No matter how long you’ve been planning or packing, when moving day finally arrives, the excitement (and stress) can hit hard. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with all the things you need to do. In fact, you might have some of these common questions:
- Besides packing, what can I do to prepare for moving day?
- What should I expect from my moving crew?
- How can I reduce my stress on moving day?
Sound familiar? Thankfully, with the right preparation, you can make the day run as smoothly as possible.
At National Van Lines, with nearly 100 years of experience in the moving industry, we’ve helped countless families and businesses navigate this exciting yet often stressful day. Our professional team knows exactly what it takes to get you settled in your new home, and we’re here to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
By the end of this article you will know:
- How to properly and proactively prepare for moving day
- The kinds of things you can expect on moving day itself
- How to manage any moving day jitters you might have
How to Prepare for Moving Day
Part of reducing the stress of a move, and ensuring it goes as smoothly as possible, is by being fully prepared. By being proactive about how you plan for the day, you can avoid headaches as you’re on your way to your new home.
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Label Everything
Proper labeling is one of the most helpful things you can do to make your move easier. When packing, clearly label each box with its proper room (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Living Room”) and include a brief description of the contents. This will save you time when unpacking and help the movers know exactly where each box should go.
For extra organization, consider using color-coded labels or markers to distinguish between rooms quickly. marking fragile or valuable items with a “fragile” sticker will ensure extra care is taken during the loading and unloading process.
Finally, keep in mind that some home improvement stores (like Home Depot or Lowes) sell boxes that provide lines and boxes to clearly mark what box is going where. In short, you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to quickly and clearly organizing your stuff.
2. Pack an Essentials Bag
When moving day arrives, it’s easy to forget the little things you’ll need right away. Pack a separate bag or box with essential items that you’ll need throughout the day, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and any medications you take regularly.
Don’t forget chargers for your devices, snacks to keep your energy up, and important documents, such as contracts or identification. This “essentials bag” should stay with you throughout the move, so you don’t have to sift through boxes later to find the things you need.
3. Take Inventory of Your Belongings
Before the movers arrive, it’s a good idea to create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help ensure that everything makes it to your new home, and will serve as a reference if you need to file a claim later on.
Go through each room, write down the items being moved, and check them off as they are loaded onto the truck. This list will also be helpful for insurance purposes, especially if you’re moving valuable or fragile items.
4. Confirm the Details with Your Moving Company
Double-checking the details with your moving company in advance can help avoid any surprises on moving day. Confirm the arrival time of your movers, and make sure they have the correct address and directions to your new home.
If you have any special requests— like moving specific items in a certain way— this is the time to communicate those as well. Don’t forget to ask about payment terms and what forms of payment are accepted, so you’re prepared when it’s time to settle up.
What to Expect on Moving Day
Moving day tends to be a swirl of to-dos and moving around, which can seem stressful. But, understanding what to expect can help you stay calm and organized. Here’s a breakdown of the typical stages of the day, so you know exactly what’s coming up:
1. Before the Movers Arrive
Before the movers get to your home, take a few steps to ensure everything is ready.
- Make sure all your packed boxes are clearly labeled and easily accessible. This helps movers get straight to work without delays. If you’ve been proactive about your packing process, this should just be a quick spot check of your boxes to ensure nothing is missing a label.
- If you have large furniture or items that will need extra attention, clear pathways will be needed to make it easier for the crew to navigate. This will save time and minimize any chances of accidental damage to your belongings or your home.
- Set aside your essentials bag in an easy-to-reach spot. Remember how we recommended you pack all the things you’ll need quick access to in your own bag? Don’t let that bag get buried amongst your boxes! Keep it separate from the rest of the items that are being officially loaded onto the truck.
2. During Loading
When the movers arrive, they’ll begin loading your belongings onto the truck. It’s normal for this process to take a few hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of items being moved. Be prepared for some back-and-forth, especially if you have large or fragile items that require extra care.
