To get a smooth move that fits into your timeline, a little prep work is key. Obviously hiring professional movers can help speed up the process, but for them to truly be effective, you’ll need to be organized. It’s best to have a few tasks done before they arrive. Then they can tackle the heavy lifting and help you get settled into your new place without any delays.
Preparation Saves Money—Here’s Why
Most professional moving companies structure their pricing around time and crew size. That means the longer the move takes, the higher the final cost is going to be.
Preparation has a direct impact on your move’s total time. If your boxes aren’t all packed or you have cluttered hallways, then the process is going to be slower, even with experienced movers. You want everything ready to go so your team can work efficiently and keep your move within the projected window.
At Colt Moving, our pricing is based on the exact amount of time it takes to complete the move. This gives you the opportunity to save, just by making sure that your boxes and furniture are good to head out the door right when the movers show up. The more organized and prepared you can be, the better you’ll be able to predict your final cost.
What Movers Assume Is “Ready”
Before we dive into the checklist, it helps to understand what most moving crews are going to expect when they come to your address. In order to do their job right and keep things on schedule, they have to assume that all of the boxes are packed, sealed up, and ready to move. If there are still cabinets that need to be cleared out, or closets getting unloaded, there’s a good chance that your initial estimate for the move is going to jump—because without prep, things take longer.
Movers also tend to assume that any pets are going to be secured. They also plan on having clear walkways through the house, and a designated spot to park the truck. If those things aren’t handled ahead of time, the move can have a slow start. Fortunately, those types of setbacks are easy to avoid!
Best Practices for a Streamlined Move
Want to stay on track? Here’s a solid checklist to help make your moving day a success:
1. Finish Packing Before Moving Day
This one is an absolute must. Get all of your boxes packed, taped shut, and labeled. You don’t want any last-minute piles that still need to be sorted on the morning of the move. Remove all of the items from any dressers, tables, countertops, and shelving. Everything should be boxed up ahead of time so the furniture can be moved straight away. Even leaving a few smaller items out will just end up adding time if you’re packing them on the spot.
2. Empty Drawers (When Necessary)
While movers don’t typically require you to empty every single drawer, it’s still important to remove anything that’s particularly heavy. Be careful of overstuffed drawers too. Those should be emptied so your furniture can stay safe and secure in the truck.
3. Disassemble What You Can
If you’re comfortable doing some handy work, consider breaking down your bed frames or detaching the headboards ahead of time. Your movers can always help, but even a little prep here can speed up loading.
4. Secure Pets and Children
You don’t want the dog or cat getting underfoot on moving day, so have a plan to keep the pets and any younger children safely out of the way during loading and unloading.
5. Clear Pathways
Remove any rugs from the hallways, staircases, and entry points. It’s also a good idea to take down any pictures that might still be on the walls. You want to limit any obstacles for the crew.
6. Set Aside the Essentials
It’s best to move certain items yourself. If you have an “open first” box, make sure it goes in your own vehicle instead of the moving truck. You’ll want to keep any medications, personal documents, basic toiletries and your chargers in easy reach.
7. Confirm Parking Access
Last but not least, make sure the moving truck has a clear place to park at both locations. It will just be a hassle to shuffle cars around later on.
Your Printable Moving Day Checklist
A well-prepared home gives you a faster, safer, and more predictable move. When everything is ready before the truck arrives, your crew can focus on what they do best—getting you from one place to the next efficiently.
Hopefully you now have a better idea of the steps you can take to make your move more cost-effective. If you’re looking for something simple to reference as your prepare, this moving day checklist covers all of the basics:
Packing:
- All boxes sealed and labeled
- Fragile items clearly marked
- Essentials box set aside
Furniture:
- Surfaces cleared
- Drawers emptied, as needed
- Beds and large items disassembled
Home Prep:
- Pathways cleared
- Rugs removed
- Parking space reserved
Final Walkthrough:
- Check closets
- Check garage/storage
- Confirm nothing is left behind