How to Prepare for a Moving Company

How to prepare for a moving company

You can start preparing for your move as far out as you’d like. But no matter how much you prepare, the last two weeks before your moving day will likely be jam-packed. To keep you ahead of the game, we’ve compiled a comprehensive moving checklist you can follow in the final two weeks before you move.

14 days before

• Schedule your moving company if you haven’t already done so. If you’ll be renting a moving truck instead, reserve it now to ensure you get the right size for your job.
• Gather important documents, like insurance paperwork, checklists, moving company reservations and any applicable receipts.

13 days before

• Start clearing out lesser-used spaces, like closets, storage rooms, garage, basement and attic.
• Organize items into donation, sell and trash piles, and drop these items off for donation or at the landfill.
• Start boxing up items you want to keep.

12 days before

• Continue decluttering as needed.
• Gather packing supplies. Purchase as necessary or post on local sites that you’ll come pick up any unused boxes or other moving supplies if anyone has any to give away.
• Don’t forget about easily overlooked items like permanent markers, tape and scissors.

11 days before

• Pack nonessentials like off-season clothing, decor, collectibles and books.
• Disassemble nonessential furniture. Place screws, bolts and other hardware in plastic bags. Tape these to the back of the furniture, or store them in a place you won’t lose or forget them.

10 days before

• Fill out a change of address or mail forwarding request with the U.S. Postal Service.
• Cancel nonessential subscriptions.
• Update your address with banks, insurance companies, credit card companies and your employer.

9 days before

• Schedule a date for utility shut-off in your existing home.
• Contact new utility companies to schedule the turn-on at your new home. Be sure to include gas, water, electric, sanitation/waste management and internet.

8 days before

• Take a day off and relax, or catch up on anything from previous days that requires more time and attention before the final week begins.

7 days before

• Confirm with your movers (or your moving truck company) at the one-week mark just to be sure they’ve got your move on their calendar and no issues have come up.
• Begin packing in earnest, with the goal of having everything boxed up except absolute essentials by the day before you move. Today, work on packing office supplies, decor, small appliances and kitchen items.

6 days before

• Arrange child and/or pet care for moving day.
• Continue packing. Today, focus on bedrooms, bathrooms and hall closets.

5 days before

• Confirm arrival time, specific directions and estimated payment with movers.
• Pack clothing except what you’ll need for a few days.

4 days before

• Pack the kitchen.

3 days before

• Set aside an essentials box with phone chargers, snacks, medication, toilet paper, change of clothes and bedding.

2 days before

• Pack everything that hasn’t already been packed.
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator.
• Take out trash and recycling.
• Gather keys, garage openers and gate remotes and store them in a safe place.

1 day before

• Perform a full walk-through, searching for any missing items.
• Withdraw cash from the bank to be used for tips.
• Double-check your payment method for movers.
• Schedule pizza to be delivered at some point during the day.
• Purchase any desired snacks and beverages.
• Charge phones and devices.

» LEARN MORE: What to pack first when moving

Prepare your home for movers

If you hired movers, you’ll want to make some preparations to ensure your home is ready for them to enter on moving day. Remember, this day will move at a frenetic pace — there won’t be much time for adjustments. You’ll most likely be paying by the hour, so planning ahead will save you time, hassle and of course, money.

One of the best moving tips is to start by clearing pathways, hallways and doorways for safe navigation. Ensure high-traffic areas are clear of clutter to make it safer (and faster) for movers to do their jobs.

It’s a good idea to cover flooring in advance, especially if you have carpet or expect bad weather where you could track mud and debris into your home. It will happen, so plan for it instead of worrying about it.

Arrange for parking permits or elevator access for your movers in advance so you don’t waste precious time on moving day. Additionally, secure pets and create a safe zone for children during the move if you haven’t planned for a sitter or for them to be at a friend or family member’s home.

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Prepare boxes and inventory for movers

It’s helpful to maintain a clear labeling system to make moving easier for everyone. Movers won’t be familiar with your existing home, your new home or your belongings. So you’ll need a way to instruct them where to put things.

Always clearly label fragile items so your movers know to use extra care. Discuss in advance with your movers what you expect in terms of wrapping items, if you desire that at all. Remember that you may be charged extra for any materials your movers use, especially if this hasn’t been discussed or agreed upon in advance.

Label your boxes with the room the items belong in, or use an alternate system that your movers are familiar with prior to beginning work. And be sure to keep important documents, extremely fragile or valuable items, and your essentials box with you in your personal vehicle instead of on the moving truck.