The day is finally here! Moving day! There’s a lot going on during moving day – packing last-minute items, loading, unloading, cleaning, walk-throughs, and setting up utilities are just some items on the moving day to-do list. Knowing what to expect on moving day can ease some of the anxiety and stress about the process of moving.
Before Moving Day
Before moving day even arrives, there are some moving day tips that you will be grateful for in the future. Organization helps the process of moving run smoothly. Have all your moving day details handy by designing a specific location for print documents and keeping digital information organized. The week of your move, confirm all your moving day details with your movers, family, and anyone else involved. Communication is a key element of a quality moving company, so they should be reaching out to confirm already. Double-check their arrival time and addresses.
Children and Pets
Make sure there is a plan for children and pets during the move. While older children can help carry their own stuff or may get a thrill from watching the moving truck, a babysitter is probably necessary for smaller children. Some pets may be able to stay in a closed-off area or yard during the move, while others may need to stay at a friend’s house for the day. If pets are around, keep a careful eye on opening and closing and propping open exterior doors.
Labeling
Having your boxes and even furniture labeled with what room they belong in makes unloading easier. Head on over to the new place before moving day and label the rooms. Having “Bedroom 1” or “Office” clearly on doorways makes getting the right items into the right rooms more efficient. There be less of “Where does this go?” from the movers and anyone else. ]
Utilities
No one enjoys dealing with utility companies, but disconnecting and reconnecting water, electricity, and internet for a move is essential. In the days of 5G and 4G, setting up home internet can wait, but having running water and lights on move-in day is critical.
Essentials
You’ll likely pack some last-minute items the morning of moving day – toothbrush, toiletries, the pajamas you wore last night, whatever you slept on. Most of these items should be packed in your essentials or first-night box. These are the items you’ll need first when you start unpacking.
Moving Day Timeline
The best moving day tip? Start early! Set your alarm so you’ll have time to prep for the day and finish any last-minute packing before the movers arrive. Grab some coffee and some breakfast (it’s important to fuel up for the day), and you’ll be ready to go. Make sure you dress for the day – comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty and closed-toe shoes.
Take a moment for a safety check. Ensure staircases, doorways, and steps are free of potential tripping hazards.
Once the Moving Team Arrives
When the movers arrive, provide a quick tour of the house and review how each room is labeled. Having some snacks, water, and sports drinks available for movers goes a long way to keep their energy up and to form a good relationship. Ensuring they have access to the bathroom also helps.
Remember, you hired the experts for a reason. While it’s natural to be anxious or tense when virtual strangers are carrying all of your belongings out of your home, be sure to give them space to work. You can stick around and be available for any questions or concerns that come up, but aim to stay out of the way of the professionals.
Once the house is empty, do a final cleaning, walkthrough, and inspection. This is especially important if you’re a renter looking to get back a security deposit. Double and triple-check every nook and cranny and every crevice to make sure nothing is left behind. If you feel like it, leave a note for the future residents, including your new addresses, for any mail that slips through your change of address notifications.
Unloading and Unpacking
Once you meet the truck at the new place, whether it’s the same day with a local move or multiple days later with an interstate move, it’s time to unload and get settled. Before any items are brought inside, show the moving crew around the new place. Point out which rooms are which and where you want some of the bulkier items and furniture. As items enter the new home, especially before you tear open any boxes, visually inspect boxes and items for any damage incurred during the move. Be sure to document any issues and alert the movers.
Start to unpack your essentials. Someone is going to need the bathroom basics, including toilet paper and soap, ready to use sooner rather than later. Unpacking the bedrooms and bathrooms first makes it more likely to have a comfortable first night’s sleep in your new home. Once your essentials are set, you can organize the rest of your belongings at your own pace. Not everything has to be done on day one.
Take a moment to breath and celebrate the day. Maybe order some delivery while you sort through boxes so you don’t need to organize the kitchen right away.
Moving Day Reminders
Moving is hard and stressful work. Remember to remain flexible and prepare for the day not to be completely perfect. Keep your and the movers’ energy up and stay hydrated. Be prepared for the weather—extremely hot, cold, or rainy days can make for miserable moves. Maybe keep your raincoat out of your wardrobe box.
Communication is critical on a moving day. Keep your phone with you, with the volume up. Having a charger accessible ensures you don’t lose communication with your team. Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated.
Expert Movers in Chicago
Expert Movers, Inc. works to take as much stress as we can out of the process of moving. We know what to expect on moving day and how to make it a smooth process for everyone. Expert is the premier choice for your move in and around Chicago or across Illinois. With our professionalism, expertise, and stress-free approach, we ensure that your move is executed seamlessly.
