How to Prepare Your Home for the Moving Company

You’ve hired professional movers, scheduled your moving date, and started packing. You’re organized and ready—or so you think. Then moving day arrives, and you realize the truck can’t fit down your narrow driveway, your movers can’t access certain rooms because of clutter, or you forgot to disconnect appliances that can’t be moved while still hooked up.

Professional movers can work incredibly efficiently when a home is properly prepared. But when it’s not? What should take 4 hours can stretch to 8, costing you extra money, causing delays, and increasing the risk of damage to your belongings and property.

After years of helping Dallas families relocate, we’ve seen it all at Element Moving & Storage—from perfectly prepared homes where everything goes smoothly, to last-minute chaos that makes moving day unnecessarily stressful for everyone involved.

This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to prepare your home for professional movers, from weeks before moving day to the moment the truck pulls away. Follow these steps, and you’ll ensure a smooth, efficient move that protects both your belongings and your property.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day: Essential Preparations

Confirm Details with Your Moving Company

Two weeks out is the perfect time to reconfirm all details with your movers:

Call or email to verify:

• Moving date and time window
• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Inventory of items being moved
• Any special items requiring extra care
• Confirmed quote and payment terms
• Truck size and crew size
• Estimated duration

Ask specific questions if anything is unclear. This is also the time to mention any changes since you first booked, like additional items or access concerns that have come up.

Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Staircases

One of the most common moving day problems? Furniture that doesn’t fit through doorways or around tight corners.

What to measure:

• All doorway widths (standard is 32-36 inches, but older homes may be narrower)
• Hallway widths and any turns
• Staircase width and ceiling height above stairs
• Elevator dimensions if you’re in an apartment or condo
• Gate widths for backyard access

What to measure on your furniture:

• Couches, sectionals, and recliners (measure diagonally too)
• Beds (especially king size)
• Dressers and armoires
• Refrigerators and other large appliances
• Desks and entertainment centers

If something won’t fit, professional movers can often remove legs, doors, or backs—but they need to know in advance to bring appropriate tools and plan extra time.

Arrange Parking and Building Access

For houses:

• Clear your driveway completely
• Identify the closest parking spot for a large moving truck (26-foot trucks are common)
• Note any low-hanging tree branches that might need trimming
• Check if street parking requires permits in your neighborhood
• Measure driveway width and any tight turns

For apartments and condos:

• Reserve the building elevator (most require 24-48 hours notice)
• Obtain parking permits for loading zones
• Notify your HOA or building management
• Get gate codes or access information
• Reserve any required moving carts or dollies
• Check building rules about moving hours (some restrict to weekdays or certain times)

For both:

• Consider if the truck can park close enough to minimize walking distance
• Identify any obstacles (cars, trash cans, basketball hoops) that need moving

Nothing delays a move like spending 30 minutes trying to figure out parking when the movers arrive.

Notify Your HOA or Landlord

Many communities and buildings have specific moving requirements:

Common requirements:

• Advance notice (often 48-72 hours)
• Certificate of insurance from moving company
• Deposit for potential damages
• Designated moving hours
• Elevator reservation fees
• Move-in/move-out forms

Submit all required paperwork now, not the day before. Some buildings charge fees if you don’t follow proper procedures, and some won’t even allow movers without advance approval.

Schedule Appliance Disconnection

Certain items require professional disconnection before movers can transport them:

Gas appliances:

• Gas dryers
• Gas stoves/ranges
• Gas fireplaces

Schedule a licensed plumber or gas technician to safely disconnect these 1-2 days before moving day. Movers cannot legally disconnect gas lines.

Washer and dryer:

• If stackable or built-in, may need special disconnection
• Washing machine hoses should be disconnected and drained

Refrigerator:

• Unplug 24 hours before moving to defrost
• Remove all food
• Disconnect water line if it has an ice maker
• Secure shelves and drawers

Dishwasher:

• If built-in and you’re taking it, needs professional disconnection
• Most built-in dishwashers stay with the home

Movers can disconnect standard electric appliances, but it’s helpful if they’re already done.

One Week Before: Deep Preparation

Complete Most of Your Packing

Professional movers can pack for you (for an additional fee), but most people do at least partial packing themselves to save money. One week before moving day, you should be 80-90% packed.

