Knowing how to prepare for movers will not only help you have a less stressful relocation experience but also speed up the process. With a list of things you need to do, the whole preparation will seem like a breeze. So, brace yourselves – the professionals are coming.
Moving state-to-state can be extremely nerve-racking – we all know that, but what can you do to make it bearable? Preparing for movers is one of the most important things on that list. Before you start saying bye to friends and family and learning all the benefits of moving, take some time to figure out how to prepare your home for movers. The professionals will be thankful, and you’ll have the smoothest interstate move ever.
#1 How to Prepare for Movers? Start by Making a Plan of Which Items Stay and Which Should Be Gone
One of the crucial things to do when relocating to a new state is to sort through your stuff and decide what to get rid of. Knowing how to downsize for a move is a skill you should master in order to spend less time and effort packing unnecessary items and spending money on packing materials. Even if you’re relocating last-minute, try to find some time for decluttering. It’s the main answer to the question of how to move efficiently.
Learning How to Prepare for Movers Also Means Knowing What Can’t Be Moved
Aside from unnecessary stuff, you should also shorten your inventory list by leaving behind all the items movers won’t move. There are regulations that every cross-country moving company has to follow, and they forbid certain materials from interstate moving trucks. That includes anything flammable, corrosive, or explosive. Before you get packing services, exclude the following from your checklist for relocating to another state:
- Power equipment that contains fuel,
- Perishables,
- Live plants,
- Any kind of chemicals,
- Paint,
- Fertilizers.
If you’re having a dilemma about a specific item, it’s best to contact your state-to-state movers and consult them. This will help you avoid any possible unpleasant surprises. Remember, some materials can’t be moved even if you tip the movers generously.
What Can You Do With Unnecessary Stuff Before Moving Interstate?
Once you single out all the items that you don’t find essential, it’s time to learn how to have a successful garage sale. You can also donate everything to a local charity or sell stuff online. Pay attention to the condition of the objects – only well-preserved items can be sold and donated. Everything else is, well, for the trash.
#2 What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Movers? After Decluttering Comes Cleaning
Now that you’ve cleared your place from all the clutter, it’s perfect timing for some dusting and washing. This will make everything more comfortable for both you and the team of professionals coming to your home. Imagine moving furniture to roll up your rug and finding a piece of a sticky old Snickers wrapper… Gross, right?
To avoid that scenario, make sure you vacuum the whole place, dust the shelves, and wash all the clothes and linens you’re taking with you. It will also make unpacking after the move easier because you won’t have to wash everything while still tired from the trip and all the loading and unloading. Also, you should leave your home clean for the next tenant, no matter what your reasons to move are. After all, it’s one of the essential tasks when preparing your home for sale.
#3 Figuring Out How to Prepare for Movers to Pack
Are you wondering should I pack before movers come? The answer is – absolutely.
Here’s the timeline:
Create a pack and no-pack zone
The process of packaging every single item you own easily creates chaos in your home. The only way to dodge that bullet is to clear out one room or corner and to name it “The Packing Zone”. There, you can keep all the packed boxes and you won’t have to skip the half-packed ones lying around.
Buy quality packing materials
If you wish to have a safe and secure relocation, it might be best to give up on getting free moving boxes and to invest in some quality materials. That might not be the cheapest way to move out of state, but you also won’t have to lose your mind thinking whether a used box can keep your belongings safe during transportation.
Create an inventory list
Wondering how to organize your move? It can’t be done without a good inventory list. Now that you have a definitive idea of what you’re taking with you to one of the best cities in America to raise a family or perhaps the best beach towns to live in, the next step is to create a detailed inventory list.
Pack all the stuff you don’t use every day
This includes your off-season clothes or some pots and pans that aren’t needed for everyday cooking. Start with the stuff in your storage areas such as the attic, garage, and basement.
Learn some packing tips
The most common scenario with professionals is that their team packs all the bigger items, while the client packs all the smaller possessions. If you’re moving out for the first time and have no experience, check out some handy tips on how to pack fragile items, or, for example, how to pack shoes for moving.
Don’t overpack the boxes
Overpacking can lead to only one thing – the cardboard ripping out and your possessions falling apart. Heavy stuff should be packed in smaller packages that are padded with some soft materials, and they mustn’t be overfilled. On the other hand, lighter and non-breakable possessions like clothes and pillows can be placed in big boxes or even plastic bags.
Keep all the valuables and important documents with you
One of the answers to what do movers hate is when a client frantically starts ripping out packed boxes and sealed suitcases to find their important documents or some other valuable thing. Keep your passport, driver’s license, ID card, jewelry, cash, insurance policies, and anything else that you find valuable with you at all times. Learn how to organize important documents at home and don’t let them out of sight. Relocating is a mess, and it’s easy to lose track of your belongings, so make sure you’re one step ahead.
Label every box
Labeling is another essential part of having an organized and successful relocation. Create a system you like and mark each packed box with a correct label. You can color-code them, write numbers that denote in which room they should go once you arrive at your new home, and so on. Also, when you wrap something fragile, label the box accordingly. That way, the crew will know how to handle the package. When you do all of that, professionals will have everything they need to move fast and pack the big items efficiently.
#4 An Essential Part of Knowing How to Prepare for Professional Movers Is to Protect Your Home
Before the relocation team comes to your place, be sure that all the floors and corners are protected. You can do that by placing large towels or blankets in the entryway, hallway, and doorsteps. This is especially relevant if you have hardwood floors. Another important thing is to check the weather for the relocation day and to see if there’s going to be any rain, snow, or ice. If so, make sure that the crew has a clear path without any slippery or muddy parts.
#5 Get a Parking Permit and Reserve the Elevator for the Moving Day
In case you live in a building, the luxury of having a free driveway probably won’t be the case. That’s why you should check the specific regulations for the city you live in and get a parking permit for the relocation truck. The same applies to reserving the elevator. Get in touch with your building management and let them know that you plan on relocating and you’re expecting a team of professionals to arrive. Both of these tasks should be done in advance, so ensure you have the permits at least a week ahead of the big day.
#6 Kids and Pets Should Be With a Sitter
Are you relocating with pets or are your children moving with you? In that case, it would be best for them to stay with a sitter while the professionals are working. Since you won’t have time to pay attention to your little ones or your furry friends, the safest option is for them to spend the relocation day somewhere nearby. It will lower the stress level for everyone, and you will know that they’re safe.
#7 Get Your Car Ready for Shipping
If you’re planning on getting auto transport along with moving services, it would be very useful to learn to prepare a car for shipping. That includes washing, checking the tires and the amount of gas in the vehicle, and such. You can also have it checked at a local car shop just in case. Remove all of your possessions before the car is loaded on the trailer and check once again that you have all the necessary documentation with you.
#8 Know That Professionals Can Do Even More for You
A reputable and professional relocation company is not there just to transport your stuff – if you want, ask them to get some additional services. You can use their storage unit or ask them for custom crating for some delicate and valuable objects such as musical instruments or antiques. Once you get in touch with a relocation specialist, don’t hesitate to ask them for all the options that they offer and all the benefits you’ll have as their new customer. Every professional company will ensure that you feel comfortable and safe while working with them and they will handle everything that you can’t on your own.
