Moving Day Checklist: 5 Awesome Tips For A Smooth Move

Preparing for a move can seem like a daunting task. Are you feeling frazzled as the big day approaches, wondering if you're forgetting anything? Well, have no fear! Here's a checklist of five simple things you can do to ensure a smooth move for both you and the movers.  

Have your items ready

Some people opt to pay the movers to pack their things, but this is generally worked out ahead of time. It also costs more, so unless you want to spend an extra $25-$35 per hour, you'll want to take care of this yourself, ensuring that everything is packed up before the big day.

But this goes beyond simply packing the boxes. They need to be closed up, taped shut, and, if possible, moved to the room closest to the door the movers will be entering and exiting. If the boxes are stacked neatly against a wall, this is a bonus, allowing not only space to move freely but easier access to everything.

When this is done, it makes for a faster, smoother process, and it could even save you a little money, especially if you're paying by the hour.

Label the boxes correctly

This seems like a no brainer. But remember, you're labeling things for the movers, not just for you. Boxes that say "kitchen" and "living room" are pretty easy to figure out. But "Josh's room," not so much. There's no way for the movers to know who Josh is or where he's sleeping.

Instead, use color-coded tape, placing a strip of tape on the box with a matching piece of tape along the appropriate door frame. Or write specifics on the box, like "upstairs bedroom on right." Then communicate the system you're using with the movers so everyone's on the same page. Whatever system you use, be sure to label all four sides of the boxes as well as the top.

Want even more bonus points? Group the boxes together when you stack them along the wall. There's no guarantee that they'll stay together on the moving truck, but at least you've made it an option for the movers and simplified things as much as you can.

Make sure the truck has a place to park

If you're moving out of a building that utilizes street parking, you'll want to plan ahead here. The morning of—or the day before if you can swing it—be sure to save a spot on the street for the truck. This can be achieved by parking your own vehicles there until the movers arrive. Or if public parking is the only option, contact your local city hall and see if a parking spot can be reserved. Remember, most companies charge more money if they have to walk a long distance from the truck to your front door. So locking this down ahead of time can make the movers happy and save you money.

Stay out of the way

If you're the kind of person who always has to lend a helping hand, guess what? This is one occasion you're officially off the hook.

Once the movers show up and you've finalized all the plans, it's time to move out of the way and let them do their job. This is what you're paying them to do, and they generally have a system that works pretty well. Also, no matter what your motives for helping, you actually become a liability when you start shuffling things around. Moving companies have insurance that covers any damage caused by them or their employees but not the homeowners.

Tip the movers

This may be one of the last things you think about, and while the movers won't be hanging out afterwards waiting on it, you should consider giving a tip if they did a good job.

Fortunately, etiquette doesn't say you have to give as much as you would for other services; 5% total ought to do it. So if your move costs $800 and there were two movers, $20 each is sufficient to show your appreciation.

For more information and tips, contact a local moving company like Bell Moving & Storage

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