What should already be packed:

• Out-of-season clothing and items
• Books, decorations, and non-essentials
• Guest rooms and storage areas
• Garage and basement items you’re taking
• Most kitchen items (keep only daily essentials out)

What to leave unpacked until the last day:

• Daily clothing and toiletries
• Essential kitchen items
• Electronics you’re still using
• Important documents
• Items you’re transporting personally

When working with professional movers, proper packing protects your belongings and allows them to load the truck efficiently.

Label Everything Clearly

Professional movers work much more efficiently when boxes are clearly labeled:

Essential labeling information:

• Destination room in your new home
• General contents (“Kitchen – Pots and Pans”)
• Handling instructions (“FRAGILE”, “THIS SIDE UP”, “HEAVY”)
• Priority level if relevant (“OPEN FIRST”)

Color-coding system: Many people use colored tape or markers:

• Kitchen = Red
• Master Bedroom = Blue
• Kids’ Room = Green
• Living Room = Yellow
• Garage = Orange

This allows movers to quickly identify where each box goes without reading detailed labels.

Disassemble What You Can

Most movers will disassemble furniture as needed, but doing some work in advance speeds up the process:

Easy disassembly you can do:

• Remove table leaves
• Take legs off couches if they unscrew easily
• Disassemble bed frames (keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the frame)
• Remove TV mounts from walls
• Take down curtain rods and shelving
• Remove detachable mirror or picture frames

What to leave for movers:

• Complex furniture that requires special tools
• Items you’re not sure how to reassemble
• Heavy pieces that need two people to handle safely

Important: Keep all hardware (screws, bolts, brackets) in labeled plastic bags. Tape small bags directly to the furniture piece or put all hardware bags in one clearly labeled box.

Gather Important Documents and Valuables

Create a “DO NOT MOVE” pile for items you’re transporting personally:

Items movers typically won’t transport:

• Cash, jewelry, and valuable collections
• Important documents (deeds, titles, birth certificates, passports)
• Medications
• Laptops and external hard drives with critical data
• Irreplaceable items (family photos, heirlooms)

Items movers CAN transport but you might prefer to handle:

• Keys to both properties
• Chargers for devices you’ll need immediately
• Change of clothes for moving day
• Snacks and drinks
• Cleaning supplies for final walkthrough

Pack these in your personal vehicle or designate a specific area in your home that movers should avoid. For a comprehensive list of what professional movers cannot transport, check out our guide on items movers won’t move.

Create a Moving Day Box

Pack a box or bag with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours:

Essentials:

• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Hand soap and hand towels
• Phone chargers
• Medications
• Snacks and beverages
• Basic tools (screwdriver, scissors, box cutter)
• Trash bags
• First aid kit
• Change of clothes
• Pet supplies if applicable
• Important documents
• Cash and credit cards

Label this “LOAD LAST/UNLOAD FIRST” and consider keeping it in your vehicle.

2-3 Days Before: Final Preparations

Protect Your Property

Take steps to prevent damage during the move:

Flooring protection:

• Consider renting floor runners or using cardboard for high-traffic areas
• Note any existing damage on your moving company contract
• Remove or secure loose rugs that could be tripping hazards
• Clean floors to prevent dirt from getting ground in

Wall and door protection:

• Most professional movers provide door frame protection, but verify this
• Remove any wall decorations that could be knocked off
• Note existing wall damage to avoid disputes
• Consider removing doorknobs if moving extremely large furniture

Stair protection:

• Clear stairways completely
• Ensure railings are secure
• Consider temporary padding on corners

Outdoor path:

• Clear walkways from house to where truck will park
• Ensure outdoor lighting works if moving early/late
• Remove garden hoses, decorations, or obstacles
• Check that gates open fully and latch securely

Prepare Rooms for Efficient Loading

Clear pathways:

• Create a clear path from every room to the exit
• Remove obstacles, shoes, small furniture blocking doorways
• Stack boxes along walls, not in the middle of rooms
• Keep floor space open for movers to maneuver

Designate a staging area:

• Choose one room (often the garage or living room) as the loading hub
• Movers will bring items here before loading the truck
• Keep this space as open as possible
• This is where you’ll do final walkthrough with crew leader

Group similar items:

• Keep all boxes from the same room together
• Place furniture near related boxes when possible
• Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier ones
• Put items that go to the same room in the new house near each other

Separate items that aren’t moving:

• Clearly mark anything staying with the home (especially in garage)
• Put items you’re donating in a designated area away from packed belongings
• Consider putting trash items outside or in one room marked “DO NOT MOVE”

Check Weather Forecast

Weather can significantly impact moving day:

If rain is forecasted:

• Have tarps ready to protect furniture during loading
• Bring extra towels for wiping down wet items
• Consider rain gear for yourself
• Discuss with movers if extreme weather might require rescheduling

If extreme heat (common in Dallas summers):

• Have water available for movers (many companies provide their own, but it’s appreciated)
• Expect slightly slower work pace in 100+ degree heat
• Ensure air conditioning works if possible
• Take heat safety seriously—heat exhaustion is real

If cold weather:

• Ensure walkways are safe and ice-free
• Warm up the truck if extremely cold
• Protect temperature-sensitive items

Most professional movers work in all weather conditions, but being prepared helps things go smoothly.

