10 Packing Mistakes That Make Moving Harder

Overweight Boxes and Poor Labelling

The number-one packing mistake is making boxes too heavy. A large box stuffed with books can top 35 kg — that's dangerous for your back and your movers'. Use small boxes for heavy items like books, tools, and canned goods. Large boxes are for lightweight, bulky items like pillows and linens. A box should never weigh more than 25 kg.

Mistake number two: not labelling boxes properly. Writing "kitchen" on a box isn't enough — write "kitchen: pots and pans" or "kitchen: glasses — FRAGILE." At your new Montreal apartment, clear labels mean boxes go directly to the right room, saving you hours of sorting later. Use colour-coded tape or markers for each room.

Procrastinating and Forgetting an Essentials Box

Waiting until the last 48 hours to start packing is a recipe for disaster, especially during Montreal's hectic July 1st moving season. Rushed packing leads to broken items, mislabelled boxes, and important things getting buried. Start four weeks ahead and follow a timeline — your future self will be grateful.

Another classic mistake is not packing an essentials box. You arrive at your new place exhausted, and your toothbrush, phone charger, medications, and clean sheets are somewhere in a wall of unlabelled boxes. Pack one clearly marked box with 48 hours' worth of necessities and keep it in your car.

Wasting Space and Ignoring Fragile Items

Empty space inside a box means items shift during transit and break. Fill every gap with crumpled paper, towels, or clothing. Conversely, don't use enormous boxes for everything — mixing sizes helps fill the truck more efficiently, which matters when your Montreal movers charge by the hour.

Finally, never assume something is "sturdy enough" to go without wrapping. We've seen cracked monitors, chipped wine glasses, and dented pots — all from people who thought padding was optional. When in doubt, wrap it. The cost of packing paper is nothing compared to replacing a beloved item.