FAQs About Moving Day
How do I prepare for Moving Day?
A representative of the moving company should contact you at least 24 hours prior to Moving Day to let you know time of arrival. Be sure to share any changes that have taken place that may affect them. (E.g. The street in front of your home is under construction, preventing a large moving truck from getting near the house. Or a family emergency took you away from packing and you haven’t been able to finish. Your mover can send professional packers to complete the job for you.)
By Moving Day, remove anything from the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your belongings. Take doors off the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through. Remove throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause someone to trip or slip. Have water, juice or soda on hand, especially on a hot day. Your crew will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.
What should I wear on Moving Day?
Moving Day will be long and busy, so dress for comfort. Professional movers wear clothing that’s roomy but not baggy. They also wear tough fabrics that stand up to abrasion and other rough treatment.
Jeans are ideal, but pick ones with extra room for freedom of movement. Stretchy fabrics are also comfortable, and pockets are good for keeping small, valuable items safe. If your ID/wallet is in your pocket, you know where it is at all times and don’t need to worry.
Moving can be dusty and dirty. Choose darker shades and less expensive clothes. If you’re handling your own move, take a change of clothes with you. That way you won’t have to spend the whole day sweaty and dusty.
If you have heavy boots, wear them. Boxes get dropped and thick boots will protect your toes from injury. Avoid sandals and anything with an open toe.
While warmer clothing may make you sweaty if you’re going to be packing things and moving boxes and furniture, remember to leave a sweater or jacket unpacked. After a long and exhausting day, being cold is the last thing you want. (No matter how organized you are, you’ll never be able to find the box with your warm clothing in it.)
Can I just leave things in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
No. All items should be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage.
What should I do with jewelry and other valuable items?
Items of extraordinary value (jewelry, money, antiques, collections) can be included in your move, but you need to notify your moving company about them BEFORE Moving Day. Each mover has a slightly different procedure for handling high value items. Make sure that you clearly understand the procedure prior to Moving Day. You may feel more comfortable taking irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or making other arrangements for their transport.
How do I prepare appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. You or your moving company will have to contact the local service providers that handle these services.
How much should I tip the movers?
Most movers will not pressure you for a tip, but if you’re happy with the service you received, a $5 tip per worker/per hour is a reasonable sum. Usually, you’ll see that movers work extremely hard, and it’s a nice gesture to acknowledge the efforts that they have made to ensure your move is a success.