Confirm Final Details

Call or email your moving company 2-3 days before to confirm:

• Exact arrival time window
• Any last-minute changes to your inventory
• Payment method and final amount
• How to contact them on moving day
• Any additional services you added (packing, storage, etc.)

This is also when you should provide any gate codes, parking permits, or building access information they’ll need.

The Day Before Moving Day

Complete Last-Minute Packing

Pack everything except true essentials:

• Finish packing all remaining boxes
• Pack remaining kitchen items (leave out paper plates, plastic utensils if needed)
• Pack most toiletries (leave out basics for the morning)
• Gather cleaning supplies if you’re cleaning after movers leave

Do Final Cleaning of What You Can

Clean areas you can access:

• Empty closets and drawers
• Clean out the refrigerator completely
• Empty and clean pantry
• Gather all trash and take to bins
• Do any cleaning that needs to be done before furniture moves

You’ll do final deep cleaning after movers leave, but getting ahead helps.

Prepare Your Home Layout

Final walk-through preparation:

• Place boxes in final positions for loading
• Put a labeled inventory list in your staging area
• Mark any boxes with special handling needs
• Separate your “load last” essentials

Visual markers:

• Some people put sticky notes on furniture indicating destination rooms
• This helps movers know where things go without asking repeatedly
• Use your color-coding system consistently

Arrange Childcare and Pet Care

Moving day is not a day to have kids or pets underfoot:

Children:

• Arrange for them to be with family or friends if possible
• If they must be present, designate one adult to supervise them away from movers
• Keep them out of the work area for safety

Pets:

• Board them for the day if possible
• If they must be home, confine them to one room with a clear sign on the door
• Notify movers which room to avoid
• Have a plan for keeping them secure when doors are open

Both kids and pets can be injured by moving equipment or can cause delays when movers need to work around them. When you’re moving with pets, planning ahead for their care on moving day is essential.

Get Cash for Tips

Professional movers appreciate tips for good work. Plan to have cash on hand:

Typical tipping guidelines:

• $20-30 per mover for local moves (half day)
• $30-50 per mover for local moves (full day)
• $50-100 per mover for long-distance moves
• Adjust based on difficulty and quality of service

Have cash in appropriate denominations ready so you can tip each mover individually at the end.

Moving Day Morning: Final Preparations

Wake Up Early

Even if movers aren’t arriving until 9 AM, wake up early:

• Eat breakfast (you’ll need energy)
• Shower and dress in comfortable, practical clothes
• Do a final home walkthrough
• Pack your moving day essentials box
• Prepare coffee or beverages for yourself

Wear Appropriate Clothing

What to wear:

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (sneakers, not sandals)
• Weather-appropriate clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Layers (homes can get cold/hot with doors open)
• Avoid jewelry that could catch on things
• Pull back long hair

Do a Final Walkthrough

Walk through every room and:

• Check all closets and cabinets (movers won’t open closed doors)
• Look under beds and behind furniture
• Check the attic and crawl space if applicable
• Verify garage and outdoor storage areas
• Check kitchen appliances for forgotten items
• Look in bathroom cabinets and medicine cabinets

Common forgotten items:

• Items on top of refrigerator
• Clothes behind doors
• Cleaning supplies under sinks
• Garage tools
• Outdoor equipment
• Attic items
• Items in laundry room

Set Up Your Command Center

Create a space near the door where you’ll:

• Keep your inventory checklist
• Have your phone and charger accessible
• Store water and snacks
• Keep important documents
• Monitor the loading process

This is where you’ll stay during most of the move, available to answer questions.

