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The Hidden Cost of Underestimating Your Move

Moving day is stressful enough without unexpected surprises.

Yet, time and time again, we see clients fall into the same trap: underestimating their box count.

Whether it’s to save money or simply a matter of misjudgment, this common mistake can lead to chaos on moving day.

Here’s why being upfront with your movers about your inventory is crucial — and how it can save you money, time and stress.

Why Honesty is the Best Policy with Your Boxes

We recently conducted an internal study to observe how many of our clients provided an accurate estimate of the number of boxes* they needed to be moved.

*DISCLAIMER - We considered ‘boxes’ to include any size of boxes, bags, bins, luggage, or totes.

Data derived from the past 100 moves serviced by Packhorse Moving

In fairness, the box count is one of the hardest parts of the inventory to nail down when quoting a move.

Most of the decluttering before the move (if done by the client) happens over the span of weeks leading up to moving day.

Some even leave it until the last minute!

The Underestimation Trap 🪤

It’s easy to overlook just how much stuff you have.

When planning a move, many clients focus on the big items — couches, beds, tables — without fully accounting for the small things.

But those small things add up.

From kitchen gadgets and books to clothes and knick-knacks, it’s the boxes that can really catch you off guard.

Clients often underestimate how many boxes they’ll need, thinking they can condense or leave things out.

Unfortunately, this underestimation doesn’t just affect the box count; it can throw off the entire move.

Why Transparency Matters 👍

Movers aren’t here to judge — they’re here to help.

When clients try to “trim” their box count on the estimate, it usually backfires.

An inaccurate estimate means the movers may not bring enough truck space, materials, or manpower, leading to delays, increased costs, and, ultimately, more stress for you.

We’ve seen it time and time again: clients think they’re saving money by underestimating, but it often results in the opposite.

The Real Cost of Misjudging Your Boxes 💲

Underestimating your box count can lead to a cascade of problems on moving day.

Imagine the truck filling up faster than expected, leaving some items behind for an extra trip — or worse, having to reschedule another moving day altogether.

This not only costs more money, but also eats up your valuable time.

Additionally, if movers have to scramble to accommodate the unexpected load, it can lead to a rushed job, increasing the risk of damage to your belongings.

Our Approach: No Surprises, Just Solutions ✔️

At Packhorse Moving, we encourage transparency!

We understand that estimating your box count can be tricky, and we’re here to help you get it right.

When clients are upfront about their belongings, we can plan accordingly, ensuring that we bring the right resources to get the job done smoothly.

Our mission is to make your move as stress-free as possible, and that starts with a clear, honest inventory.

How to Avoid Underestimation ❌

To avoid falling into the underestimation trap, start by taking a thorough inventory of your belongings.

Don’t just eyeball it — walk through each room, closet, and storage area.

Consider everything you’ll need to pack, from kitchenware to seasonal items tucked away in the attic.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to overestimate.

After all, it’s easier to adjust the plan for fewer boxes than to scramble for more.

Saving Money the Smart Way 🤓

While it’s natural to want to save money, the best way to do so is through accurate planning, not cutting corners.

Be transparent with your movers about your inventory, and they can help you find the most efficient and cost-effective way to handle your move.

Remember, moving companies aren’t just charging you for the number of boxes — they’re charging for the time, labor and resources required to get everything from point A to point B safely.

Remember for Next Time

Moving is already a big job — don’t make it bigger by underestimating your stuff.

Transparency with your movers is key to a smooth and successful move.

By being upfront about your box count, you’re not just ensuring a more accurate estimate; you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free moving day.

So, the next time you’re planning a move, remember: it’s better to overestimate than to be overwhelmed.

Happy Estimating!