What To Do Before The Movers Come

So, what do you do before the movers arrive, and how do you prepare for the moving day? From packing up your belongings to arranging suitable parking for the removal van, there are several crucial tasks to tackle. But what about the often overlooked details? What about the pets, the fish tank, and the neighbours?

Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to a stress-free moving experience.

Before The Movers Arrive You Have To Pack And Label All Boxes

If you are responsible for the packing, it is essential to ensure that all boxes are properly packed and labeled before the movers arrive. Properly packed boxes not only protect your belongings during transportation but also make it easier for the movers to handle and load them onto the moving truck.

Labeling each box accurately is equally important. Clearly mark the contents and the room it belongs to on the outside of the box. This will help the movers know where to place each box in your new home and make unpacking much more efficient. Additionally, consider using color-coded labels or a numbering system to further categorize and organize your boxes.

Remember to keep a detailed inventory list of all your packed boxes. This will be useful for cross-checking during the unpacking process and will help you identify any missing items. By ensuring that all boxes are properly packed and labeled, you can minimize the risk of damage, save time during unpacking, and have a hassle-free moving experience.

Should I Wrap My Furniture Before The Movers Come?

Yes, you should wrap your furniture before the movers come. Wrapping helps protect your furniture from getting scratched, dirty, or damaged during the move. It also makes it easier for the movers to carry and load your things safely.

You can always leave the wrapping part for the removal men as they will bring professional moving blankets and wrapping paper, but doing it yourself will give that extra safety layer.

Secure Nearby Parking For The Removal  Vehicles

Have you made arrangements for suitable and convenient parking? Did you ask the moving company about their removal van size? This is an important aspect to consider when preparing for the arrival of movers. Proper parking ensures a smooth and efficient moving process, minimizing any delays or complications. If the street where you live is busy or has regulated parking spaces, contact your local council a minimum 3 or 4 weeks in advance to check if you can reserve parking spaces. Each council has different periods to suspend parking, so don`t leave this for the last moment.

Create An Inventory Of All Belongings

A detailed moving inventory list is essential for an organized and efficient house move.

Why it matters:

📦 Track Your Belongings: Listing each item and its estimated value helps you monitor what’s packed, making it easier to spot missing or damaged items.
📋 Support Claims: A documented inventory speeds up insurance claims in case of loss or damage.
🛠️ Helps Your Movers: Sharing your inventory with the removal company helps them plan for manpower, packing materials, and logistics.
💷 Accurate Quotes: Including values allows movers to provide more precise estimates, avoiding misunderstandings later.

Tip: Keep a digital and printed copy, and share it with your movers before the big day.

Check also: How to move furniture on carpets?

Take Photos Of All Furniture And The Property

Capturing detailed photographs of all furniture and your property is an essential step in preparing for the arrival of movers. These photographs serve as a visual record of the condition of your belongings before they are packed and moved. By following this simple step, you can protect yourself from any potential disputes or claims for damages that may arise during the moving process.

Here are three reasons why taking photos is crucial:

Documentation: Photographs provide concrete evidence of the condition of your furniture and property. In case any damage occurs during the move, you will have visual proof to support your claim and ensure fair compensation.

Organization: By taking photos, you can create a visual inventory of your belongings, which will help you stay organized throughout the moving process. You can categorize the photos by room or by specific items, making it easier to track and identify your possessions.

Peace of mind: Knowing that you have photographic evidence of your belongings can bring peace of mind during the stressful moving period. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you can refer back to the photos and have confidence in resolving any issues.

Disconnect Your Fridge And All Electronics Before The Moving Company Arrive

It’s important to disconnect all electronics before the moving company arrives. This prevents any potential damage and ensures everything is ready for safe transport. Make sure to unplug, defrost, and secure your fridge, and carefully disconnect and pack your electronics in advance. Transporting your fridge with ice inside can cause internal damage.

Hire a Pet Sitter If You Have Dogs Or Cats

Engaging the services of a professional pet sitter is crucial when you have dogs or cats during the moving process. Moving can be a stressful and chaotic time, and having someone to care for your pets can help alleviate some of that stress and ensure their safety and well-being. Hiring a pet sitter allows you to focus on the logistics of the move while knowing that your furry friends are in good hands.

