5 Ways Movers Want You to Prep Your Home for Easy Moving

Last updated 10/21/2024

Moving day can be both tiring and stressful for most people, with everything happening so quickly. One minute, your home is filled with cherished memories, and the next, it’s empty. Amidst the flurry of activity – people bustling in and out, loading and unloading – it’s crucial to communicate effectively with your movers and each other. 

As you get ready to move, creating a moving plan ahead of time is essential. Preparing for a move can be hectic and overwhelming, with numerous tasks to tackle in order to get your home ready. If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here are five key steps to help prepare your house for a seamless move, making the process easier for both you and your movers.

1. Clean and Get Ready to Move

Start planning your move at least two months in advance. As you get closer to moving day, you should make sure that each room is clean. This is an important part of moving preparation, as you pack your belongings into boxes.

While you are planning, take stock of your cleaning supplies and identify additional items you might need. Make sure you have the right cleaning tools on hand to wipe down surfaces and clean the walls, windows, and floors. Take out the trash and recycling to avoid leaving anything behind. 

Cleaning can also give you an idea of what packing supplies you may need as you declutter and plan your move. Getting your space ready will not only make it easier for the movers, but also for you! 

Decluttering

As you sort through your belongings, take the time to decide what you want to keep for your new home. Consider selling or donating gently used items that you no longer need. Clothing, furniture, and household items can usually be taken to local donation centers, and some charities even offer to pick up any items you may want off of your hands.

Another tip as you plan for a move is to empty your drawers completely. This ensures that nothing is sliding around, which could pose a risk during the move. You don’t want an item to unexpectedly fly out and potentially injure one of your movers. Keeping both yourself and your movers safe throughout the moving process is critical!

Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Dispose of any hazardous materials you may have on hand during your moving preparations. As you get ready to relocate, take the time to identify any products that should be discarded. Keep in mind that it’s crucial to dispose of hazardous household items following EPA regulations. 

Pouring these substances down the drain or tossing them in the trash can lead to serious risks. Always follow the instructions on product labels for safe use, storage, and disposal to mitigate any potential dangers. Your safety and environment depend on it!

It’s also important to know that many common products, such as cleaners and batteries, contain ingredients that can be flammable, reactive, or toxic if not handled properly. Typically, movers will not transport these items for safety reasons, along with perishables and certain types of liquids.

Clean and Dust Furniture

Moving your entire home can stir up a lot of dust, so it’s important to address this in the week leading up to moving day. Make sure to wipe down and dust your furniture so that your movers won’t be breathing in all that dust while they work. You don’t want your movers handling dirty items or sneezing throughout the process, as this can make it more challenging to do their job properly. 

You also don’t want to bring dusty furniture into your new home, tracking dirt in and causing problems later. Helping your movers by keeping things clean will contribute to a smoother and faster moving day for everyone involved!

2. Strategize Your Packing Process

Planning the packing process is a major part of moving prep. You should start packing 2-3 weeks before your move. Start by gathering your packing supplies, which should be included in your moving budget. Essential supplies might include shipping or packaging tape, bubble wrap, resealable bags, markers, and boxes.

Choose sturdy packing boxes that will support the weight of your belongings. Assess how many boxes you’ll need, and make sure you have a variety of sizes on hand. If necessary, consider reserving a storage unit. 

Here’s more on how to effectively plan for packing during your move: 

Sorting, Taking Inventory, and Labeling Boxes

Sort through and inventory your items so that you can keep track of what you have. Organize your items into categories, such as books, office supplies, and home decor. Create a checklist of what needs to be packed, starting with non-essentials, which are items you won’t need right away after moving in.

Pack similar items together and label each box clearly by category, including a brief description of what is inside. To save time and energy, also note which room the items in the box belong to, minimizing back-and-forth trips for the movers. Keeping similar boxes grouped will make it easier to find what you need later.

Remember, there will be items you still need up until moving day, such as kitchenware, clothing, and toiletries. Set aside designated boxes for these last-minute essentials in your moving plan, and pack them last to make sure you can access them easily.

Fragile Items and Valuables

Movers handle a lot of heavy and fragile items, and we don’t want to break anything! Always let your movers know if something is fragile. It’s helpful if you mark that a box is fragile while you are labeling it. Your movers need to know when something requires careful handling.

