How to Prepare for Movers

Q: What should I do the night before movers arrive?

Finish packing all remaining items, label every box with its destination room, disassemble beds and large furniture if possible, empty and defrost the refrigerator, set aside a bag of essentials you will need immediately (medications, phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes), and confirm the parking plan for the moving truck.

Q: Should I empty dresser drawers before movers come?

It depends on the dresser. Lightweight items like clothing can usually stay in the drawers if the dresser is sturdy and has a solid back. Heavy items like books should always be removed. When in doubt, empty the drawers — it makes the dresser lighter and safer to carry.

Q: Do I need to be home when the movers are there?

Yes. Someone should be present at both the pickup and delivery locations to direct the crew, answer questions, and confirm that everything has been loaded or unloaded. If you cannot be there, designate a trusted person to act on your behalf.

Why Preparation Matters

The number one thing that makes a move go slower (and cost more) is not being ready when the crew arrives. Every minute the movers spend waiting for you to finish packing, disassembling furniture, or clearing a path is a minute on the clock. A well-prepared home can cut your move time by 20-30%.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do — and when — so moving day goes as smoothly as possible. For a printable timeline, also check our moving day checklist.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

Start packing non-essential rooms (guest room, storage areas, garage)

Order packing supplies — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers

Notify your utility companies, post office, and subscriptions of your address change

Confirm your moving date and arrival time with your mover

Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need

Arrange parking for the moving truck at both locations

One Week Before Moving Day

Pack most rooms — leave out only daily essentials

Label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents

Disassemble beds, desks, and shelving units (keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture)

Empty and defrost the refrigerator and freezer

Back up important files and photos from your computer

Confirm elevator reservation if moving to or from an apartment building

Prepare a box of essentials: medications, phone chargers, toiletries, snacks, important documents

The Night Before

Finish packing all remaining items — nothing should be unpacked when the crew arrives

Set aside your essentials box and anything riding in your car (valuables, pets, plants)

Charge your phone — you will need it for communicating with the crew

Do a final walk-through to make sure nothing is forgotten in closets, cabinets, or the attic

Get a good night of sleep — moving day is physical and mentally demanding

Moving Day Morning

Clear a path from every room to the front door — move rugs, shoes, and obstacles

Protect hardwood floors with old towels or cardboard in high-traffic areas

Keep children and pets in a safe room or with a friend or neighbor

Be available to direct the crew — tell them which rooms to prioritize and where things go at the new place

Do a final sweep of all rooms, closets, and storage areas before leaving

What NOT to Pack for the Movers

Keep These With You

• Medications and prescriptions
• Important documents (IDs, passports, deeds, financial records)
• Jewelry and irreplaceable valuables
• Cash, credit cards, and checkbooks
• Laptops and external hard drives
• Car keys, house keys (old and new)
• Perishable food and open liquids
• Hazardous materials (propane tanks, paints, chemicals)

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do the night before movers arrive?

Finish packing, label every box, disassemble large furniture, defrost the fridge, set aside an essentials bag, and confirm truck parking.

Should I empty dresser drawers before movers come?

Lightweight clothing can stay if the dresser is sturdy. Heavy items like books should always be removed. When in doubt, empty the drawers.

Do I need to be home when the movers are there?

Yes. Someone should be present at both locations to direct the crew and confirm everything is loaded or unloaded.

Ready to Book Your Move?

Now that you know how to prepare, let us handle the heavy lifting.

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