Preparing to move can often be a stressful process. You need to make sure you have all of your items boxed as well as all the plans and paperwork in order.

Hiring professional movers takes a lot of pressure off. It gets even easier with our seven tips to help you prepare for your move. 

1) Take Inventory 

While moving companies compile inventory lists while they pack, it’s important that you compile a list as well. A thorough home inventory helps to keep track of what you have for insurance and reduces the stress of boxing up.

A home inventory takes note of:

  • Your home's contents

  • Item descriptions including make and model

  • Location, dates, and costs of purchase

  • Item’s current value

Although it might be a daunting task, it'll help in the long run. One easy way to create a home inventory is to take pictures of each item and to add it to a list while boxing. When you’re done with your inventory make sure you hold onto it for future use.

It’s wise to consider donating items you’re not using anymore. This will lighten the load and you’ll save the money associated with having to move it.

Be aware that moving services won’t carry anything that’s flammable or combustible. With these items, you will need to find a different method for delivery to your new home.

Some common items moving companies won’t carry include:

  • Fertilizer

  • Aerosol cans

  • Nail polish remover

  • Cleaning products

  • Batteries

  • Guns and ammunition

2) Box Properly

Unless there’s a packing service, it'll be up to you to box your belongings. You should take the time needed to properly box to help ensure that your belongings are kept safe.

Boxes and supplies you’ll need to pack include:

  • Varying sizes of sturdy boxes

  • Telescope boxes for artwork, glass frames, and televisions

  • Plastic bins for clothes

  • Bankers boxes for files and supplies

  • Dividers

  • Foam pouches

  • Bubble wrap 

Online calculators can help you determine the numbers of boxes you'll need.

Questions that packing calculators often ask include:

  • How many rooms are in your home?

  • How many people live in your home?

  • Are you a minimalist or a pack rat?

It’s essential that you label every box to help make the move more efficient.

The information that labels on boxes should include are:

  • What room the box is to go to

  • If the contents are breakable write “FRAGILE”

  • If you’ll need the contents upon arrival write “LOAD LAST”

3) Prepare For the Professional Movers Truck 

You will need to call the moving company ahead of time to make sure that both of you have the right information. This includes addresses as well as contact information. This will ensure there are few problems on the day of the move.

It’s important that you have the right mode of transport for your items. There are calculators online that can help to determine what vehicle is best for your needs. Generally, a cargo van is best for a small studio, a 12-foot truck works for apartments and small homes, while a 22-foot truck is great for larger homes. 

Experts suggest paying more money for a truck that’s slightly larger just to be on the safe side.

One potential issue you may run into is parking. If the truck has to park on the street you’re going to need a parking pass. If it's a shared driveway, an agreement will need to be reached. Be sure to know your parking plan ahead of time. 

4) Protect Your Home 

Make sure you prepare your home before the movers arrive. This will help to make the process as easy as it can be.

While toddlers and pets can be great, they can prove to be a hassle on moving day. You don’t want the mover tripping on either of them nor do you want your pet to run away. 

Before the move, you should arrange for a babysitter to take care of your kid. It's also wise to have someone watch your pet. If this isn’t possible, make sure that your pet is gated in one area or use a crate to ensure it can't get away.

Your home needs to be in proper moving condition. This means all of the lights should work and the house should be clear and ready for the move.

Damaging your home during the move could cost you an arm and a leg. To avoid muddy footprints, place blankets or tarps around your home. If the weather is slippery, consider using salt to make it easier for the professional movers.

To prepare appliances for the move:

  • Empty, clean, unplug and take apart all appliances

  • Disconnect and turn off the gas

  • Drain water from washing machines

  • Defrost the freezer for 24 or more hours 

5) Check Door Size 

Before the professional movers arrive you should check if all your furniture can fit through the door. If you have any big furniture that needs to be moved, you should let the movers know beforehand. This way the professional movers can plan and bring the proper tools needed for the job.

One way to check is by measuring the large items in your home to see if they can fit through the door.

6) Have the Paperwork Ready 

Having the paperwork on hand and ready for when the professional movers arrive can help with the ease of the move.

Proper paperwork includes:

  • Bill of lading

  • High-value inventory form

  • Lease and mortgage for the new and old home

  • Licenses and passports

  • Birth certificate

  • Social Security cards

  • Vehicle registration

  • Auto insurance information

  • Medical records

  • Moving Order

  • Copy of the moving estimate 

7) Have a ‘First Night’ Box

Anything you might need for when you arrive should be kept separately and on hand. This ensures you won’t need to dig through the boxes when you arrive.

Now that you know how to prepare for our professional movers, contact us to find out how we can help with your move.