How to Prepare for the Movers

Moving involves a lot of preparation. From boxing up your things to planning your relocation, it’s easy to forget to plan for the actual movers, themselves. But come moving day, your moving company will be ready to get the show on the road. To start your move off on the right foot, make sure you’ve prepared for the movers ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to remember things like cash for tipping and crates for pets. To make it simple, we’ve included seven easy ways you can prepare for your movers before they arrive on the big day.

1. Properly box up your things

Unless your move includes packing service, it’ll be up to you to properly box up the majority of your belongings before the movers arrive. First, make sure you have the right boxes and supplies before you pack. You’ll need multiple sturdy, corrugated boxes of every size for your rooms, as well as dividers, foam pouches and bubble wrap for fragile items. Remember to also include: a few telescope boxes for artwork, mirrors and TVs; plastic bins for clothing and electronics; and bankers boxes for office files and supplies. The better you pack your things, the less likely your movers will accidentally break anything.

After packing, make sure to properly label (and color code, if you’re up for it) each box based on its corresponding room in your new home. Not only will this make it easy for your movers to figure what goes where, but it will also make the unpacking process easier for you.

2. Let the movers know where to park

Parking – this simple yet oh-so-important detail is often overlooked during the moving process. However, trust me when I say it will be at the forefront of your movers’ minds on moving day. More than likely, the driver will call you on the big day to let you know they are on the way and to ask where to park. If you haven’t already worked it out with a contact at the moving company, you’ll need to make sure the movers have a spot to park their large truck. If this isn’t in your own personal driveway, you’ll need to secure a parking pass for street parking or special permission for parking in a shared driveway.

3. Prepare and protect your house

Before the movers arrive, it’s up to you to properly prepare and protect both your old and new home. If the weather brings rain, snow, ice or sleet, you’ll need to keep your home free of water damage. To avoid tracking mud through the door, I suggest placing large blankets or tarps in the doorways, on the doorsteps, entryway and hallway. No matter the weather, I recommend covering hardwood floors with blankets or a tarp to avoid damage. Finally, the last thing you want on moving day is your mover breaking a leg – yikes! If the weather creates slippery conditions on your doorsteps or walkways, I suggest using salt in icy or snowy conditions.

4. Make sure your furniture will fit through the door

Chances are, a professional moving company will be able to get your furniture out of your old home and into your new one without a problem. However, if doorways are particularly small or furniture particularly bulky and large, your movers may need a heads up. This way they can plan ahead and bring the right supplies for your move. Measure your couches, pianos and other large items to make sure they’ll be able to fit through your door or window.

5. Hire a babysitter for small children

Juggling toddlers and moving boxes at the same time isn’t a great idea. With a crew of movers in your home, having to keep an eye on your child will only distract you from the tasks at hand. This is why, if you’re moving and you happen to have small children, I highly recommend enlisting help on moving day. Whether it’s a babysitter, daycare, family member or friend, you’ll need someone reliable who can watch your child. Not only will this keep the movers from accidentally tripping over your crawling toddler, but it will also keep your child’s daily schedule of feedings and naps on track.

6. Plan for your pets

Don’t forget your pets! Before the movers arrive, make sure to have a plan for your pet on moving day. Keep in mind that the movers will need to be able to leave the front door wide open while they load and unload their trucks. Unfortunately, this will make it especially easy for loose pets to escape outside. Trust us – the last thing you (or anyone) wants is for poor Fido or Fluffy to get lost in the shuffle of moving day. That’s why it’s so important to keep your dog or cat contained to one area during the move. I recommend either: utilizing a crate, enlisting someone to watch your pet, or confining them to one room using a gate in the doorframe. Not only will this keep your furball from escaping, but it will also keep your movers from tripping or stepping on your pet.

7. Have cash on hand for tipping

Do you have to tip your movers? No, of course not. But for movers who do an excellent job, what better way to show your appreciation than with some dollar bills? Before the movers arrive, plan to have cash on hand. While tipping advice varies from person to person, many experts will tell you to tip your movers either 5 percent of the total bill (divided among the movers) or a reasonable flat fee. Flat fees could include: $20 each for a local move, $30 to $40 each for a long distance move, and $50 to $100 for the driver of a long distance move. Of course, what you tip should reflect the level of service performed and satisfaction received at the end of your move.