Why Proper Preparation Matters Before Moving Day
Hiring professional movers and packers is one of the best ways to take the stress out of moving. But even with experienced movers handling the heavy lifting, proper preparation can make a huge difference in how smoothly the process goes.
Without planning, moving day can become overwhelming—last-minute packing, misplaced items, and unnecessary delays can turn what should be a straightforward move into a stressful experience. By preparing ahead of time, you can ensure your movers work efficiently, your belongings are organized, and your transition to a new home is as seamless as possible. Properly preparing for movers can reduce your costs and keep the day running on schedule.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do before moving day to get the best experience with your movers and packers. Learning how to prepare for movers and packers ahead of time ensures less stress and fewer delays when the big day arrives.
1. Declutter Before the Movers Arrive
Why Decluttering Helps
Before movers and packers arrive, take the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of items you no longer need. Downsizing before a move can:
- Save you money – The less you move, the lower your moving costs.
- Make unpacking easier – You won’t have to find space for things you no longer use.
- Speed up the moving process – Movers won’t have to pack unnecessary items.
Need help with decluttering? Joey’s Movers offers decluttering services, so you don’t have to worry about it. Call us to discuss more at (847) 674-7779 or request an online quote.
How to Declutter Effectively
Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
- Keep: Essential items and things you truly love.
- Donate: Clothing, books, or furniture in good condition.
- Sell: Valuable items you no longer use.
- Trash: Anything broken, worn out, or unusable.
Once you’ve decluttered, set aside donations for pickup or drop them off at local charities before moving day.
2. Create an Inventory of Your Belongings
Why an Inventory is Important
Creating an inventory helps:
- Keep track of your belongings.
- Ensure nothing is lost or left behind.
- Provide documentation for insurance purposes in case of damage.
How to Make a Moving Inventory
- Use a spreadsheet or a moving app to list major items.
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance.
- Label boxes by room so movers know where to place them in your new home.
Having a clear record of what you own will simplify unpacking and make it easier to file a claim if anything gets damaged.
3. Pack Essentials Separately
What is an Essentials Box?
On moving day, you won’t want to dig through dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or a change of clothes. That’s why packing an essentials box is so important.
What to Include in an Essentials Box
- Medications and personal care items
- Important documents (ID, lease, contracts, etc.)
- Chargers for phones and laptops
- A few sets of clothes
- Snacks and bottled water
- Basic tools like a screwdriver and scissors
- Pet supplies if you have animals
Pack these separately and keep them with youinstead of loading them onto the moving truck.
4. Label Your Boxes Clearly
How to Label Boxes for Maximum Efficiency
- Use color-coded labels by room (e.g., blue for kitchen, red for bedroom).
- Write detailed descriptions (not just “miscellaneous” or “stuff”).
- Mark fragile boxes clearly so movers handle them with care.
- Label priority boxes so you know which ones to unpack first.
Proper labeling helps movers place boxes in the right rooms, making unpacking much easier.
5. Prepare Large Furniture & Appliances
Disassemble Furniture Before Movers Arrive
If you’re unsure how to prepare for packers, ask your moving company whether they require items disassembled ahead of time or if it’s included in their service. If possible, take apart large furniture pieces like:
- Beds and bed frames
- Dining tables
- Desks
- Shelves
Place screws and small hardware in labeled plastic bags and tape them to the furniture so they don’t get lost.
Did you know movers can disassemble beds and furniture and reassemble them at your new location? This is typically an extra charge. Ask your mover if they offer this service. If you’re moving in the Chicago area, rest assured knowing that Joey’s can take your beds or furniture apart and reinstall them during a move!
Empty and Secure Appliances
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator 24-48 hours before moving.
- Disconnect and secure washing machines and dryers.
- Remove batteries from electronics to prevent leaks.
If you’re unsure how to prep your appliances, ask your movers for guidance—they may have specific requirements.
6. Communicate Special Instructions to Your Movers
What to Tell Your Moving Crew
Before moving day, let your movers know about:
- Any fragile or high-value items that need extra care.
- Items that require disassembly or reassembly.
- Difficult access points like tight stairwells, elevators, or parking restrictions.
- Your preferred order of unloading if certain items need to be unpacked first.
Good communication helps movers plan ahead, ensuring a faster and smoother move.
7. Arrange Parking & Building Access
Why Parking and Access Matter
One of the most overlooked moving day problems is parking for the moving truck. Lack of access can cause delays, extra fees, or even rescheduling.
How to Secure Parking for Movers
- Reserve a parking spot for the truck in advance (if needed).
- Obtain any permits required for street parking in Chicago.
- Check with your building management for loading dock or elevator reservations.
For apartment buildings or high-rises, confirm elevator use policies so movers can transport items efficiently.
8. Keep Pets & Kids Safe on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, and pets or young children may feel anxious or get in the way.
How to Keep Them Safe and Stress-Free
- Board pets for the day or keep them in a quiet, separate room.
- Arrange childcare if possible so kids are not underfoot.
- Pack familiar items like pet beds or favorite toys to keep them comfortable.
By planning ahead, you can reduce stress for your pets and family while keeping movers focused on the job.
9. Confirm Your Moving Plan 24 Hours Before
The day before your move, take time to:
- Call your movers to confirm arrival time.
- Double-check parking and elevator reservations.
- Ensure all boxes are packed and labeled.
- Get a good night’s rest—moving day will be busy!
A final check will help everything run smoothly when the movers arrive.
10. What to Do While Movers Are Working
Once movers arrive, let them do their job, but be available to:
- Answer any questions they have.
- Direct them to priority items or fragile boxes.
- Do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind.
Before they leave, double-check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces to ensure everything is packed up.
Final Moving Day Checklist
- Decluttered and downsized unnecessary items.
- Created a moving inventory for valuables.
- Packed an essentials box with daily necessities.
- Labeled boxes by room and fragility.
- Disassembled large furniture and secured appliances.
- Provided special instructions to the movers.
- Arranged parking and building access.
- Secured pets and kids for a stress-free move.
- Confirmed moving plans with Joey’s Movers.
Reviewed this checklist as a quick refresher on how to prepare for movers and packers before they arrive.
Why Choose Joey’s Movers for Your Next Move?
At Joey’s Movers, we understand that moving is a major life event, and we’re here to make it easier. Our professional movers and packers ensure a stress-free moving day with careful packing, efficient loading, and secure transport.
Our Moving Services Include:
- Full-service packing and unpacking.
- Local and long-distance moving in Chicagoland.
- Safe handling of fragile and valuable items.
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly.
We also offer packing help for seniors, ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive experience for older adults who need extra assistance. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Joey’s Movers is your trusted moving partner.
Schedule Your Move Today
Ready for a stress-free move? Contact Joey’s Movers for expert moving and packing services. Call us today at (847) 674-7779, or get a free online quote.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto
