How to Prepare Your Home for Movers (So the Day Goes Smoothly)

Prepare your home so the crew can load quickly and safely: pack everything, clear paths and stairs, arrange parking and elevator access, and ready your furniture and appliances. On an hourly move, every minute of preparation saves money, and on any move it reduces the risk of damage.

Clear the paths

• Move furniture away from doorways and hallways.
• Clear the stairs, landings and porch of anything that could cause a trip.
• Remove cars from the driveway, and keep the front of the house open for the truck.
• In winter, shovel and salt walkways, steps and the driveway; see moving in winter.

Arrange parking and access

A truck needs a place to park near the door. In busy areas, check whether you need a permit or reserved space. Rules differ from city to city, so check with your municipality. In condos and apartments, book the elevator and loading area early, and ask about deposits and time limits.

Protect the home

The crew will protect floors and doorframes, and you can help by:

• Telling the crew about delicate floors or finishes
• Removing rugs that could cause a trip
• Taking pictures of walls, floors and furniture beforehand

Prepare furniture and appliances

• Empty drawers of fragile or heavy items, unless the movers agree to move them full.
• Disassemble what needs tools if the crew does not include it, and bag the hardware.
• Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer a day ahead, and disconnect washers and dryers.
• Remove TVs from wall mounts.

Pack and label

Everything should be packed and taped before the crew arrives, except items you will use that morning. Mark boxes with the room they go to, and keep fragile boxes together. See how to pack for a move.

Set aside what is not moving

Put valuables, documents, medication and items staying behind in a locked room or in your car, and mark the room with a sign. Keep a bag with chargers, keys and snacks.

Plan for kids and pets

Arrange childcare or a friend to take pets for the day. Doors open and closed repeatedly are a risk for pets. See moving with pets.

Be ready to talk

When the crew arrives, walk through the home together and point out anything fragile, heavy or out of the ordinary. Request a quote and tell us about access at both homes so we can plan.