How To Prepare for Moving: The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford

Moving can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. It’s important to plan carefully so that you can ensure everything runs smoothly on a moving day. With the right preparation, your move will go as stress-free as possible.

Wondering how to prepare for a move? This article outlines some of the key steps for ensuring a successful moving day. From organizing your packing materials to setting a relocation budget, there is a lot to take care of. Read on to learn what to do before movers come. Following our tips for a successful move will help you get on the right track!

Prepare To Move: Checklist To Follow

prepare moving

How to prepare for movers before they arrive? Here is a checklist to make sure you have everything covered before the big day.

1. Make a Moving Plan

Creating a moving plan can help ensure that nothing gets overlooked in the process of planning for your move. Set realistic goals and timelines for every activity associated with your move, such as packing, getting a moving company, and transferring utilities. Refer to your plan throughout the process to stay on schedule.

2. Create a Moving Budget

Moving can be expensive, so it is important to create and stick to a budget. Figure out how much money you can afford to spend on the move. Allocate funds for essentials such as packing materials, movers, and transportation costs. Include expenses for any additional services you may need, such as storage or cleaning services.

3. Hire a Reliable Moving Company

Choosing the right moving company is key for a successful move. Research different companies and get quotes from them so you can compare prices and services offered. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, customer service reviews, licensing, and distance of the move when making your decision. Ask for an in-home estimate and get all the details in writing.

Reading customer reviews will also give you a better idea of the quality of service you can expect. Trustworthy Los Angeles movers can make the process of relocating much smoother.

4. Make an Inventory List

Creating an inventory list will help you keep track of your belongings throughout the move. Take note of which items should be packed together and how many boxes you’ll need in each room.

An inventory list will help you ensure that your items arrive safe and sound at your new home. You may also want to take pictures of valuable belongings before packing them up. A good idea is to document the estimated value of these items for insurance purposes.

5. Start Packing Ahead

Packing can take longer than expected, so start as early as possible. Sort belongings and declutter by getting rid of anything you no longer need or use.

Packing materials are essential to keep your belongings safe during the move. Make sure to have plenty of boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape on hand before you start packing. If necessary, buy additional supplies like mattress covers or wardrobe boxes for more fragile items.

6. Prepare Items You Need To Keep With You

There will likely be items that you need to keep with you. These items may include important documents, jewelry, and cash. Pack these things separately in a secure bag that you can keep on your person at all times.

7. Pack Belongings by Room

To stay organized and prevent your belongings from being lost, it’s best to pack items from each room separately. This practice will help you ensure that everything is loaded into the right truck and delivered to the correct destination.

8. Label Boxes

To make unpacking easier when you reach your new home, label each box with its contents and destination room. To avoid listing every item in the box, you can assign a number to each list of items within the box.

Proper labeling will save you time and energy when it comes to unpacking on the other end. It will also help your movers find the right items.

9. Let Movers Pack For You

If you don’t have the time or experience to pack your belongings, let professional movers help you out. Trustworthy moving companies have the right experience and tools to pack up your items safely and quickly. Professional movers will bring the necessary supplies, such as packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape, so you don’t have to worry about gathering those items.

10. Transfer Utilities

If you’re moving long-distance, see to it that you transfer utilities before leaving your old home. Contact the companies that provide services such as electricity, water, and Internet in both places so that you are not left without utilities at your new home.

11. Change Your Address

Inform all relevant parties of your address changes. Banks, credit card companies, post offices, and other organizations you may need to contact in the future should be aware of your new address. Keeping your address up-to-date will ensure that you won’t miss important mail and notifications.

12. Plan for Small Children and Pets

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for young children and pets. If you have small kids or pets, pack their belongings separately. Bring along any items that will help your loved ones feel comfortable in the new environment.

You may also want to arrange for childcare or pet care on a moving day. Speak to family members about taking care of your children or look into local pet boarding services if needed.

13. Ask Your Driver For a Contact Number

When your movers arrive, ask the driver for their contact number in case you need to get in touch with them during the move. Knowing how to reach your helpers will give you peace of mind and make the process smoother.

14. Clean Your Home Before You Leave

Doing a thorough cleaning is the final item on our list of “what to do before movers come.” Leaving your old home in a good condition will help you get your security deposit back, if applicable. It will also leave a positive impression on the new tenants.

Pay special attention to the areas that are vulnerable to dirt and dust such as windows, doors, and floors. Vacuum the carpets, mop the floor, and dust all surfaces. Dispose of any garbage you may have collected during the move.

Summary

Moving to a new home can often be stressful and overwhelming. To make the process smoother, it’s important to plan and prepare in advance. 

Make sure to create a timeline with all necessary tasks listed, such as packing your belongings, transferring utilities, and changing your address. Gather enough supplies for the move including boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. Label all boxes with their contents and destination room. Don’t forget to ask your movers for a contact number. Finally, leave your old home clean before you depart. 

We hope that now you feel more confident about making your move hassle-free. With a solid moving plan in place, you can make sure that everyone involved is safe and happy throughout the process!