How to Prepare for Your Move: Practical Tips That Save Time, Money, and Stress

Moving day goes much smoother when customers are prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, a little preparation can save time, reduce stress, and even lower your moving costs. Here are some practical, real-world tips our team shares with customers to help moving day go as smoothly as possible.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before packing begins, take time to:

• Donate items you no longer use
• Sell or give away furniture you don’t want to take with you
• Discard broken or unnecessary items
• Every item you remove ahead of time means less to pack, less to load, and less to unload, which can directly reduce the time required on moving day.

Food is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a move.

Before packing:

• Use up or donate unopened pantry items
• Discard expired or open food
• Avoid moving liquids that can spill or spoil

Moving food you don’t plan to keep often creates more hassle than it’s worth.

Trash bags may seem convenient, but they’re inefficient for moving:

• They rip easily
• They don’t stack well in the truck
• They slow down loading and unloading

Boxes stack securely, protect contents better, and allow movers to work efficiently. Clothes can be packed in boxes just like other household items, and it makes a big difference.

Loose items slow down the entire move. When movers have to hand-carry individual items:

• It takes more steps
• It takes more time
• It increases your overall moving cost

Everything possible should be packed into boxes or properly prepared for transport.

Partially filled or unsealed boxes:

• Collapse under weight
• Shift during transport
• Slow down loading

Fill boxes completely and seal them with tape. This helps movers stack safely and efficiently inside the truck.

For safety reasons, moving trucks cannot transport:

• Flammable liquids
• Explosives or ammunition
• Hazardous chemicals

Dispose of these items properly before moving day or plan on moving those in your vehicle to avoid delays.

Garages are often packed last or forgotten entirely.

Before moving day:

• Box up small garage items
• Clearly separate items that are staying vs. moving
• Make sure everything is accessible

This helps prevent surprises late in the move.

If you’re looking to reduce moving time:

• Stage packed boxes near entrances
• Use the garage as a staging area when possible

Fewer steps = less time = lower cost when being charged by the hour.

Preparation is one of the biggest factors in a smooth move. A well-packed, organized home allows movers to work efficiently and helps avoid unnecessary stress on moving day.

If you’re unsure how to prepare or would like professional packing assistance, our team is always happy to help guide you through the process.