After weeks of segregating stuff to donate, sell, throw away, and take to your new home, the day has finally come for you to say adieu to your neighbours.
While this is both an exciting and a daunting period, before closing your main door for the last time, make sure the process will be as hassle-free as possible. Below is a complete guide on what you should do and not do on moving day to help make the transition to your new place seamless for everyone involved, including the professional movers you have hired – enjoy!
Do’s on Moving Day
Wake up earlier than usual
This is pivotal to ensure there are no last-minute panics or surprises prior to your movers arriving on time. Consider packing up food and other perishables items, toiletries and disposing of anything that spoils or melts during the trip to your new home.
Inspect all spaces inside and outside your home, including the attic, basement, garage, and driveway. Don’t forget to check storage spaces, cupboards, and wardrobes as well. This ensures no items are left behind. Consider your pets too if you have any animals. Are you ready to have them move?
Get all items packed and sent for loading.
Make the removal crew’s tasks a bit lighter by having everything packed and ready, so all they need to do when they get to your place is pick up your things then load these into their vehicle. This saves you money, particularly if the moving company charges you by the hour. This saves everyone time, too.
However, you can contact your movers to do the packing for you.
Label everything properly
As an alternative, colour code your boxes. Designate a particular colour for each room or section and assign the same colour codes to your boxes. You can use either coloured packing tapes or markers. Be sure to include a description of each box’s contents (e.g., children’s clothes, toys, books, bathroom essentials, etc.), so you will know which to unpack first.
Pack fragile items in separate boxes
Don’t mix breakables and delicate items with heavy items in the same package to prevent damage. Label the boxes “Fragile” or “This Side Up” in clear, visible letters, so movers take extra care when handling them. Furniture with loose parts should be similarly labelled as well.
Have an inventory list
To get rid of that nagging worry that something might be misplaced or get lost in transit, draw up an inventory list. Detail each item, big and small. Tick off your list as boxes, furniture, and other personal belongings are being hauled out of your old house and into your new home.
Make loading and unloading a breeze for movers
For movers to perform their job without a hitch, assign a spot in your old and new place where they can park their truck. If you live in a high-rise building, reserve the elevator for them. See to it that nothing gets in their path when loading and unloading items.
Consider travelling by car instead of public transport
However, whether your new place can be reached in only a few minutes or several hours, a car remains the smarter choice on moving day for obvious reasons. You get to your destination faster, and it is safer especially if you’re carrying jewellery and other valuables. It is also more comfortable when you have kids and pets in tow.
Offer food and drinks
Hauling items is a tough job, so a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. Prepare food or snacks and drinks for your movers, especially if the moving process takes hours to complete. Although they may turn down your offer in line with company policy or Covid-19 protocols, they are likely to appreciate your gesture.
Give your movers a tip
Tipping is not required but is customary and is always welcome. Increase the tip amount if you are pleased with their service.
Consider All Important Address Details
However, before you celebrate too early there are unfortunately a few other things you may need to take care of, that’s when a change of address checklist comes in handy when moving house.
Dont’s on Moving Day
Put valuables and other personal items in boxes
To keep your valuables, cash, and medicines safe, put them in a separate box and take them with you. This way, you don’t have to stress about their whereabouts. It can also prevent potential theft especially if your items are not insured.
Haggle
Price negotiations usually occur after you receive a quote from the moving firm and before you seal the deal. Any haggling done on moving day is considered rude and reflects disrespect to the moving team.
Let movers handle prohibited / fragile items
Hazardous materials, certain cleaning supplies, and some perishables are non-negotiables for movers.
Ask your moving company in advance so you know what not to include when packing and let the professionals handle heavy or fragile items.
Interfere with the movers’ job
Before you start instructing movers on how to deal with breakables, you may want to remind yourself why you have hired them in the first place. Professional movers are skilled at handling everything and have their way of doing things.
Cram everything into one box
Although it’s essential to maximize the space in a box, be careful not to overstuff it. Heavy boxes are difficult to load and unload. Besides, there is a huge chance for overpacked boxes to split, damaging their contents.
Bring in the cleaners
Avert potential chaos by scheduling cleaners after your move has concluded. Bringing them in on moving day makes it hard for movers to efficiently get your possessions out of the house, delaying your move.
Leave children and pets to run around the house
This allows you to focus on overseeing the move and your movers to finish their tasks smoothly without being interrupted.
Disregard your neighbours
Your neighbours, old and new, deserve some degree of courtesy. Time your move to reduce noise and disruption to their regular activities. It makes sense if you inform them of your moving day so they won’t be surprised if a truck or boxes of stuff block the sidewalk or hallway.
Moving can be an overwhelming experience, but there are many ways to transform it into a less stressful affair for everyone. For more tips check out our advice on how to prepare for a long-distance move.
More Helpful Articles On Moving From Emu-Articles
- First Items You should Unpack After Moving
- Moving With Family? 10 Ways to Make it Easier
