Because most of us don’t move that often, we tend to forget the moving mistakes we made. With moving season upon us, here are some reminders of what we typically do wrong and how to correct those mistakes.

Mistake 1#  What is wrong with cheap moving boxes? Getting unstable, cheap moving boxes from the supermarket-The bottom will literally drop out on boxes meant to hold vegetables and dry cereal. These boxes were not meant to hold your stuff!

Solution: Invest in actual moving boxes. Because they are designed for moving, they have greater durability and special construction features that make them stackable. No failed bottoms or bulging sides.

Mistake# 2  Sealing your boxes too soon. Moving day is chaotic and you will quickly find yourself taping up boxes too soon, only having to tear them open because you forgot to pack an item or you have accidentally packed a item you need to take with you (like the keys to the moving truck).

Solution: Select tape-free moving boxes. No need to buy packing tape and no need to worry about opening up a box again once you have sealed it.  Tape Free Moving Boxes make it easy to change your mind about what you have just packed. Plus, it makes unpacking a whole lot easier without when you don’t have to cut through packing tape.

Mistake #3  Improper lifting equals back problems. We may remind ourselves to lift with our legs, but in the commotion of moving we will forget the rule with painful consequences.

Solution: moving boxes with handles. Handles give you a firm grip on every box compared to the smooth sides of standard boxes. Plus you can easily lift every box without having to reach under the bottom and lift, which is usually when back injuries occur.

Mistake #4 No labeling-where does this box go?-Forgetting to label your boxes means disorganized unpacking once you reach your destination.  Nobody wants unpacking to turn into a guessing game.

Solution: Choose moving boxes with clear labeling areas. You can stay organized by marking each moving box clearly.  It will make unpacking easier and the move smoother.

QUICK TIP: Use colored dots to mark boxes for different rooms. Create a legend that coordinates with the colored dots. So yellow dot boxes go to living room, red dot boxes go to kitchen, etc. This is especially great when you hire movers who don’t know where everything goes!