When choosing a pet sitter, it is important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about caring for animals. They should have a genuine love for pets and be familiar with the specific needs of dogs or cats. Additionally, they should be reliable and trustworthy, as you will be entrusting them with the care of your beloved pets.

During the moving process, there may be a lot of noise, unfamiliar faces, and open doors, which can be overwhelming for pets. A pet sitter can help minimize the stress by providing a calm and familiar environment for your dogs or cats. They can also ensure that your pets are kept away from any potential hazards, such as open boxes or busy movers.

Check also: Moving to a small town expectations

Empty The Fish Tank Before The Removal Company Arrive

Check also: What size van do I need for my stuff?

Hire a Babysitter Before The Movers Arrive

Hiring a qualified babysitter during your move helps ensure a smoother, safer, and more stress-free experience for everyone involved.

Why it’s important:

🛡️ Safety First: Movers will be lifting heavy items and navigating tight spaces—keeping children out of the way prevents accidents.
🎯 Focus: With a sitter handling naps, meals, and playtime, you can concentrate fully on coordinating the move.
😊 Less Stress: Children are less likely to feel overwhelmed or anxious when cared for in a calm, familiar setting.

Tip: Book your babysitter in advance and provide a quiet space away from the action to keep things calm and controlled.

Check also: Moving Out For The First Time

Secure Your Valuables

For peace of mind, always pack and transport small valuable items—like jewellery, watches, cash, and passports—personally.

Why this matters:

💎 These items are often irreplaceable, both financially and sentimentally.
🚗 Keeping them with you avoids the risk of loss, theft, or accidental misplacement during the move.

Quick tips:

• Use a clearly labeled bag or box just for valuables.

• Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap or soft cloth for protection.

• Store documents like passports in a secure, easy-to-access folder and keep them on you at all times.

Inform Your Neighbours

Before the movers come, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors know about the move to keep everything smooth and easy. Telling them in advance can help avoid any problems, like blocked driveways or noise. You can give them a friendly note with the moving date, time, and any parking changes they should know about. This way, your neighbors can plan ahead and feel good knowing you care about their day too.

Clean The Furniture To Prevent The Transfer Of Dirt To The New Home

Ensure your furniture is clean before the move to maintain its appearance and prevent dirt and allergens from transferring to your new home. Dust furniture thoroughly, paying attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas. Use gentle cleaners for wooden pieces and vacuum upholstered furniture, targeting stains according to manufacturer instructions. Clean removable fabric covers separately to prevent damage.

Check also: Should I Get Packing Service?

Ensure Refreshments For Your Loved Ones And The Movers

Moving day is physically demanding, so it’s essential to keep both your family and movers well-fed and hydrated.

Why it matters:

🍎 Boosts morale: A quick snack or cup of tea shows appreciation and helps create a more positive atmosphere.
🥪 Maintains energy: Easy-to-eat foods like fruit, sandwiches, and granola bars keep everyone going without long breaks.
💧 Prevents dehydration: Offer bottled water, tea, or coffee—especially on hot or long moving days.

Pro tip: Set up a small refreshment station away from the moving path for easy access without causing congestion.

Have Cash In Hand For Tips

Tipping your movers is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their hard work and professionalism. Having cash on hand makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Why it matters:

✅ Convenience: No need for last-minute ATM runs or searching for change.
🕒 Timeliness: You can tip promptly once the job is done, allowing the team to move on without delay.
👍 Recognition: A cash tip is a simple yet meaningful way to thank movers for excellent service.

Tip: £10–£20 per mover is common for a local move, depending on job complexity and service quality.

Do Removal Men Expect You To Help During The Move?

Removal men usually don’t expect you to help during the move since it’s their job to handle the heavy lifting and packing. However, being available to answer questions and guide them can be helpful. It’s best to let them do their work while you focus on other important tasks.

✅ Ready to Move Home? Compare Local Movers Near You!

At Book House Removals, we help you get up to 4 free quotes from trusted removal companies in your area. Whether you’re moving across the street or across London, we’ve got the right local team for you.

👉 Get your FREE moving quotes now – fast, easy, and no obligation.

If you believe this can help someone else, please share it. Thank you.