How To Keep Your Moving Day *Well* Moving

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If you are moving locally, time on moving day is money, literally. If you are moving long-distance, you still don’t want to drag the move out. Fortunately, there are ways you can help your move move along, but you might have to start before moving day.

Pack

Some customers pack everything. Some pay the movers to pack everything, and most are somewhere in the middle. If you plan on doing some packing, and you find yourself in a pinch, let the movers know. If necessary, they will add another mover to the move, and they’ll prepare themselves with the proper materials. In some cases, they might add a packing day to the move.

Load your car with the items you’ll move yourself

There are certain items movers should never move. First, think anything explosive, corrosive, or flammable. Move (or don’t move) paints, cleaning supplies, alcohol, etc. yourself. You should also move your own expensive jewelry, important papers, laptop computers, external hard drives, and prescription medication.

Clear space for the movers

You always want to leave a clear and direct line from your house to the moving truck. You’ll also want to leave hallways clear and prepare a staging area where the movers can wrap and prep your furniture.

Send your kids and pets out for the day

Send your young children and pets to a relative or babysitter on moving day.

Label the boxes

Label the boxes by room and with a brief description of what’s inside each box you pack. It’s a good idea to inventory the boxes so you are sure you have everything at the end of the day.

Map out your new home

Use a decorating app or an old fashioned piece of graph paper to map out your new home. Plan where each piece of furniture will go. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure everything will fit. If you have questions, ask your mover before the move. They can work near miracles, but they can’t fit a 50 inch chair and a half through a 32 inch doorway, at least not without removing legs and possibly even the molding.

Measure the distance from parking to the doors

If the moving company doesn’t visit your home, you should measure the distance from where the truck will park on moving day to the front door. You should also do that at your new home. In most cases, the distance won’t affect the move, but if it’s more than 50-100 feet, the movers might want to add an additional mover. If it’s a long-distance move, you’ll be charged for a long-carry.

Reserve parking

If you live in a neighborhood where parking is tight, check with your city or homeowner’s association about reserving space on moving day for the movers. There will be a charge, but it will be worth it. Depending on the size of the truck needed for your move, you may need as many as three spaces. Ask your mover. If you live in a condo or apartment, you might need to reserve the elevator and the loading dock.

Arrange payment in advance

Most people pay by credit card these days, but if you are paying by cash, get the cash before the moving day.