Tips for Moving Day Every Mover Should Know

Moving Day

You’ve waited months for moving day to arrive, working hard to make sure you, your family, your pets, and your belongings are ready for the big move.

With all of the preparations and various people involved, it’s easy for moving day to become chaotic.

Our moving companies in Connecticut are here to help you make your relocation easier! We want you to feel more prepared on move day. To ensure that you and your family have a safe, simple, and smooth moving day, here are some moving tips that every mover should keep in mind.

Once you’ve completed these steps you’ll be on your way to a stress-free move.

 

 

Make Plans For Pets And Young Children

The last thing you want on the first day in your new home is to be wandering around the neighborhood looking for your dog who ran outside during the move. If possible, make arrangements for pets to stay with friends or family for moving day to simplify your responsibilities.

If you need to bring your pets along, it’s a good idea to put them in a “playroom” with their toys, water bowl, etc. while you have the door to the house open. Not only will it stop them from running out, but it will also prevent the movers from tripping over them while they carry your sofa.

 

Don’t Be A Hero (Get Help On Move Day)

It’s our tendency to want to do a job ourselves. But, when it comes to moving, that philosophy can lead to an injured back and a damper on your plans.

When it comes to moving large and heavy objects in and out of the house, make sure you have at least one other person ready to lift with you. Or better yet, hire local moving help from Collegian Movers.

 

Stack From Heaviest To Lightest

It may seem obvious, but in the confusion of a move, it can be easy to pack your boxes in a less-than-ideal way.

Try to focus on the weight of each item as you pack. You don’t want heavy items at the top of the box, as it may crush or break the items at the bottom of the box.

The same goes for stacking boxes once they are packed. Place the heaviest of the boxes on the bottom of the stack. It is also a good idea to label them as "Heavy", so the movers know to load these items into the truck first.

 

 

 

Take Your Time When Packing

As tempting as it may be, you don’t have to finish everything in one day. It is best to start packing up your home early. Buy the packing materials and boxes you need, so you have everything on hand. Then work on packing a few boxes each day. It is a big job to pack up a home, so give yourself enough time. Also, try to get rid of as much as you can through donations, garage sales, or the trash. Moving less will make the job easier and getting rid of your clutter will make you feel more organized.

 

Get Creative

Are you running low on boxes? Want a greener option? Then, think about the boxes you may already have on hand. These include suitcases, storage totes, laundry hampers, decorative baskets, backpacks, purses, or even storage furniture like an ottoman. Just because it isn't labeled as a box, doesn't mean it can't be used to consolidate your items when moving. Plus, you will be saving a few trees and a few dollars, by going green and not wasting another cardboard box.

 

Important Documents & High-Value Items Should Be Packed Separately From Your Household Goods

It is a best practice to pre-pack high-value items, like jewelry, antiques, and important documents like your driver’s license, social security cards, passports, money (including coin collections), checks, wallet, purse, contracts, and birth certificates separately. Once you’ve packed them, you should then keep them in a safe place. We recommend either keeping them with you or placing them in your car, prior to moving day.  Additionally, these items should be moved by you, and not moved with the rest of your household goods. This separation helps to avoid damage and helps them from getting lost during the moving process.

Additionally, you should clearly label the boxes, so you can easily identify them. If you accidentally place your important belongings into an unmarked box, you’ll have a difficult time trying to locate them when you need them.

 

Pack An Overnight Bag With Items You Use Every Day

Pack an overnight bag for moving day with personal items you may need the night of the move and for the next morning. Be sure to have one bag packed for each family member and for your pets.

Things to remember to pack include:

• Medications
• Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, make-up, baby care items, toilet paper)
• Clothing (Pajamas & Clothes for the next day)
• Pillows, Blankets, Sheets
• Shower Curtain
• Electronics (Cell Phone, Chargers & Bluetooth Speaker)
• Snacks & Water
• Paper plates, plastic cutlery, and a corkscrew

With long-distance moves or local moving often comes a bit of confusion and exhaustion. So, this pre-packed travel bag of your necessary things should be kept with you and moved to a secure location before the move day begins. We know from experience that you don’t want to spend the last hour, before you go to bed, searching through boxes for your toothbrush or clean bedsheets. Preparation is the key to a stress-free first night in your new home.
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Have An Emergency Plan

If you take precautions, you most likely won’t have to worry about emergencies. However, accidents do happen and it’s best to be prepared for them when they do. If you or a family member requires medication, make sure it’s handy and that everyone knows where it is. Be sure to keep medications with you and not to pack them in a box where they may be hard to find at the new location.

Similarly, label your first aid kit and keep it with your necessities during the move.

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Always Do a Final Walkthrough

Before the moving truck leaves for the new location, do a final walkthrough of your home before you leave. It is your responsibility to check that nothing is left behind. So, always go through each room of your home for one last look before you leave the home for good. Be sure to check the basement, garage, patio, and attic too.

Plus, check your closets, pantries, storage spaces, and cabinets. You know your house best and the movers may have missed something. It will give you peace of mind to know that everything made it to the truck on move day. If you can’t find something when you are at your new location, at least you’ll know it wasn’t left behind on move day, and that you should continue to unpack.

If you follow these tips, your moving day should be a simple and safe process and you’ll be enjoying your new home in no time.

 

 

 

For more advice and help for your upcoming move, check out our Ultimate Moving Checklist, to make your move as smooth as possible. Our Connecticut movers are excited to move you into your new home!