10 Things You Should Do With Your New Home Before Movers Arrive

As you prepare for moving day and finish tasks at your soon-to-be former home, you’ll also have tasks to put on your checklist for your new home. Before the movers arrive at your new place with your belongings, the following are ten things to do.

1. Turn on Utilities

Before moving day, double-check to ensure your electricity and water are on. You’ll face challenges when settling in if your utilities aren’t working on or before moving day.

2. Reserve Parking

Parking may be at a premium in some HOAs, apartment complexes, or other communities. Scout out the parking situation at your new place and, if necessary, reserve a parking spot for your movers. This makes carrying boxes and large items much easier for your moving crew.

3. Reserve an Elevator

If applicable, reserve a block of time for the elevator if your new home is on an upper floor in an apartment building or condo complex.

4. Find Out the HOA or Apartment Complex’s Rules

Communities sometimes require a moving permit for large vehicles. Before moving day, ask your landlord, HOA, or apartment building manager about permit requirements.

5. Warn Movers About Obstacles

While you can clear many obstacles yourself, there will likely be a few obstacles you can’t do anything about. Let your movers know about any peculiarities or challenges they might face.

• Small doorways
• Stairs
• Narrow streets
• Parking on hills or curves
• Time restrictions for parking or elevator use

Think about conditions potentially delaying or preventing your mover from completing their jobs. If you identify anything, let them know ahead of time. This way, they can plan accordingly for vehicles, tools, and other equipment.

6. Do a Deep Cleaning

If you can access your new home before the movers arrive, schedule time to do a deep cleaning.

• Disinfect bathrooms and kitchens
• Vacuum carpets
• Mop floors
• Wipe down cabinets, closets, and other storage areas

This makes it easier to bring in your things without worrying about simultaneously cleaning as you unpack.

7. Clear Indoor and Outdoor Potential Hazards

If you have access to your new home before moving day and plan to take items over, have clear paths in hallways and rooms before the movers arrive. Look over the paths from the door to the driveway or roadway. Clear any debris from the walkways, such as leaves, branches, rocks, flower pots, or other potential trip hazards.

8. Measure Doorways and Rooms

Measure all doorways and rooms to determine where large items will go. It would be unfortunate that the movers could not bring your belongings inside due to size constraints. The last thing you want is for your movers to spend extra time figuring things out or disassembling items. (This puts them behind schedule and possibly costs extra money.)

9. Protect Your Floors

Cover floors and carpets with old sheets, blankets, or tarps to protect your floors, especially if it’s wet or muddy outside.

10. Miscellaneous

• Put your first night box and paperwork in your vehicle
• Prepare a bathroom for movers to use
• Keep water on hand for you and your movers

Moving Made Easy

Preparing your new home before the movers arrive helps facilitate the process. If you’re ready to begin planning, contact us for a free quote.