Hiring a moving company is a great way to lower your stress during a move. Wanting to help your professional movers out on moving day isn’t a bad thing, but it can be impractical.
You may not able to help your movers load boxes or furniture on the big day, even if you feel like you should. But that doesn’t mean you have nothing to take care of.
If you follow these tips, you can make your movers’ job more manageable.
Make Sure Everything’s Ready to Load
Even if you’re not doing most of the packing, you may still need to pack or prepare a few items. Before they arrive, you want everything ready to go.
When you wake up, strip the beds or pack up any camping gear you used on your last night in your old home. Deflate air the mattresses and roll them up. Unplug electronics and bundle the cables, so they don’t catch on anything.
If you’re not entirely ready, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Movers may be able to get it together faster than you can.
Label Boxes
If you have packed your own boxes, make sure they are all ready to go when the movers arrive. You should have them all packed, sealed, and labeled.
Your movers want to be able to load and unload boxes without having to guess where they should go. Choose a reliable labeling system to make your boxes easier to scan and identify on the go. As an added plus, your labeling strategy can make the entire process run faster.
While you’re at it, don’t overpack your boxes. Put only light items in large boxes, so your movers don’t have to strain to carry them.
Separate First-Day Items
Every move includes a first-day or “essentials” box. These are the things to pack for your first day in a new home. You don’t want them on the truck, in case the movers don’t arrive when you do.
Since these items are essential, there’s a good chance you still have them in the home when movers arrive. Designate a place for them that the movers know not to load. Better yet, put them in your car or somewhere out of the house.
Clear All Pathways
No one wants loading time to take any longer than necessary. You want the movers to have the straightest shot from the house to the truck.
Plan to keep a pathway to every room clear of boxes and tripping hazards. It should be wide enough for a hand truck or an appliance dolly, if necessary.
Keep Children and Pets Safe
Your kids and pets may find moving day to be extremely exciting or frightening. They might get in the way or distract your attention. They could end up with an injury from moving feet or wheels if you don’t have a plan for them.
Put pets in their carriers for transport, and keep them in a quiet, calm room. Arrange for someone to care for them or your children while you focus on directing the loading.
If you don’t have a babysitter, clear out a room and set it up with snacks, drinks, and books or toys. That will help your kids entertain themselves for a little while.
Stay Available
Your pro movers might need to consult with you on moving day, so stay available to answer any questions that they may have. As the homeowner, you might be the only one that can address their specific problems. If you need to step out, make sure they have your cell number or some way to reach– you just in case.
Moving Assistance
Helping your movers doesn’t have to involve lifting heavy boxes. You’re better off making their jobs easier. To learn more about the benefits of hiring professional movers, ask us for a quote.
