preparing for movers
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So you’ve finally hired movers! Now what? Working with professional movers is a great way to save a lot of time and energy, but there are some things that you should definitely do before moving day comes around. Full-service movers are willing to help you with a lot, but there are some things that are generally accepted that you will do.

Your relocation can go more smoothly, be less stressful, and be easier if you find and work with the right movers. A reputable moving company can help you with packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your goods, saving you time and energy whether you’re moving locally or across the nation. Yet, it’s important to get ready for working with movers in advance to ensure a positive experience. Being aware of and spotting moving company red flags, such as unlicensed operations or unusually low quotes, is crucial to avoid potential scams and ensure a safe and reliable moving experience.

The following guidelines will help you know exactly what is expected of you from the movers.

separate itemsHave Separate Items, Separated

Stuff that you want or need to get separated needs to be well out of the way so that movers do not worry about any of these items. To make sure there aren’t any unfortunate mix-ups, it is best to get these items completely out of the house. Either store them in your car or have them transported to your new home using your own vehicle. This is especially for items that you need on the first night: toiletries, change of clothes, snacks, water, etc.

Have your Packing Done

Unless you are paying for full-service movers to do your packing, have all of your belongings boxed up well before the movers are even close to arriving. We actually recommend getting everything put away a couple of days in advance so that you don’t have to worry about it on a moving day.  If you are still packing when the movers are working, chances are that you will get in the way. Not to mention, if you are busy packing you will not be readily available to direct the movers when needed.

Measure Your Furniture

It’s likely that a reputable moving company will have little trouble carrying your furniture from your old house to your new one. However, your movers might need a heads-up if entrances are too narrow or if the furniture is particularly heavy and enormous. This enables them to prepare in advance and provide the appropriate moving supplies. To make sure your couches, piano, and other large objects will fit through your door or window, measure them.

Movers Will Not Move Everything

Not simply anything will be moved by professional movers. For reasons of safety, many movers have lists of things they won’t move, including liquids, home chemicals, and paints. Additionally, they can have a list of things like money, vital documents, pictures, pets, food, and medications that they won’t transport due to liability concerns. You will need to pack and transport these items yourself if you intend to bring them with you.

Understanding the limitations of professional movers is essential for effective planning. To prevent any last-minute surprises, contact your moving company well in advance. Request a comprehensive list of items they won’t transport, giving you sufficient time to explore alternative solutions. Additionally, consider digitizing crucial documents and photos to minimize the risk of loss or damage during the move. Taking these proactive steps ensures a seamless transition and eliminates potential moving day headaches.

Confirm The Coverage They Provide

It’s necessary to take the appropriate precautions to ensure that your valuables are sufficiently protected during the move while getting ready to work with professional movers. Inquire about the company’s insurance policy and the types of coverage they offer before choosing a moving company. When considering whether to get additional coverage, take into account the worth of your possessions and the possibilities of damage or loss during the move. It’s also crucial to read the policy’s fine print and review it thoroughly to fully understand any exclusions or limitations that can affect your coverage.

Be Present on the Site

This seems like it may be obvious, but you need to be there on a moving day. Be at your home before the scheduled time just in case the movers are a little bit early so that you can get the move started as soon as possible. Also, stay with the movers during the entire moving-in and moving-out process, so that you can answer any questions they may have.

Have a Parking Available

Parking is a straightforward but crucial aspect that is frequently forgotten when relocating. The driver will probably contact you on the big day to ask where to park and to let you know they are on their way. Make sure the movers have a place to park their enormous truck if you haven’t already arranged it with a contact at the moving firm. If you want to park somewhere other than your own driveway, you’ll need to get a parking permit to park on the street or special authorization to park in a shared driveway.

Stay Out of the Way

Keep pets, small children, and yourself out of the way of the movers. If at all possible, have someone watch your kids and pets during the process. The fewer movers have to dodge distractions, the faster the move will be over and done with. Not to mention, when you get in the way of movers, you risk injury for the movers and yourself. Sit tight while the professionals handle the work because that is what you paid for, right?

Prepare Appliances

When you move you’ll want to empty appliances of all items that may be stored inside. Also, you’ll want to unplug the appliance from the wall. For the safety of the movers, it is a good idea to wrap the cord and bind it with a rubber band. Refrigerators and freezers need to be defrosted for 24 hours before the move and cleaned. Ensure your kitchen is ready by unplugging all appliances and emptying the refrigerator at least 24 hours before the movers arrive; this will not only make the moving process smoother but also prevent any potential electrical hazards.

Prepare the House

Make sure everything is ready for the movers to work during moving day. This may mean covering the floors with a drop cloth, removing any doors that could get in the way, and removing anything that may get in the way. Check with your moving company to see if there are any additional steps they want you to take to prepare the house for moving day.

Be Ready to Treat the Movers Nice

In some cases, tipping the movers will be appropriate, so have cash ready to give them a little something extra if you feel they’ve earned it. Also, it is always nice to offer the food some drinks and food while they are working, because they often do not have the time to stop for a break.

Get Out of The Movers Way

It’s crucial to maintain a secure and quick process when movers arrive to load your boxes and furniture onto a moving truck. Preparing the areas where the movers will be working, such as removing any barriers or trip hazards from the path leading from the house to the truck. To avoid mishaps or injuries, make sure to keep kids and dogs away from the work area.

Advise the movers of the best parking spots for their trucks and clear the paths to the residence. Stay away from the movers as they work; doing so will slow down the process and raise the possibility of mishaps. Give the movers room to work instead, and then ask if there is anything else you can do to help.

Keep Valuable Items Packed Separately

Sentimental and valuable objects are best packed off to the side. The risk of something getting damaged or less during a move is real, so it is best to keep items you couldn’t easily replace with you during the process of the move. This will ensure that your items are kept safe, and it will offer you a great deal of peace of mind during the move.

The success of your move can be greatly impacted by how well you plan to work with professional movers. It might be easier to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey if you take the time to arrange and organize your items, communicate openly with your movers, and prepare your new house for your arrival.

You may concentrate on settling into your new home and enjoying your new surroundings rather than stressing about the details of your move by following these recommendations and collaborating closely with your moving company. Don’t be afraid to spend the time and effort to be ready before the big day because a little planning can go a long way in making your move successful.

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Written by Margarita Hakobyan
Margarita Hakobyan is the founder and CEO of MoversCorp.com. She has published more than 300 articles about moving, storage, and home organizing, making her a moving specialist since she began writing about the moving industry in 2005. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.