Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be pretty overwhelming. As professional movers with years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families through their moving day. Here’s exactly what happens on moving day, from start to finish, so you can feel ready and relaxed when the big day comes.
Getting Ready Before the Movers Show Up
The morning of your move is going to be busy, so set your alarm early – we’re talking at least two hours before the movers are scheduled to arrive. This extra time is super important because there’s always more to do than you think. Start by walking through your house one last time to check all your packed boxes. Make sure everything is sealed properly and labeled clearly.
While you’re doing this final check, clear any obstacles from the pathways the movers will use. Move boxes away from walls, fold up rugs, and make sure your driveway is clear for the moving truck. This is also the perfect time to gather up your valuable items like jewelry, important papers, and family heirlooms. Keep these with you – they shouldn’t go on the truck.
One pro tip we always share: set up a “Do Not Pack” zone in each room. This could be a corner or a bathroom counter where you put things like your phone charger, medications, or change of clothes. Mark any areas that are off-limits too – maybe you have a closet that’s staying packed or furniture that’s not moving. A few sticky notes can save lots of confusion later.
When Your Movers First Arrive
Most moving crews start their day early, usually showing up between 8 and 9 AM. The first thing we do is paperwork – yes, it’s boring but super important. Your move leader will review the contract with you and talk about insurance coverage. This is your chance to point out any extra-fragile items or furniture that needs special care.
Next comes the walk-through. Show the crew how to get in and out of your house easily and point out any tricky spots like tight corners or delicate flooring. During this time, we’ll create a detailed inventory of your stuff. We might take photos of valuable items (especially if they have existing scratches or marks) and make notes about furniture condition. If anything needs special handling, like a family heirloom or an expensive TV, now’s the time to let us know.
The Main Event: Loading Everything Up
Loading usually takes up most of the morning and early afternoon. We start with the big stuff – your furniture. Some pieces might need to be taken apart (like bed frames or dining tables) to move safely. Everything gets wrapped in protective padding and moving blankets to prevent scratches and damage. We keep track of all the pieces and hardware, so nothing gets lost.
After the furniture, we start loading boxes. We work room by room, usually starting at the back of the house and moving toward the front. Heavy boxes go in first, creating a solid base in the truck. Everything gets stacked carefully and secured so nothing shifts during the drive. Labels face outward so we can see them easily when unloading.
Special items need extra attention. If you have appliances coming with you, we’ll make sure they’re unplugged and ready to go. Artwork and mirrors get special wrapping to protect them. Electronics are handled carefully and packed with their cords. If you’re moving plants, we’ll make sure they’re one of the last things loaded so they don’t get too stressed out.
One Last Look Around
By mid-afternoon, when everything’s loaded, it’s time for the final house check. We go through every room together, opening all closets and cabinets. Don’t forget to check the attic, basement, and garage – it’s surprising how often people forget things in these spaces.
This is also when we finish up the paperwork. We’ll review the inventory one last time and complete the bill of lading (that’s just a fancy way of saying shipping document). If you needed any extra services, like additional packing or special handling, we’ll note those down. Then we handle payment according to what we agreed on in the contract.
Getting Everything to Your New Home
Once the truck is loaded and locked, we’ll confirm the driving route and give you an estimated arrival time. Make sure you have the moving crew’s contact information, and they have yours. This way, you can stay in touch if there are any traffic delays or changes in plans.
Welcome to Your New Home!
When we get to your new place, the first thing we do is figure out the best place to park the truck and how to get everything inside. We’ll put down floor protection to keep your new home looking perfect and make sure we know which rooms are which so boxes end up in the right spots.
Unloading follows a similar pattern as loading, but in reverse. Furniture goes in first so we can put it exactly where you want it. Then we bring in boxes, making sure they go to the correct rooms. We’ll put furniture back together and place special items exactly where you want them.
Wrapping Things Up
Before we leave, we do another walk-through together. This time we’re checking for any damage that might have happened during the move (it’s rare, but it’s important to catch it right away if it does). We’ll go through the inventory to make sure nothing’s missing, and make sure you’re happy with where everything is placed.
Then we wrap up the last bits of paperwork, handle any final payments, and get your feedback on how everything went. If you’re happy with the service, tips are always appreciated but never required.
Getting Through Your First Night
Once the moving crew leaves, focus on unpacking just the essentials for your first night. Get your bed set up first – you’ll thank yourself later. Then tackle basic bathroom stuff like shower curtains and towels, and get your kitchen functional enough to make coffee in the morning.
Don’t forget about basic security – check all your doors and windows to make sure they lock properly, and set up some lights so you can see when it gets dark. Your home security system probably needs to be set up too, if you have one.
Moving day is a big deal, but with the right preparation and help, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, we do this every day, and we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible. Take a deep breath, stay organized, and before you know it, you’ll be relaxing in your new home.