How to prepare for movers’ arrival

If you’re planning on moving house, you are probably aware of the fact that it will require a lot of work. You obviously have to pack, but that is not the end of your tasks. You have to be ready for anything and you should try to plan your relocation down to every last detail. It is very normal to be stressed out when you’re moving, to forget something or even to search for last minute moving tips. It’s also totally understandable if you want to get some help. You can either ask friends and family to give you a hand, or you can look for reliable movers that will make this process easier. In case you opt for hiring some professional help, here’s how to prepare for movers’ arrival. 

What to look for in a moving company 

It is difficult to find reliable movers. For this reason, here are all the best tips for hiring movers. First, ask your friends and family for recommendations. This is the best way to find reliable movers. If not, then search online. Type in the best moving company in your city and see what comes up. Then, it is time to read some moving reviews. Do not skip this step when you are searching for moving companies on the Internet. Unsatisfied customers will leave negative reviews. If a moving company has mostly negative reviews, erase it from your list. On the other hand, if a moving company has only positive comments, be careful. Sometimes, a moving company can fake those moving reviews in order to attract customers. Lastly, check if movers have a license issued by the FMSCA and also check their track record on the official website of the BBB.  

Make sure to choose the best movers 

There are lots of different moving companies that offer different services. Depending on your needs and your budget, you can choose from the long list of movers. Of course, choosing the right movers is only possible if you do your research. Make sure to consider the services you’ll be needing as well as to compare moving quotes from different companies. However, do not forget to contact each moving company and schedule an in-house estimate. Pay attention when movers arrive for an in-house estimate. See how they behave. Make sure to show them every corner of your house so they can make a more accurate estimation. Only then you can compare moving quotes. Remember, the most affordable movers do not have to be the best. Once you figure out which moving company best suits you, you can start getting ready for the movers’ arrival. 

Gather all the necessary packing supplies 

Since moving is expensive, you should try to reduce the moving costs. The first thing you can do is to find free moving boxes. You have a couple of solutions. First, you can ask your friends and family for some cardboard boxes. If your friends and family do not have moving boxes, the next solution is asking your neighbors. You can also take a walk around your neighborhood to see if someone left their boxes on the curb. If all of these options fail, then it is time to visit supermarkets. Usually, employees will give away their cardboard boxes for free. Another option is a liquor store. Boxes for storing alcohol bottles are the best for packing your items. Lastly, you can always search on the Internet. Check your local Facebook groups. Craigslist is also a good place to look for moving boxes.  

Prepare for the movers’ arrival by packing

After you’ve browsed through all the moving companies and chosen the perfect one, it’s time to start preparations for the movers’ arrival. The biggest task you have now is packing. Unless you’ve decided to pay professional packers to sort this out, you’ll need to get boxes. You have a couple of different options here. You can either go for the standard cardboard boxes or you can rent plastic moving boxes. Once you’ve decided the way you’re going to pack, it’s time to organize your belongings.

• Find a system that works for you and categorize your items. For example, you can organize your things by room.
• Make sure to label all of your boxes. Make the labels visible from different angles and be sure to write a clear and understandable label on all of them. This will help the movers know what goes where and how to handle different boxes. Don’t forget to make it clear that some boxes contain fragile items.
• Check and empty all your drawers, cupboards and shelves and try not to forget anything.

Declutter your home to prepare for the movers’ arrival

When your things are all packed up in boxes, there is still stuff to take care of. You’ve already decided what you’re bringing to your new home and what you won’t be needing anymore. In order to be ready when the movers come, you should get rid of all the things you aren’t taking with you. This doesn’t only include throwing things away, you can also donate, give away or sell your items. In any case, you should make sure there isn’t any unnecessary clutter when the movers come. If your house is a mess, that will make the movers’ job more difficult.

Figure out if you have any items that can’t be moved or that require special treatment. If you have some furniture that is too big or high maintenance in some way, look into getting special services. For example, if you want to transport a hot tub, check out some professional hot tub movers. Also, check if all of your furniture can fit through the doors and if it can fit in your new place. Keep a measuring tape handy at all times during the move.

Make a moving checklist

Making a list of all the things you need to do will ensure that you don’t forget any of the steps. But, this isn’t the only type of list you can make. You know that things tend to magically disappear during the move. However, there is a way to prevent that from happening. Simply keep a notepad close while you’re packing and make an inventory of your things. This way you will be able to go through the list and check things off of it when you’re unpacking. You’ll also be ready for the moving and storage companies to arrive as you will know exactly what you’ve packed.

Prepare the house for the movers’ arrival

The last thing you need is damaging something during the move. You’ve already secured and packed all of your furniture and other items, but another thing you should prepare for the movers’ arrival is your house. Both the house you’re leaving the one you’re moving to should stay intact and damage-free. That’s why you should consider covering your floors to avoid them getting scratched and dirty. Try covering the walls, as well as the banisters, stairs and any other surfaces that might get damaged. Remove everything from the walls and use some sort of foam padding to protect your doors. You can even remove the doors from their hinges.

Be present and available when the movers come

Whether you like it or not, you’re the one who’s organizing this whole operation. That means that if you want the job done right, you need to be present and alert at all times. Of course, that can be draining and even frustrating at times. However, your hard work will pay off once you successfully move into your new place.

Once you’ve prepared for the movers’ arrival by getting all of your things ready, there are few more things to take care of. You should really make sure to be present on moving day in order to navigate the movers and give them instructions. Another thing to consider is being completely available on moving day. That means leaving your pet with a relative, a friend or a pet sitter. Same goes for your kids, make sure there’s someone who can look after them while you’re assisting the movers. If you are moving with a partner, you’re in luck as you’ll have some extra help.

How to prepare for movers – conclusion 

As you can see, you do need to prepare for movers’ arrival, but it is not difficult. Keep in mind that they’re professionals and that they can handle most situations. It would be more difficult to organize your relocation without their help. This especially applies if you are moving large or oddly shaped items. For this reason, have everything ready, packed, sealed, and labeled before movers arrive. If you prepare well, you will minimize the chance of having some of your items damaged or lost.