Prepare the Bathroom

Keep one bathroom accessible for movers:

• Ensure toilet paper is available
• Provide hand soap and towels
• Let movers know which bathroom to use
• Keep it clean throughout the day

When Movers Arrive: First 30 Minutes

Greet the Crew and Do Introductions

When the moving crew arrives:

• Introduce yourself to the crew leader
• Get names of all crew members
• Review the day’s plan briefly
• Ask if they need anything before starting

Walkthrough with Crew Leader

Do a comprehensive walkthrough of your home:

Point out:

• All items being moved (especially items in garage, attic, shed)
• Items that are NOT being moved
• Fragile items requiring special care
• Heavy or awkward items they should be aware of
• Disassembled furniture and where hardware is stored
• The best path from house to truck
• Any special instructions for particular items

Discuss:

• Estimated timeline
• Which room they’ll start in
• Where they’ll stage items
• How they’ll protect floors and doorways
• Any concerns either party has

Review the Inventory

Professional movers create an inventory as they load:

• Each item gets a number and condition noted
• This protects both you and the moving company
• Review the inventory process with the crew leader
• Ask questions about anything unclear

Ask About Their Process

Understanding how they work helps you help them:

• Which room will they start in?
• Do they want boxes stacked in a specific way?
• Will they disassemble furniture or have you done most of it?
• How will they handle protecting your home?
• What should you do if you have questions during the move?

During the Move: Your Role

Stay Available But Out of the Way

The best way to help professional movers is to be accessible without interfering:

Do:

• Stay in your command center near the door
• Be available to answer questions
• Monitor the inventory process
• Keep an eye on the truck loading (from a distance)
• Take photos or video of the loading process for your records
• Ensure nothing is left behind in closets or cabinets

Don’t:

• Follow movers around constantly
• Tell them how to do their job (they’re professionals)
• Hover over them while they work
• Constantly ask for time updates
• Try to help carry heavy items (liability issues)
• Block pathways or staging areas

Monitor Without Micromanaging

It’s appropriate to:

• Check that the right items are being loaded
• Verify fragile items are being handled carefully
• Ensure your special instructions are being followed
• Point out any forgotten items

It’s not appropriate to:

• Critique their technique
• Tell them where to place items in the truck
• Rush them or pressure for faster work
• Argue about how something should be done

Professional movers have systems that work. Trust their process unless something is clearly going wrong.

Handle Issues Immediately

If you notice a problem, address it right away:

Potential issues:

• An item being loaded that shouldn’t be
• Damage occurring during loading
• Movers not following agreed-upon procedures
• Items being handled roughly

Speak privately with the crew leader, stay calm, and address concerns professionally. Don’t wait until the end to bring up issues.

Keep Pets and Children Safe

If pets or children are home:

• Check on them regularly
• Ensure they stay in their designated area
• Make sure they’re not stressing or getting in the way
• Remind movers which areas are off-limits

Document Everything

Take photos and videos:

• Items before they’re wrapped
• How movers protect your furniture
• The loading process
• Your empty rooms after loading
• Any existing damage to your home
• The truck before it leaves (loaded and secured)

This documentation is invaluable if any disputes arise later.

Provide Water and Snacks (Optional)

While not required, many homeowners offer:

• Water bottles (especially on hot days)
• Coffee in the morning
• Light snacks

Most professional moving companies provide water for their crews, but it’s a nice gesture. Just don’t feel obligated—movers expect to bring their own provisions.

Final Walkthrough: Before the Truck Leaves

Check Every Room Thoroughly

Before movers leave, do a final comprehensive walkthrough:

Check all rooms:

• Look in every closet
• Open all cabinets and drawers
• Check under sinks
• Look behind and under where furniture was
• Check attic, basement, crawl spaces
• Don’t forget garages, sheds, outdoor storage

Common forgotten areas:

• Top shelves of closets
• Behind washer and dryer
• Outdoor power equipment
• Garden tools and hoses
• Mailbox items
• Items in safe or hidden storage

If you find forgotten items, movers can usually load them quickly if they haven’t left yet.