If you have valuables or important paperwork, gather those items separately. Store them in a safe place, and move them yourself to protect your privacy and have more peace of mind.

Packing Heavy Items

A tip for packing heavy items is to pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This balances the weight and makes the bottom of the box sturdier. Don’t pack several heavy items in the same box, as this may cause the box to fall apart when they’re moved. Spread them out by using extra boxes and mix them with lighter items.

Packing a First-Week Box

Your first-week box (or suitcase) should include what you will need during your first week in your new home. This should include clothing, toiletries, shoes, medications, and work-related items. If you have children or pets, make sure to pack their essentials as you get ready to move, too. This is a box or suitcase that you can move yourself since you will be carrying it with you. You may also wish to keep important documents and valuables in this box to ensure they’re not lost in the shuffle of moving.

Keep in mind that you might not have immediate access to all your belongings if some are being stored or shipped, so be sure to double-check that you have everything you need.

As you pack up your life, it can be easy to lose track of items. To avoid confusion, label everything clearly to prevent mix-ups. Ensure that your first-week essentials are readily accessible so you can settle in smoothly during your transition.

Items Your Movers Won’t Move

While you are finalizing your moving plan, make sure you know what items your movers will and will not move. This may vary from a full moving service company (and their properties) to a labor-only moving service. 

Movers typically do not move anything with flammable products inside them, – such as gasoline and kerosene – because they can explode. Be sure to empty the gas and oil from your lawnmower and any other gas-powered tools before moving day. Some other items that moving companies prohibit due to safety regulations include car batteries, paint, motor oil, and nail polish.

3. Preparing Appliances

As you get ready to move, getting your tools and appliances ready is a necessary step of moving prep. Disconnect all electrical appliances, such as the refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Empty and unplug your refrigerator at least one day before movers arrive, allowing it to defrost. On this note, don’t forget to get rid of or consume any perishable foods! 

If you own an outdoor grill, you will need to disconnect and remove the propane tank for safety reasons. Movers typically won’t transport propane, so you’ll need to move the grill yourself or consider giving it away.

4. Create a Budget

As you prepare for your move, make sure to establish a budget for the costs associated with moving. Key expenses to consider in your moving prep are moving services, tips for the crew, storage unit fees, and packing supplies. You should also plan for any additional costs that may arise, especially if you have family needs that might not be met during the moving process.

Moving Plan for Kids and Pets

If you have kids or pets, their needs are a necessary part of moving prep. With a variety of heavy objects being moved around, including furniture, the space can be unsafe for your kids and your pets. There will be a lot of things on the floor that they can trip over or run into. They may get in the way of your movers, and if the movers can’t see them, that may put everyone at risk. Keep your kids and pets safe and out of harm’s way by hiring a sitter during moving day. To save additional costs as you get ready to move, you can try getting a family member or friend to take care of them.

5. Ensure Easy Access for Your Movers

As you get ready to move, involve your movers in your moving prep! Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to them as part of your moving plan. Designate where the moving truck will park and provide them with any necessary instructions, such as parking limitations or gate codes if you live in a gated community. Informing them about these details in advance can help avoid complications later. 

Be aware of the weather on moving day so you can prepare for conditions like rain or high winds. Additionally, clear hallways and create a path for your movers to navigate easily as they lift and maneuver furniture and boxes in and out of your home. Knowing where you want items to go in your new space can further streamline the process and reduce the time spent carrying heavy objects.

While it’s important to stay out of the way, be available and nearby so the movers can reach you with any questions. Clear communication is key – help your movers help you! 

Conclusion

Preparing your home for a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following the five essential steps outlined in this guide – cleaning and organizing, sorting and taking inventory of your items, preparing your appliances, budgeting for the process, and ensuring easy access for your movers – you can significantly reduce the stress associated with moving prep. Each of these steps not only facilitates a smoother transition but also enhances safety for both you and your movers. By being proactive and thorough in your preparations, you pave the way for a more efficient and enjoyable experience as you get ready to move.

Ultimately, effective communication and careful planning are your best tools in this process. Keeping your movers informed and having a clear moving plan will help them perform their job efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. Remember, moving is a new beginning filled with possibilities, and with the right preparation, you can turn what might be a chaotic day into a streamlined and successful transition. Happy moving!

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