How to Prepare for Movers on Moving Day

How to Get Ready for Movers on Moving Day

Moving morning tends to show up faster than expected. One minute, you’re feeling ahead of the game, and the next, you’re looking for packing tape while the moving truck pulls up.

You don’t need to have every tiny detail figured out before the crew arrives. However, finishing a few important tasks ahead of time can make the day easier on everyone. Use this guide to get your home and belongings ready for your San Antonio movers.

Wrap Up Your Packing

Unless you booked packing help, try to have your boxes packed and closed before the crew arrives. There may still be a few things to put away that morning, such as bedding, toiletries, or the coffee maker. That’s normal. Just try not to leave an entire room until the last minute.

When boxes are ready to go, your moving company can begin loading instead of waiting for packing to be finished.

Don’t forget to check the places where small items tend to hide, including:

• Bathroom drawers
• Nightstands
• Kitchen cabinets
• Laundry rooms
• Closets
• Garage shelves

If you did schedule packing assistance, confirm what the crew will handle and whether there is anything you need to pack yourself.

Label Boxes by Room

You don’t need an elaborate color-coded system unless you want one. Simply write the destination room on the top and one side of every box. That way, the label can still be seen when several boxes are stacked together.

A short description can also be helpful. “Kitchen—pots and pans” tells you much more than “kitchen” when you’re searching for something later. Be sure to mark fragile boxes clearly so your professional movers know those items may need extra care.

Clear labels also save you from standing at the front door and directing every single box during unloading.

Keep the Things Traveling With You Separate

Some belongings should stay with you instead of going onto the moving truck. Pack a bag or small box with anything you may need during the drive or before you’re fully unpacked.

This may include:

• Keys
• Medications
• Identification and important paperwork
• Wallets and valuables
• Phone chargers
• A change of clothes
• Basic toiletries
• Snacks and bottled water
• Items your children may need
• Pet food, leashes, or carriers

The best thing to do is put these items in your car before the crew gets there. If you can’t, place them in a closed room or separate area and tell the movers they’re staying with you.

Clear the Crew’s Route Through the Home

Walk through the same areas the movers will use while carrying boxes and furniture. Pick up loose rugs, cords, toys, shoes, and anything else someone could trip over.

Check the outside route as well. Unlock gates, move vehicles out of the driveway, and clear anything blocking the porch or walkway. If the crew will use a side or back door, make sure it opens fully.

Keeping hallways, stairs, and entrances clear gives your local movers room to carry bulky items without stopping every few feet to work around something.

Moving day can also be noisy and busy, especially when doors are being left open. Arrange for young children and pets to stay with someone else or remain in a secure part of the home while loading is underway.

Make Sure the Truck Can Reach Both Homes

Parking may not seem like a major concern until a large moving truck has nowhere to go. If you live in an apartment, gated community, or busy neighborhood, check whether there are any parking rules or loading restrictions.

If your property has special access rules, handle these details before moving day:

• Reserve the service elevator or loading area.
• Make sure you have the correct gate code or building access information.
• Find out where the moving truck can park.

• Move personal vehicles out of the loading space.
• Let the company know about stairs or a long walk to the door.

Remember to check access at your new home, too. Your local movers in San Antonio, TX, need to know what they’ll encounter at both addresses—not only where they are picking everything up.

Confirm What Needs to Be Taken Apart

Don’t assume you need to disassemble every bed, table, or shelving unit yourself. Ask the company which pieces should be taken apart before moving day and which ones the crew can handle.

If you disassemble anything yourself, place the screws, bolts, and other hardware in a labeled bag. Keep the bag somewhere safe and easy to find rather than taping it directly to finished furniture, since some types of tape can damage the surface.

Let the crew know about large, fragile, or unusually heavy pieces ahead of time. This gives your packers and movers a chance to bring the proper equipment and plan how the item will be carried out.

Ask About Appliances Ahead of Time

Appliances can take a little more work to get ready, especially when water lines, hoses, or electrical connections are involved. Check with your movers ahead of time to see what needs to be disconnected and whether it’s something their crew can handle.

Depending on what you’re moving, you may need to:

• Empty and clean the refrigerator or freezer.
• Unplug appliances in advance.
• Disconnect and drain washing-machine hoses.
• Remove water from appliance reservoirs.
• Secure loose shelves, racks, or removable parts.

Every moving company handles appliances differently, so check with the team instead of waiting until moving morning to find out what is required.

Remove Fragile Items From Busy Areas

Take down mirrors, framed photos, artwork, and decorations near the doors or hallways the crew will use. It’s much easier to pack these pieces safely before people begin carrying furniture past them.

If you’re worried about hardwood floors, railings, narrow door frames, or another part of the home, bring it up before the move. Your mover can explain what protective materials may be used and whether you need to prepare anything yourself.

Avoid placing loose sheets or unsecured cardboard on the floor. They can slide or bunch up under someone carrying a heavy box.

Choose One Person to Speak With the Crew

When several family members are helping, packers and movers can end up receiving different instructions from different people. Decide who will answer questions and show the crew what is going, what is staying, and where things should be placed.

Having one point of contact doesn’t mean that person has to manage every detail. It simply gives the crew someone to check with when a question comes up and prevents mixed messages during the move.

Take One Last Look Before the Truck Leaves

Once the home looks empty, walk through it one more time. Things are easy to miss when you’re ready to get on the road.

Check:

• Closets and cabinets
• The attic and garage
• The dishwasher and oven
• The refrigerator and freezer
• Patio and backyard areas
• Sheds and outdoor storage
• Shelves above eye level
• Chargers still plugged into outlets

Make sure everything meant for the truck has been loaded and that your personal bags are still with you. Once you’re satisfied, lock the windows and doors, return any required keys, and take a few photos of the empty property if needed.

Feel Ready When the Moving Truck Arrives

Moving morning doesn’t have to begin with half-packed boxes and a search for missing keys. Finishing a few tasks beforehand can help loading get underway and make it easier to keep track of what is going on the truck.

If you’re comparing moving quotes or looking for a full service residential moving company, Getting It Done Right Movers is ready to help. Contact us to discuss your San Antonio or Austin move and request a free quote.