While the movers are busy loading, it’s important to stay available in case they have any questions. They may need clarification on the handling of fragile items, or where exactly to place certain boxes or furniture. However, it’s also helpful to stay out of the way so the movers can work efficiently. You can offer them directions, but allow them to handle the loading process with minimal interruption.
3. Traveling to Your New Home
Once everything’s packed and secured, your movers will head to your new home. Depending on the distance between locations, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to several days (especially if you’re doing a long distance or interstate move). If you’re moving locally, this might be a quick drive, but for long distance moves, you’ll want to make sure your new home is fully prepared for the move-in process.
Double-check that your utilities are activated and that everything is set for your arrival. Whether it’s turning on the electricity or confirming that your internet will be ready, make sure you’ve taken care of the basics ahead of time. Additionally, plan ahead for the unloading process by thinking about where you’d like furniture placed in your new home. This will save time when the movers arrive.
4. Unloading and Settling In
When you arrive at your new home, the movers will begin unloading your belongings. It’s helpful to have clear instructions for where each box or piece of furniture should go— this can speed up the process significantly. If you haven’t already, let the movers know which rooms to place larger items.
If possible, try to focus on one room at a time. This can help keep things organized as you settle in. It’s also a good idea to supervise fragile items to ensure that they’re placed safely and without being mishandled. Once the truck is unloaded and everything’s in the right place, you can start the unpacking process and get comfortable in your new space. And finally, take your time! By doing the proper work now, you’ll have an organized home from square one.
Managing Stress on Moving Day
No matter how excited you might be about your moving journey, it’s completely normal— and even expected— that you might encounter some stress along the way. While you can plan and prepare as much as possible, we’ve got a few tips that can help you stay calm and collected as you pack up and get on the road:
1. Stay Calm and Flexible
Even with the best planning, moving day can still be unpredictable. There may be delays, unexpected issues, or things that don’t go quite as planned. The key is to adapt to the situation at hand and remain flexible. If something comes up, take a deep breath and adjust accordingly. Sometimes things will take longer than expected, or a detail might slip through the cracks. Remember, the goal is to get you into your new home, and your moving team is there to help make that happen.
It’s important not to get too stressed out if things don’t go exactly as planned. Moving is a big job, and the people around you are working hard to make sure everything runs smoothly. Focus on the end result— the excitement of getting into your new home.
2. Take Breaks
Moving is hard work— not just for the movers, but for you, too! While the movers are unloading the truck, take a few moments to sit back, relax, and recharge. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day, but moving can be physically demanding, and you’ll feel better if you give yourself a break. Whether it’s stepping outside for a breather or sitting down with a cup of coffee, taking a pause will help you keep your energy up and make the process feel less overwhelming.
3. Check Everything Before the Movers Leave
Before the movers head out, do a final walkthrough of your old home and your new one. This ensures that nothing is left behind at your old home and that everything is where it should be in your new home. Double-check to make sure all boxes and furniture have been unloaded from the truck. If there are any issues or if you notice something missing, it’s easier to address them before the movers leave the premises.
Additionally, make sure to check that all utility services (like water, gas, or electricity) are working properly in your new home. This will help you settle in without any unnecessary delays or surprises.
You’re Ready for Moving Day!
Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. By preparing in advance and understanding what to expect, you can turn a potentially stressful day into a smooth, manageable process. With a bit of planning, from labeling boxes to confirming details with your moving company, you’ll feel more organized and less anxious when the day arrives. And when moving day itself comes, you’ll know exactly what to expect, from loading the truck to settling into your new home.
Remember, National Van Lines is here to support you every step of the way. With decades of experience, we’re experts in making moving day as seamless as possible.
In this article, we covered how to prepare for moving day, what to expect, and tips for staying calm and flexible. Now that you know what happens during the moving process, check out our dedicated article on choosing a long distance mover to get the right fit for your exact moving day needs.
