Preparing for moving day can be both exciting and overwhelming. A new chapter begins, but there are 100 little things on the list to check off. If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare for your movers, the good news is that a little preparation can make their job easier, making everything run smoother, faster, and more affordably.
Redfin teamed up with Safe Responsible Movers to take an inside look at what really matters on moving day and gain insight into how thoughtful preparation can save both time and money. Before you start packing, we’ll detail what you need to do before moving day, what to expect when our staff arrives, and how to prepare your new home in Houston, TX or your apartment in Atlanta, GA.
Things to do before the moving staff arrive
A little preparation before the movers arrive can help the day go more smoothly. Here are some things to keep in mind beforehand and some travel hacks to set the mood.
1. Dismantle furniture in advance.
Safe Responsible Movers says, “A good way to save money on a local move is to disassemble and assemble the furniture yourself. If the movers have to do it, it adds hours to the hourly job.” Even breaking down a few large pieces can make a noticeable difference. Plus, when your movers arrive, you can focus on packing, transporting, and loading instead of searching for the right Allen wrench.
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2. Create clear walkways throughout your home
It helps to think like a moving company. Imagine carrying a bulky dresser down the hallway, only to have shoes, boxes, and small furniture get in the way. Clearing these areas will not only speed up your work, but will also ensure everyone’s safety. Even widening certain aisles by a few inches will make maneuvering much easier for the crew.
3. Beyond basic labeling
Instead of just writing the room name on the moving box, add small notes like “Stack on top,” “This item is fragile,” or “Open immediately.” These details will save you time and reduce the number of questions you will be asked on moving day. It also helps movers understand how to best load your items onto the truck to ensure they arrive safely.
4. Pack your essentials in a box
Think of this as your first night survival kit. Be sure to include everything you’ll need before fully unpacking, such as a cell phone charger, pajamas, towels, toothbrush, medication, snacks, and a shower curtain. This box can be transported without being loaded onto the truck, so you always know where it is.
5. If you rent your own truck, prepare extra gear
Safe Responsible Movers highlights common oversights. “Blankets from rental companies are usually thin, and you’ll have to pay extra for straps and other tie-downs.” If you’re renting a truck yourself, plan to bring a thick blanket and plenty of tie-downs. When it comes to protecting your belongings, it’s always better to have too much padding than not enough.
Adding these tips to your moving checklist will help your movers have fewer questions, fewer delays, and a smoother workflow.
Moving day
By the time moving day arrives, you want to make sure your home is settled and ready. While there will obviously be some hustle and bustle, the goal is to keep the environment as simple and organized as possible. The concentrated space makes it easier for movers to work safely and efficiently.
Restrict people’s entry and exit to maintain efficiency
Safe Responsible Movers explains, “Keeping non-essential family members and pets away from the site will help everything run more smoothly. Only those who need to speak directly with the movers should be present.” This is more important than most people realize. Too many people in the house can slow progress, create distractions, and create bottlenecks in narrow hallways and stairs. Fewer people means fewer delays and fewer safety risks.
Ask the moving company to show you around the house
A simple briefing before your movers start can make a surprising difference. Show us any belongings that are fragile, require special packaging, or need to be loaded first because they will be needed soon. This little bit of communication allows movers to develop a safe and logical loading strategy, ultimately increasing protection for your belongings during transit.
Let the movers work undisturbed
While it may be tempting to jump in and help move the load, it’s usually best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. They have the technique, pace, and communication skills to move quickly without causing damage. Your role is to be available to answer any questions, intervene only when necessary, and provide enough space to work efficiently. This is a team effort, but you don’t have to take on the physical part.
Preparing for delivery date
Having a new home checklist ready before the movers arrive will help you know exactly what you need to do to make the unloading process smooth and stress-free.
Set up your new space for a smooth arrival
It’s always exciting when the movers arrive at your new home, but it can also feel a little overwhelming when the boxes start piling up. Preparing your new space in advance will give you a calmer, more planned start. Before the movers arrive, walk through your home and note where you’ll be moving large items. Even just removing a few spots on the floor will make the process less confusing.
Read >> Easy tips for unpacking after moving
Make sure your truck has a place to park
Start by making sure you have a legal place to park your moving truck. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s one of those details that can ruin your whole morning if you overlook it. In crowded areas, it may be helpful to set up trash cans, chairs, or cones outside the night before to reserve space. The closer the truck is to your home, the faster and safer the unloading process will be.
Guide movers in furniture placement
Once the movers arrive, it’s very helpful to have a rough idea of where your major furniture will go. Even if you don’t have a complete layout in mind, giving your movers some basic instructions like “the sofa should be along the right wall” or “the dining table should be near the window” will take the guess work out of it. You also don’t have to rearrange heavy items later when you’re feeling tired from the day.
Reassemble major parts quickly
If you disassemble your furniture before moving, store tools and hardware in labeled bags so you can easily reassemble everything. Assembling large pieces like bed frames and dining tables early on will anchor the room and make the space feel more functional. Even just one or two assembled pieces can give your new home a sense of stability and coziness.
final thoughts
Learning how to prepare for a moving company is more than just checking a box. It’s about creating movements that are manageable, organized, and stress-free. With Safe Responsible Movers’ guidance and thoughtful planning, you can reduce costs, avoid last-minute disruptions, and make every step of the process run more smoothly. Once everything is in place, you can get settled into your new home, which is the best part of moving.
