If you’ve never had movers come help you out, you’re in for a treat! Gone are the days where you rented a Uhaul, or, even worse, took multiple trips in your friend’s pickup with all of your stuff shoved into boxes.
Thankfully, back then, you probably didn’t have a lot of nice stuff to move. When you’re just starting, it’s not so complex. There are a TV and computer to worry about, maybe a nice couch.
However, as you get older, you start to accumulate nice things. You worry about the photo albums and other mementos you’ve picked up along the way. Hiring movers or getting movers as part of a company benefit is a great thing.
For people who are using movers for the first time, it can be surprisingly stressful. It can be strange to have so many people in your house, going through all of your things, seeing what’s inside your drawers.
You should know, though, that professional movers have seen it all. They’re going to handle your job in the same professional way they do every other job. For the most part, it’s all in your head. That said, there are certainly ways you can make their life easier.
Preparing for the movers will help things get done more quickly, but it will also make your life easier when the stuff is unloaded in your new place. By following these steps, your move will go smoothly and unpacking will be simple. Your stuff will arrive safely and you’ll have more time to set things up in your new home.
Step 1 – Limit Loose Items as Much as Possible
One thing you can do, which the movers will appreciate, combines loose items into containers. If you’re moving a set of drawers, for example, you can stow toiletries or children’s toys in the drawers.
That way, there are fewer boxes and the movers don’t have to spend time grabbing fistfuls of small items.
The advantage for you is that you’ll know where things are once you start unpacking. You’re not going to open a box to find your electric cords mixed with kitchen utensils. By combining similar small items, you can stay more organized.
Step 2 – Think About a Babysitter
The more people who are in your house on moving day, the more chaotic it will be. Your attention needs to be on the move. You’ll likely be telling people where to put things and explaining what goes where.
With kids asking for food or to play outside, it can add to the stress of the day. Instead, hire a babysitter or ask a family member to take them while the movers are working so you can focus.
Step 3 – Make Proper Arrangements for Parking
Movers hate showing up to a job site when it’s a surprise to the property manager or to other residents who get stuck parked behind the moving truck.
Make sure you alert your community or building ahead of time to arrange for parking, and, as a courtesy, alert neighbors and other residents that you’ll have a truck on-site for a day or two.
Give your neighbors your cell number and tell them they can text you if the truck needs to move or there are any other issues.
Step 4 – Put the Pets Away
Most people like friendly dogs, but pets in a home when movers are working are a safety hazard. They’re lifting heavy things in an unfamiliar environment, and having to dodge moving pets can cause someone to trip.
A mishap can damage your things, or, even worse, hurt someone. Keep the pets outside while the movers are there or put them in the basement or some other room where movers don’t need to be.
Step 5 – Disconnect & Empty Appliances
If you’re taking your refrigerator or the freezer in the garage with you, you should empty them before the movers get there.
You need to give appliances time to defrost before they’re handled and loaded into the truck. While you’re at it, you can give them a good cleaning so they look brand new in your new place.
Step 6 – Get Rid of the Clutter That’s Not Going With You
It will save time and money if the movers don’t have to ask you about whether a bunch of stuff is going with you. You’re also going to end your move without unnecessary clutter that you’d rather get rid of.
In the days and weeks ahead of your move, start the decluttering process and start throwing away stuff you don’t need. That way, the workers will know that everything is going, and you’ll have fewer things to track during the move.
Step 7 – Pack Your Valuables
Take the time to pack your valuables to keep them safe. Professional movers generally do a great job of handling things like jewelry and other small valuables, but at the end of the day, no one is going to care about them as much as you will.
If you want, you can pack them in a box and label them to have them ready for the movers, or you can just keep them separately and take it with you when you move.
Step 8 – Try to Make Clear Pathways in Your House
The quicker the movers can get in and out of your house, the faster the work will get done. They’ll appreciate the efforts you go to in clearing a path to the doorway.
It will make moving things safer and they can make more trips in a shorter amount of time. It also makes moving large items like couches and tables a lot easier.
Step 9 – Take Pictures of Items for Documentation
When your movers are done packing and moving, they’ll give you a list of what’s packed and each box will have a number assigned with a corresponding description of what’s inside. However, even though the majority of people experience no damaged items with professional movers, it does occasionally happen.
To make sure you are protected, take pictures of items and create an inventory list so you have documentation if a lamp breaks or anything bad happens during the move.
By following these steps, your move will go quickly and smoothly. You give your stuff the best chance of arriving safely and organized as well.
Remember, tipping movers is customary, so have that sorted out as well before they arrive. Most movers won’t turn down a drink or some snacks as well to help them through a tiring day.