There are several critical moving mistakes to avoid in Des Moines—and catching them early can save you stress, money, and time. Whether you're heading into downtown Des Moines or moving into a nearby suburb like Waukee or Ankeny, this guide covers the top local errors people make and how to sidestep them.
We’ve seen every kind of move in Central Iowa, from DIY apartment shifts to large-scale family relocations, and one thing is clear: preparation is everything. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll make your move smoother, safer, and far less overwhelming.
Need a complete move timeline? Use our Des Moines Week-by-Week Move Guide.
1. Booking Movers Too Late
Des Moines movers often book out weeks in advance during peak season. Waiting too long can leave you scrambling—or overpaying. Schedule 4–6 weeks ahead if possible.
Especially in summer or early fall, local companies get fully booked for weekends. If you wait until a week or two out, you might only have higher-cost options left — or worse, no availability at all. Planning early lets you compare rates, services, and reputations without being rushed.
Pro tip: Even if you’re not ready to lock in a date, start calling movers early to get a sense of timelines and pricing. This keeps you one step ahead.
2. Ignoring Iowa Weather
Midwestern weather is unpredictable. Rain, ice, or summer heat can all disrupt a move. Prepare with floor protection, tarps, and flexible timing.
This is one of the most avoidable moving mistakes to avoid in Des Moines. Weather swings can hit hard — sudden downpours, slick sidewalks, or heat advisories. Don’t assume your moving day forecast will hold steady. Always check the 3-day forecast and prepare accordingly.
Lay cardboard or old rugs on floors to protect from muddy shoes. Have towels or plastic wrap on standby for protecting furniture from water damage. And if temps are climbing, schedule morning moves to beat the heat.
3. Overloading Boxes
Boxes that are too heavy may break—and injure someone. Keep individual boxes under 50 pounds. Use smaller boxes for books and larger ones for linens and lightweight items.
This mistake happens when people are rushing or trying to save on boxes. But overfilled boxes are more likely to tear open, injure a mover’s back, or shift dangerously during transit. Stick to smaller boxes for heavy items like books, tools, or kitchenware. Save your biggest boxes for things like pillows, comforters, and clothing.
Even if a box feels okay for you, remember movers are stacking, carrying, and loading all day. Keeping boxes manageable is a win for everyone.
4. Forgetting an Essentials Bag
Pack a small duffel with medication, toiletries, chargers, and clothes. It’s your lifeline for move-in night. Trust us—you won’t want to dig through boxes when you're tired.
Think of this bag as your overnight kit. Include important documents, snacks, pet food, tools (like box cutters or screwdrivers), and anything you’ll need to be comfortable in a half-unpacked home. It’s one of the easiest things to forget — and one of the biggest lifesavers when done right.
Use our moving day packing checklist to prep correctly and stay organized.
5. Moving Things You Shouldn’t
Don’t waste time packing items you’ll just get rid of later. Purge before you pack. Sell, donate, or discard items that no longer serve you.
Many people realize halfway through unpacking that they moved a bunch of stuff they didn’t even want. That’s time, money, and effort down the drain. Go room by room and ask: Do I really want this in my next chapter? If not, it’s time to let it go.
Check out our guide on what to do with stuff you don’t want to move, and see where to donate items in Des Moines.
6. Picking Movers Based on Price Alone
Cheap doesn’t always mean reliable. Check insurance, licensing, and customer reviews before choosing a moving company. The wrong team can cause damage, delays, and serious headaches.
It’s tempting to go with the lowest bid, but that doesn’t always include essentials like fuel, stairs, or even damage coverage. A reputable company offers transparency and peace of mind. A fly-by-night mover may vanish when something goes wrong.
Here’s how to choose the right Des Moines mover.
7. Skipping Utility Transfers
Call MidAmerican, your water provider, and internet company at least 7–10 days before moving. You don’t want to arrive without electricity or Wi-Fi.
This is especially important during winter months when heating is essential — or in summer when AC is your best friend. Avoid that awkward moment when you're trying to plug in lamps and realize there’s no power.
Make a list of providers, call to schedule disconnect/reconnect dates, and confirm account transfers are set before moving day.
8. Not Confirming Building Access
Some Des Moines buildings have limited parking, elevator hours, or HOA rules. Confirm logistics early so movers don’t get delayed or fined.
If you’re moving into a high-rise or multi-family unit, ask about loading dock availability, elevator reservations, and moving time restrictions. Not checking ahead could cost you time and money — especially if movers have to wait or reschedule.
Plan parking for the moving truck in advance. If you need permits, get them squared away early to avoid any day-of surprises.
9. Not Labeling Boxes Clearly
Label each box with both the destination room and contents. Color-coded tape or large markers make unloading faster and more efficient.
Unlabeled boxes are a top cause of delays on move-in day. Movers don’t know where to put them, and you’ll end up playing box detective. Save time and stress by using bold, clear writing and directional arrows.
Want to go next level? Create a master list that matches box numbers to their contents. It’s a game-changer during unpacking.
10. Trying to Do It All Solo
Don't move alone unless you absolutely have to. Friends, family, or pros make a huge difference. Even a few hours of help reduces fatigue and prevents injuries.
We’ve seen it too often — people push themselves past exhaustion trying to save a few bucks. But heavy lifting, stairwells, and tight doorways add up. Hiring pros (or recruiting trusted help) not only saves your back — it helps everything go faster, smoother, and safer.
And if you do get help from friends, make it fun! Order pizza, play music, and keep the energy light. Just don’t go it alone if you don’t have to.
Final Thoughts | Moving Mistakes to Avoid in Des Moines
When you know the top moving mistakes to avoid in Des Moines, you can plan ahead and dodge the most frustrating setbacks. From scheduling movers early to prepping for weather, each step you take now saves time later.
Successful moves are about more than muscle. They’re about timing, communication, and thoughtful preparation. The more proactive you are, the smoother your transition will be — whether you're heading to a downtown loft or a quiet Waukee cul-de-sac.
Need help? Contact Blue Cow Moving & Storage for experienced, local service. And for cost planning, check out the real moving costs in Des Moines so you can budget smart.
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