Your boxes are packed, your moving day kit is ready to go, and your movers are on their way. What can you do to make sure your moving day goes off without a hitch? Here are 5 of our best tips:
1. Make a floor plan
Knowing exactly where your furniture should be placed when you arrive at your new home will prevent having to move your furniture twice. This can be accomplished by drawing out a floor plan with the furniture sketched in, or by creating a digital floorplan using a program like Excel or Google Sheets.
| PRO TIP: Give each piece of furniture a number instead of describing it, then number the actual furniture by writing it on a piece of paper and tacking it to the protective covering. This will help you and the movers know exactly where to put the furniture. |
2. Create an inventory
Start your inventory by listing each major piece of furniture you're taking with you. Then, while you're packing up your boxes, take an inventory of everything that goes into each box. On moving day, check each item and box off the list as you see it get loaded onto the moving truck, and again when you see it unloaded.
| PACKING TIP: As you pack, take photos of each piece of furniture, especially antiques, heirlooms, and especially valuable pieces, including close-ups of existing damage. You'll need these photos if anything gets lost or damaged and you need to make an insurance claim. |
3. Make sure everything is ready to go
All of your furniture and boxes should be ready to load before your movers arrive. Most movers are on a schedule and do not always have the time to wait or help you prepare your furniture for transport—they are there to load your things quickly, so be prepared. If you can, it's helpful to have heavy items close to the door because it saves movers time. It’s also a good idea to request that these heavier items go in the truck first (heavy items should be on the bottom to prevent damage to boxes/other items). If you're paying your movers by the hour, having everything ready to go before they arrive can also save you a little money.
Some movers are happy to help prepare your furniture by wrapping it in blankets and shrink wrap before they load it onto the truck. Make sure you ask if these services are included before you book with your moving service so you can avoid any unexpected fees.
4. If you have pets, put them outside or in a crate
The last thing movers want to deal with is your pet getting in the way while they are carrying heavy furniture, or having to worry about dropping a large item on your pet. To prevent any injuries and irritation, put your pet in a safe place or have them stay with family or friends. If you put them in a safe room, label the door so your movers are aware before they accidently open the door and let your pet out.
| MOVING WITH KIDS? It may also be a good idea to have family or friends watch your kids for the day, especially if you have very young children. That way, you can focus on your move without worrying about your kids, and your kids can have a fun day with loved ones while you take care of business. |
5. Make sure there is a spot for the truck to park.
Your movers should be made aware of the parking situation or any truck regulations at your home.
- If you have a driveway, make sure it is cleared out before the truck arrives.
- If you live in a townhouse, ask your neighbors to move their cars so the truck has room to back right up to your front door.
- If you live on a main road that may be difficult for the truck to park on, make sure you notify the movers about it.
- If you live in an apartment, ask your building manager where your movers can park. You may need to reserve a spot.
6. Keep essentials separate
There are a few things you'll want to keep handy on your moving day. Setting aside essential supplies, as well as a bag of personal items that you'll need within the first 24-48 hours of your move, can help minimize your moving stress—and save you the trouble of digging through your boxes to find your phone charger or any prescription medications you might need.
7. Label everything
Your boxes should be clearly labelled with what room they belong in. This will help make it easier for your movers to unload, and will make it easier for you to unpack.
8. Move your valuables yourself
Pack any especially valuable, sentimental, or fragile items into a separate box and transport these items with you in your personal vehicle. With everything else on your plate, you don't need to worry about your favourite set of wine glasses breaking en route to your new home.
9. Back up your computer
Don't take a risk with your digital files. Back up your hard drive before you move, just in case something happens in transit.
10. Set up your utilities early
When you call your various providers to set up utlities for your new home, start your service for the day before you're due to arrive. That way, you won't have to unpack in a dark house because you have to wait another day for your electricity to be switched on, or shiver underneath your dirty moving blankets because you don't have heat yet and your bedding is still packed.
Conclusion
No matter how well you plan and how prepared you are, moving day is always stressful. These tips can help minimize your stress and make sure your moving day goes smoothly.
About the author: Rachel Hazzard is the Content Solutions Manager for TSI, a seven-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. After years in the industry, she’s an expert on packing, organizing, and downsizing. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her eating out or hanging with her cat Nilla.