Review the Inventory Sheet

Before signing anything:

• Check the inventory against what was loaded
• Note any discrepancies
• Ensure fragile items are marked appropriately
• Verify that items marked “do not move” weren’t loaded
• Get a copy of the inventory for your records

Confirm Delivery Details

Verify with the crew leader:

• Delivery address and directions
• Estimated delivery time
• How to contact them en route if needed
• Payment arrangements
• What to expect at the destination

Take Final Photos

Document your empty home:

• Show that nothing was left behind
• Photograph the condition of floors and walls
• Record any damage that occurred (though rare with professionals)
• This protects you from claims by landlords or buyers

Collect All Keys and Documents

Make sure you have:

• All sets of house keys
• Garage door openers
• Gate remotes
• Mailbox keys
• Any documents related to the move
• Copies of the inventory and contract

Thank the Crew and Provide Tips

If the crew did good work:

• Thank them sincerely
• Provide tips in cash directly to each mover
• Write down names if you want to provide feedback to the company
• Let them know you appreciate their effort

Special Situations and Considerations

High-Value Items

For particularly valuable items:

• Photograph them extensively before wrapping
• Note their condition on the inventory
• Consider getting extra insurance specifically for these items
• Ask movers to mark them specially on the truck
• Verify they arrive safely before signing off at delivery

Antiques and Heirlooms

Items with sentimental value deserve extra attention:

• Communicate their importance to the crew leader
• Consider crating services for extremely fragile pieces
• Photograph them from all angles
• Transport small, irreplaceable items yourself if possible

For detailed guidance, see our article on moving antiques safely.

Piano and Specialty Items

Pianos require special equipment and expertise:

• Hire movers who specifically handle pianos
• These typically cost extra but are worth it
• Never try to move a piano yourself
• Ensure your piano is tuned after the move (moving affects tuning)

Learn more in our comprehensive guide on moving pianos.

Home Office Equipment

If you have a home office:

• Back up all computer data before moving day
• Label all cables and connections (take photos)
• Pack computers yourself if you’re uncomfortable with movers handling them
• Keep backup drives and critical files with you

Our guide on how to move a home office provides detailed instructions.

Moving in Bad Weather

If weather is poor on moving day:

• Have towels ready to dry furniture
• Bring extra tarps or plastic sheeting
• Allow extra time for the move
• Protect floors from mud and water
• Be patient—safety comes first

Apartment or Condo Moves

Additional considerations for multi-unit buildings:

• Verify elevator reservation is active
• Have building access codes ready
• Ensure loading zone is clear
• Keep hallways clear for movers
• Monitor for building damage during the move
• Check with neighbors about any concerns

After the Movers Leave

Final Cleaning

Once everything is loaded:

• Do any required move-out cleaning
• Check that all utilities are scheduled for shutoff
• Take final meter readings
• Lock all windows and doors
• Do a final perimeter check outside

Secure the Property

Before leaving:

• Turn off all lights
• Adjust thermostat
• Close and lock all windows
• Set alarm if applicable
• Lock all doors
• Return keys as arranged

Head to Your New Home

You’re ready to go! Head to your new place knowing you’ve done everything right to ensure a smooth move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not being fully packed Movers charge by the hour. If they arrive and you’re still packing, you’re paying them to wait or to pack for you at a premium rate.

Mistake #2: Poor parking arrangements Not planning where the truck will park can add hours to your move. Every extra step movers take adds time and cost.

Mistake #3: Not being available If movers need to ask questions and can’t find you, it slows everything down. Stay present and accessible.

Mistake #4: Overfilled boxes Boxes that are too heavy or too full can break, causing delays and potential damage. Keep boxes under 50 lbs.

Mistake #5: Not protecting your home Failing to protect floors and doorways means you could be liable for any damage that occurs during the move.

Mistake #6: Not having a clear plan Movers work best when you can clearly communicate what goes where. Indecision wastes time.

Mistake #7: Assuming items don’t need disassembly Large furniture often needs to come apart to fit through doors. If movers have to spend time figuring this out, it slows the move.

Mistake #8: Not checking everything is loaded It’s your responsibility to verify everything made it onto the truck. Once they leave, forgotten items become your problem.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for professional movers isn’t just about making their job easier—it’s about protecting your belongings, safeguarding your property, ensuring an efficient move, and ultimately saving yourself time and money.

The difference between a chaotic moving day and a smooth one often comes down to preparation. When you take the time to properly prepare your home, professional movers can do what they do best: safely and efficiently transport your belongings to your new home.

At Element Moving & Storage, we’ve seen how proper preparation transforms the moving experience. When homeowners follow these guidelines, moves go smoother, items arrive in better condition, and everyone experiences less stress.

Ready to schedule your move? Contact Element Moving & Storage for a free quote. Our experienced team will work with you to ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible. We’ll answer all your questions, provide detailed guidance, and deliver the professional service Dallas families trust.

Remember: a little preparation goes a long way. Take the time to properly prepare your home, and you’ll be rewarded with a moving day that’s as stress-free as possible.