What to Do Before the Movers Arrive

Preparing your home for a move can feel overwhelming, but a strategic approach can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Whether you are relocating across town or planning a long-distance move, knowing exactly how to prepare your home for movers is the key to a seamless transition. By decluttering your space, packing efficiently, and understanding what movers can and cannot transport, you can ensure moving day goes off without a hitch.

1. Declutter and Purge Your Belongings

The first step in preparing for a move is organization. Indecisiveness can be costly, as moving estimates are based on the volume and weight of the items being transported. Interstate moving costs are typically calculated using a tariff system based on the total weight of the shipment and the mileage of the move. Because of this, it is crucial to purge items you no longer need rather than paying to move them.

• Sort by room: Go through your home room by room and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
• Check storage areas: Avoid the trap of moving items from one dusty attic to another. If you haven't used it in years, it might be time to let it go.
• Consider professional downsizers: If you are moving from a large home to a smaller space, professional organizers can help streamline the process.

2. Pack Smartly and Use Standard Box Sizes

While packing your own items can save you money, it is important to understand the liability and time involved. If you pack your own fragile items and they break, the moving company typically isn't liable unless the exterior of the box was visibly crushed. Furthermore, homeowners often underestimate how long packing takes; a professional crew can pack a 300-box house in a few days, whereas it might take an individual weeks.

If you do choose to pack yourself, avoid using garbage bags or mismatched grocery boxes. Instead, build stable tiers in the moving truck by using standardized boxes. Standard moving box sizes typically include a 1.5 cubic foot small box, a 3.0 cubic foot medium box, and a 4.5 cubic foot large box.

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3. Separate Prohibited Items and Valuables

Before the movers arrive, you must separate items that they are legally or practically unable to transport. Federal safety regulations prohibit professional moving companies from transporting hazardous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline, bleach, and flammable liquids. You will also need to drain the fuel out of gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers before they can be loaded.

Additionally, you must make alternative travel arrangements for your pets. Moving companies typically do not transport live pets in the cargo area of moving trucks due to safety and ventilation risks.

Finally, keep your valuables and essential items on your person. Do not pack:

• Cash and gold coins
• Passports and birth certificates
• Daily medications
• Expensive jewelry or collectibles

4. Organize Your Home for Moving Day

On moving day, the movers will work quickly and efficiently, so you need to be prepared to guide them. Do not schedule doctor's appointments, hair appointments, or all-day video calls on the day of your move. A designated homeowner or representative must be available to answer questions and direct the crew.

To speed up the unloading process at your new home, consider the following tips:

1. Label everything clearly: Make sure every box is marked with its destination room.
2. Use color-coding: Apply colored labels (e.g., orange for the living room, blue for the dining room) to make sorting visually intuitive.
3. Provide a floor plan: Give the movers a layout of your new home so they know exactly where heavy furniture should be placed.

5. Hire Reputable Movers at the Right Time

When preparing for a move, hiring the right company is just as important as packing your boxes. Beware of "chameleon carriers"—rogue movers who offer unsustainably low prices, hold your items hostage for hidden fees, and frequently change their company names to avoid government penalties.

"There's a phrase that's used in our industry by a lot of reputable movers: Is it going to cost you more to not use me than it is to use me? ... You get what you pay for."

To verify a company's legitimacy, check their federal credentials. Moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number for interstate moves.

Working with established companies provides peace of mind. For example, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage, founded in 1881, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating African American-owned business in the United States. Reputable companies like this carry proper insurance, comply with regulations, and provide clear claims processes for damaged items.

Lastly, book your movers well in advance, ideally six to eight weeks ahead of time. This is especially critical during the summer. Peak moving season occurs during the summer months, with June, July, and August being the busiest time for relocations. By planning ahead, getting organized, and understanding the logistics of moving day, you can set yourself up for a successful relocation.

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