Top 5 Things to Do Before Moving Day

Moving day is one of life’s most exciting yet challenging transitions. Whether you’re relocating across the street or across the country, proper preparation is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. To help you navigate this hectic time, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 5 essential tasks you should complete before moving day arrives. These steps will not only save you time and money but also reduce stress and set you up for a seamless transition.

1. Declutter Your Belongings: Less Stuff, More Peace of Mind

Before you even think about packing, take a deep breath and tackle the often-overlooked task of decluttering. Moving is the perfect opportunity to purge items you no longer need, want, or use. Not only will this reduce the volume of boxes you need to pack, but it will also save you money on moving services and storage.

Why Declutter?

• Save Money: Moving companies charge by weight and volume. The less you move, the lower your bill.

• Save Time: Unpacking is easier when you’re not sorting through unnecessary items.

• Feel Lighter: Letting go of clutter can be emotionally liberating and help you start fresh in your new home.

Action Steps:

1. Sort Methodically: Go room by room and categorize items into five piles:

   • Keep: Items you use regularly or love.

   • Donate: Gently used clothes, furniture, or electronics.

   • Sell: High-value items like appliances, jewelry, or designer clothing.

   • Recycle: Old electronics, books, or materials that can be recycled.

   • Trash: Broken items, expired products, or things with no sentimental value.

2. Host a Garage Sale: Turn clutter into cash by hosting a well-advertised garage sale.

3. Donate Strategically: Research local charities that accept your specific items. For example, donate clothes to thrift stores, furniture to Habitat for Humanity, or books to libraries.

4. Recycle Responsibly: Use specialized recycling programs for electronics, appliances, or hazardous materials.

5. Digitize Sentimental Items: Scan old photos, documents, or letters to free up physical space while preserving memories.

Pro Tip: For large or heavy items, consider our Heavy-Item Moving Service, which takes the hassle out of decluttering.

2. Create a Moving Essentials Kit: Your Survival Kit for Day 1

One of the biggest frustrations after moving is not being able to find basic necessities. Avoid this headache by creating a dedicated “essentials kit” that contains everything you’ll need for the first 24–48 hours in your new home.

What to Include:

• Personal Care Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medications, and any other hygiene essentials.

• Clothing: A few changes of clothes, including pajamas, underwear, and socks.

• Electronics: Phone chargers, laptop, headphones, and any other devices you rely on daily.

• Tools: Basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer, scissors, and tape.

• Snacks and Water: Non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and a coffee maker (if you’re a caffeine lover).

• Important Documents: Moving contracts, IDs, bank information, and a list of emergency contacts.

• Pet Supplies: Food, toys, and medications if you have pets.

Pro Tip: Label this kit clearly with “ESSENTIALS – OPEN FIRST” and keep it in your car or with you at all times. For a more detailed packing list, check out our blog: How to Pack Fragile Items.

3. Label and Organize Boxes Strategically: Save Hours of Frustration

Nothing slows down unpacking like unmarked boxes. Take the time to label each box clearly, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Best Practices for Labeling:

1. Room-Specific Labels: Write the destination room on each box (e.g., “Kitchen – Dishes”).

2. Color-Coding: Use colored stickers or markers to assign a color to each room (e.g., blue for the bathroom, red for the bedroom).

3. Detailed Contents: List the specific items inside the box (e.g., “Kitchen – Glassware and Stemware”).

4. Fragile Items: Mark boxes with “FRAGILE” and handle them with extra care.

Pro Tip: Create a master inventory list of all boxes and their contents. This list can be stored digitally or printed and kept in your essentials kit. For professional packing advice, explore our Packing Services.

4. Arrange Utilities and Services in Advance: No Dark or Cold Surprises

One of the most common moving-day headaches is arriving at your new home to find no electricity, water, or internet. Avoid this by confirming all utilities and services are set up in advance.

Tasks to Tackle:

1. Transfer Utilities: Contact your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers to schedule transfers to your new address.

2. Final Meter Reading: Arrange a final reading for your old home to ensure accurate billing.

3. Update Your Address: Submit a Change of Address Form with the post office to ensure your mail follows you.

4. Research Local Services: Look up trash/recycling schedules, garbage pickup days, and any local service providers you’ll need.

Pro Tip: For a comprehensive guide to moving with Kids during your move, read our blog: Moving with Kids, Or If moving with pets, read our blog: Moving with Pets.

5. Confirm Moving Logistics: No Surprises on D-Day

The last thing you want on moving day is unexpected delays or miscommunications. Confirm every detail with your movers to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Action Steps:

1. Review the Inventory List: Go over the list of items with your movers to ensure nothing is missed.

2. Discuss Special Requirements: Highlight fragile items, heavy furniture, or any unique challenges (e.g., narrow staircases).

3. Confirm Parking and Access: Ensure the movers have clear access to your current and new home, including parking permits if needed.

4. Payment Preparation: Have your payment method ready (cash, check, or card) and confirm any deposit requirements.

Pro Tip: For peace of mind, book your move with us, which includes a dedicated coordinator to handle logistics on your behalf.

Final Checklist Before Moving Day

• ✅ Declutter and donate/sell unwanted items.

• ✅ Pack your essentials kit and label boxes.

• ✅ Confirm utilities and address changes.

• ✅ Finalize moving logistics with your movers.

• ✅ Rest well the night before!

Need Extra Help?

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our team is here to simplify every step of the process! Explore our services:

• Packing and Unpacking

• Residential Moving

• Apartment Moving

• Commercial Moving

For personalized advice, contact us today or dive deeper into our Moving Resources.

Happy moving!