A smooth, stress-free move doesn’t just happen. There’s a lot of preparation, planning and packing that needs to be addressed before move out day is finally here. While we’d all love the moving process to go as smoothly as possible, we know everything might not happen according to plan. That said, if you follow these helpful tips for moving day, you’ll get through the process without a lot fewer hassles.
Make Sure Appliances Are Move-Ready
If you are moving your appliances, make sure they are ready for the move crew. Clean out and unplug your fridge and freezer at least a day before moving day. This gives these appliances time to defrost before they are loaded onto the moving truck. We also recommend that you have your washer and dryer serviced beforehand. Finally, be sure to clear paths in your home that provide your hired movers with the space they need to maneuver everything onto the moving truck.
Pack Move-Related Essentials Separately
Chances are you won’t feel like digging through moving boxes for outfits right away. Each family member should pack a suitcase with comfortable clothing, pajamas, toiletries, chargers and anything else they need and use daily. Set the suitcases aside in a place where they won’t be accidentally loaded onto the moving truck. Tip: Consider storing them in a closet that you have clearly labeled “Do Not Pack.”
Prepare a box of essential items like paper towels, toilet paper, soap, a travel alarm clock, bottled water and a first-aid kit to load last onto the moving truck. Make sure this “first night box” is clearly labeled and easy to find.
Be sure that cleaning supplies are readily available in case you need to do any last-minute clean-ups at your old home. You might also want to do a minor cleanup at the new home. Hint: It’s always a good idea to sweep up messes to ensure that the home is in good condition for the next occupants.
Pack and Prepare Moving Food and Snacks
There’s nothing worse than feeling hungry — or even worse, hangry — on moving day. Moving day requires a lot of movement and lifting, which means everybody needs more energy. However, with all that’s going on during a move, it’s easy to forget about eating and drinking. Be sure to pack snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up. Choose portable, mess-free items such as nuts, juices and soft drinks, fruit, protein bars and pre-made sandwiches in a cooler. Save greasy or messy foods—like pizza — for after your hired movers have left. That said, you might also want to have a few drinks and snacks on hand for your moving crew, especially if it’s a hot day.
Perform a Final Walkthrough
Before the van driver leaves your home, do one last check for anything that might have been left behind since it might be difficult — or even impossible—to retrieve later. Do a thorough walk-through to look for anything you might have forgotten to pack or move. Start with the easy-to-miss places such as closets, cabinets and built-in cabinets. From there move to less trafficked areas such as the garage, attic, basement and the backyard shed, if you have one.
If you’re moving out of a rental, check for any damage that’s become visible now that the space has been cleared. If you rent and you’re keen on getting your deposit back, you might want to do some patching up before you leave for good.
Other Important Moving Tips
We wouldn’t have done our due diligence if we didn’t add a few more tips and tricks to the above. Here are some more tips to make moving day go more smoothly.
- Safely dispose of anything that cannot be taken on the moving van, including chemicals like cleaning products or propane tanks. For tips check the Environmental Protection Agency’s disposal recommendations.
- If you are planning to do any of your own packing, make sure all your boxes are ready before the movers arrive. Use high-quality packing materials and clearly label each box with the room of the house where the items inside belong.
- Consider hiring a sitter if you have small children and pets in the house. It’ll be easier to focus on the task at hand. Also, if you’re moving long-distance, research pet-friendly hotels.
- Make sure any electronics you’ll be using enroute, such as your cell phone, are fully charged.
- Wear clothes that are appropriate for the season and the weather, and also be sure to wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in. and make flight reservations for your furry friends.
Plan Your Move With the Only Moving Checklist You’ll Ever Need
Make your move easy by using our moving checklists, planners, tools and packing tips developed by the trusted movers at Mayflower. We created this comprehensive checklist based on our 90+ years of experience moving customers all across the United States.
Mayflower Can Help You With Moves of Any Size
Mayflower can do much more than just provide tips for moving day. Need assistance with packing? America’s Most Trusted Moving Company since 1927 can help you with packing, unpacking and so much more. Our team can help with small moves and long-distance moves . We’re here for whatever you need, “Every Step of the Way®”
