like medication, chargers, snacks, and fresh clothes.

3. Holding on to Too Much Stuff

Packing everything you own, including items you no longer use, adds time and cost to your move. Every extra box takes up space in the truck and on your to-do list.

Solution:

• Declutter before packing anything.
• Create three clear categories:
  • Keep – items you use regularly or truly need.
  • Donate – gently used items that could benefit someone else.
  • Toss – anything broken, outdated, or no longer useful.
• Consider the following options for offloading unwanted items:
  • Hold a garage sale to earn a little extra cash.
  • Post items on local buy/sell or neighborhood swap groups.
  • Drop donations at local centers or thrift stores in Hurst.
• Only pack and bring items that genuinely add value to your life in the new home.

4. Forgetting to Set a “Do Not Pack” Zone

Movers are efficient, and that can be a problem if they start loading your keys, paperwork, or favorite hoodie onto the truck without realizing you still need them.

Plan ahead: Designate a space in your home, such as a corner or closet, where essential items can stay. Keep items like wallets, important documents, pet food, daily medications, and cleaning supplies there. Mark the area with tape or a sign so movers know not to touch anything in that zone.

5. Trying to Handle the Entire Move Alone

Many people attempt to save money by doing the move themselves. But renting a truck, gathering supplies, and coordinating help can quickly become more stressful and expensive than hiring professionals.

Think it through:

• Consider all hidden costs of a DIY move:
  • Gas and mileage for the rental truck
  • Rental insurance coverage
  • Equipment rentals (dollies, straps, blankets)
  • Potential damage to furniture or walls
  • Time off work or other commitments
• Lifting heavy furniture without proper tools can lead to injury.
• A professional Hurst moving company offers:
  • Skilled movers who handle heavy lifting safely
  • Experience navigating narrow hallways or stairs
  • Protective padding and packing for your belongings
  • Peace of mind so you can focus on getting settled

6. Ignoring the Impact on Your New Neighbors

Moving day can disrupt the entire street, especially in neighborhoods with limited parking or shared driveways. It’s easy to forget that others live nearby when you’re focused on logistics.

Be courteous: Let your new neighbors know when you’ll be moving in. Try to avoid blocking driveways, mailboxes, or sidewalks with your truck. If you’re moving into a multi-unit complex, find out if there are any building rules or time restrictions in place for move-ins.

7. Not Researching Local Resources Before the Move

If you don’t know what services are available in your new area, you may end up scrambling to find help after you move in.

Do this instead: Look into local utilities, internet providers, waste collection schedules, and emergency services before your move. For instance:

• Find out Hurst’s trash and recycling pickup days.
• Visit the Hurst Public Library for local info and community events.
• Locate the nearest pharmacy, grocery store, and urgent care clinic.

Getting familiar with your surroundings helps you feel more at home, faster.

8. Failing to Update Your Address and Info

It’s easy to overlook address changes in the chaos of moving. But missing this step can create problems like missed bills, service delays, or even identity issues.

Here’s what to update:

• U.S. Postal Service (for mail forwarding)
• Texas DMV (within 30 days of your move)
• Banks and credit cards
• Subscriptions, delivery services, and online shopping accounts
• School records, voter registration, and insurance providers

9. Forgetting to Schedule Time Off or Childcare

Many people underestimate how much physical and mental energy moving takes. Trying to balance it with work or parenting duties makes it even more exhausting.

Plan accordingly: Request time off in advance and consider arranging childcare or pet care on moving day. Having fewer distractions allows you to focus fully and make better decisions during the move.

10. Treating “Move-In Day” as the Finish Line

Moving day might feel like the grand finale, but it’s only the beginning of the settling-in process. Once you’re in the house, there’s still plenty to do.

Within the first week, be sure to:

• Inspect for damage if you used movers and file any claims quickly.
• Take utility meter readings to ensure accurate billing.
• Replace locks or change keypad codes for security.
• Begin unpacking essentials before diving into decorative items.
• Get to know your neighbors and explore local shops or parks.

Planning a Move in Hurst? Call Luke’s Moving

A successful move requires more than boxes and tape. It takes planning, time, and a reliable team to keep things on track. Luke’s Moving Services is a trusted choice for local and statewide moves throughout Hurst and the surrounding areas. Our crew handles every step of the process with professionalism and care.

Whether you’re moving from a small apartment or a family home, we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Call us for a free quote today and discover how easy your move can be when you have the right team by your side.