What I Wish I Knew Before My First Move: Real Advice from a Professional Moving Crew

Arthur Robinson
60 minutes ago
3 min read

You don’t know what you don’t know—until your couch is stuck in a stairwell, your dog bolts out the door, and you realize you packed your toothbrush at the bottom of a box labeled “kitchen stuff.”

Sound familiar? If you’re gearing up for your first move, whether it’s across town or across state lines, take a deep breath—you’re not alone. At Reliance Moving Solutions, our moving crew has seen it all, from last-minute packing chaos to piano-moving puzzles. This blog is packed with real advice from experienced movers, so you can skip the rookie mistakes and move like a pro from day one.

📦 7 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Movers Make — And How to Avoid Them

Whether you're hiring local movers in Spring Grove or tackling a long-distance relocation, these are the most common first-time slip-ups:

Underestimating how long packing takes – Start early, or better yet, hire packing pros.
Not labeling boxes properly – “Misc” doesn’t help when you're looking for your meds at 10 p.m.
Forgetting to measure doorways and furniture – Measure twice, move once.
Not setting aside essentials – Pack a "first night" box with toiletries, chargers, clothes, and snacks.
Overloading boxes – Books in one giant box? You’ll only do it once.
Not prepping appliances – Fridges need time to defrost and drain.
Trying to DIY a piano or safe move – Please don’t. Just call us.

🧭 Local, Long-Distance, or Commercial — Know Your Move Type

Your first move isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about knowing what kind of move you're making and choosing the right services to match:

Residential Moving – Great for families and solo movers who want help with the heavy lifting.
Long-Distance Moving – Crossing state lines? You’ll need a team with planning experience and proper credentials.
Commercial Moves – Moving your office or shop? Trust a team that respects downtime and deadlines.
Piano & Safe Moving – Don’t risk injury. We have the equipment and technique for the job.
Packing/Unpacking Services – For when you're too busy (or too overwhelmed) to wrap every dish.

🤔 First-Time Movers: Have You Thought About These?

Who’s watching your pets or kids on move day?
Do you have parking permits or loading zones figured out?
Is your new place move-in ready—or still under renovation?

Every small decision can snowball on moving day, so walk through your plan from start to finish ahead of time. And when in doubt? Ask your movers. We’re here to help

🗣 Your Turn: What’s the One Thing You’re Most Worried About?

Let us know! Whether it’s how to move a piano, coordinate a long-distance relocation, or just how not to lose your mind while packing—we’ve been there. Leave a comment or shoot us a message. We’d love to hear from you.

✅ Let Reliance Moving Solutions Help You Move Smarter, Not Harder

Whether you’re moving out of your first apartment, buying your first home, or relocating your business, Reliance Moving Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re based in Spring Grove, PA and serve York, Hanover, Gettysburg, and beyond with reliable, respectful, and real moving services.

📞 Call us at (717) 698-6634

🌐 Visit us at www.reliancemovingsolutions.com

📍 Ask us how we can help with packing, piano moves, or long-distance relocations.