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Moving Day Preparation Questions We Answer Every Day

Getting ready for movers does not have to be overwhelming. Here are quick answers to common questions customers ask before moving day with Anywhere Movers.

How should I prepare before movers arrive?

Before movers arrive, make sure loose items are packed in boxes, boxes are taped shut, walkways are clear, and anything you do not want moved is set aside. It also helps to label rooms, disconnect electronics, empty trash, and keep important personal items with you.

What should be packed before moving day?

Most small items should be packed before moving day, including dishes, books, clothes, pantry items, bathroom items, toys, decorations, and loose items from shelves or drawers. Furniture, beds, tables, and larger items can usually be handled by the moving crew.

Should I empty drawers before movers arrive?

Light clothing can sometimes stay in sturdy dresser drawers, but heavy, fragile, valuable, liquid, or loose items should be removed. If the dresser is oversized, fragile, or needs to go up or down stairs, emptying the drawers can make the move safer and faster.

What should I keep with me during the move?

Keep medications, wallets, keys, chargers, important documents, jewelry, laptops, personal valuables, pet supplies, and first-night essentials with you. These items should not be packed deep inside the moving truck because you may need them right away.

What should go in a first-night box?

A first-night box should include toilet paper, paper towels, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, phone chargers, basic tools, snacks, bottled water, paper plates, cups, utensils, medications, pet items, and anything your family may need before fully unpacking.

How can I make moving day faster?

You can make moving day faster by packing before the crew arrives, labeling boxes clearly, clearing hallways, reserving parking, disconnecting electronics, removing loose items from furniture, and telling the movers exactly what is going and what is staying.

Do I need to disconnect appliances before moving day?

Yes. Appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and electronics should be disconnected before the movers arrive whenever possible. If an appliance requires a plumber, electrician, or special service provider, schedule that work before moving day.

Should I unplug TVs and electronics before movers arrive?

Yes. TVs, computers, sound systems, gaming systems, and other electronics should be unplugged before the movers arrive. Place cords, remotes, screws, and accessories in a labeled bag or box so they are easy to find at the new home.

What should I do with items I do not want moved?

Place anything you do not want moved in one clear area and label it “Do Not Move.” This can include cleaning supplies, personal bags, keys, paperwork, tools, items going in your own vehicle, or anything staying with the home.

Should I empty my refrigerator and freezer before the move?

Yes. Pack refrigerator and freezer items into coolers before the movers arrive. Perishable food, liquids, ice, and open containers should not be loaded into the moving truck because they can leak, spill, or spoil during the move.

How should I prepare for movers at an apartment?

For an apartment move, reserve the elevator if needed, confirm parking with the leasing office, ask where the moving truck can park, clear hallways, and make sure your building knows your move date. This helps prevent delays once the movers arrive.

How should I prepare for a move into a new-construction home?

For a new-construction home, make sure the driveway, walkways, and entry points are clear. If the floors, walls, stairs, or doorways are new or freshly finished, let Anywhere Movers know so the crew can plan for proper protection and careful handling.

What can slow down a moving crew?

Common delays include unpacked items, loose belongings, blocked walkways, limited parking, elevator delays, long carries, extra items not listed on the estimate, disconnected access, and not knowing what is going or staying. A little preparation before moving day can save time and money.

Can Anywhere Movers help if I am not fully packed?

Yes. If you are not fully packed, let us know as early as possible. Anywhere Movers offers packing services and can help with full packing, partial packing, fragile-item packing, and last-minute packing support depending on availability.

Have a garage sale and get rid of everything you don't need before your move.

Make a list of things you need to do, along with due dates. Don't wait until the last minute.

Notify magazines, charge accounts, insurance companies, and all other organizations of your address change.

One to Two Weeks Before Your Move

Finish packing and make sure all items are boxed and taped shut prior to the arrival of the movers.

Delegate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to dig through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.

One to Two Days Before Your Move

Prepare an "unload me first" carton with essentials that you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.  (i.e., toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, snacks, coffee pot with coffee, soda, paper plates, cups and utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels).

Disconnect all electronics.  Place all cords and remotes in a safe place.

Have your utilities shut off the day after loading, as you will probably need them through the course of the move.  Contact: gas, electric, water, telephone, cable, trash collection, etc.

Drain the gas from your power equipment (lawnmower, edger, etc.)

Move Day

Pack all contents of the refrigerator and freezer into coolers.

Identify a corner of the house for items you do not want the movers to take and place a DO NOT MOVE sticker on them.

Have plenty of cash on hand or your checkbook to pay your moving bill.

Sit back and relax with a stress-free move with Anywhere Movers. Click here to request your free quote.

Enjoy your new home!

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