With all of your work before the day of your move, you may feel worn out or somewhat listless as the event arrives. After all, what more can you do that hasn’t been done?
In this blog, we list six steps homeowners should take before the moving truck arrives that typically get left until the night before or the morning of moving day. Consider making a checklist or schedule for yourself and your family to ensure that you’re ready to keep pace through to the end of the moving process.
- Check Your Contract
Every moving contract differs according to the company policies and the services agreed upon. Look over your contract in advance and ensure that you understand what’s expected of you and what you can expect of your movers.
For example, do you need to be present the entire time the movers work? What time will your movers arrive and how long is the process projected to take? Call and ask a representative your questions or wait and talk to the team before they get started.
- Clear a Space for the Truck and Team
Whether you live on a cul-de-sac or in an apartment complex, your movers will need plenty of space to park and work. Reserve a section of the property large enough for the truck. Keep in mind that you may need to set aside multiple smaller spaces in a parking lot for the truck to back in.
Clear a wide walkway between where the back of the truck will be and your door. Picture two or more people carrying your biggest furnishings on the walkway. If you think the space might be a tight squeeze, clear more space.
Remove all personal items from this walkway, including floor coverings, furnishings, and any hanging decor.
- Dispose of Non-Allowables
If you’ve looked over your contract paperwork, you know which items your moving company will not handle. Before the movers arrive, separate out the non-allowables and decide what you will do with them. If possible, do not have the non-allowables stacked up where they may interfere when the truck arrives.
For guidelines on transporting and getting rid of non-allowables, go over our previous blog, “5 Non-Allowable Moving Items and How to Get Them Home.”
- Pack Up Your Go Boxes
Even if you hired full-service packers and movers, you will have some items to take along in your personal vehicle. You may want to place these items in one container as discussed in our previous blog, “Packing for a Move? 8 Items to Put in Your Go Box.”
Put your go box in a distinctly separate area from everything else, such as in your car or in an otherwise empty bedroom, to avoid confusion. If you put the boxes in a room and close the door, you may want to post a note or set a reminder for yourself to ensure the containers aren’t left behind.
- Plan Your Personal Etiquette
Your moving team may be in your home for a period of several hours. Decide in advance how you will welcome these professionals into your house. For example, you may want to choose which bathroom will be most accessible so you can ensure there’s a hand towel, soap, and toilet paper.
You may also choose to provide beverages and snacks for long-term projects. Let the team know where to find these items when they arrive.
Additionally, calculate the amount you plan to tip based on your estimate in advance to ensure that you know and have access to your payment method before the movers leave your house. Many homeowners tip the driver and allow him to pass the gratuity to the other team members. While tipping is optional, it is appreciated and considered perfectly appropriate in the industry.
- Set Aside Time for Cleaning
Unless your mover specifically offers cleaning as part of their services or you hired a housekeeping crew to handle cleaning for you, plan to do a final cleaning before you leave. To keep your cleaning supplies out of the way until you’re ready for them, put them with your go boxes.
You may want to take this opportunity to say goodbye to your old house and to check for any forgotten belongings in drawers, appliances, or shelves one last time.
Use the steps outlined above to guarantee that you stay on track on your moving day. These simple final preparations can ensure that your professional movers can begin working as soon as they arrive onsite and you can leave for your new home as soon as possible.
For comprehensive moving services, trust the experienced team at Bekins Van Lines, Inc.
