How to Prepare for Movers

You’ve scheduled movers, now what?

When you’re hiring movers to help load or unload moving equipment, there are some tasks you can do before moving day to prepare for the crew. Keep reading to learn what to do to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Confirm equipment delivery details

The last thing you want is to pay the crew to stand around. Confirm that your equipment will arrive before the movers to avoid delays. 

U-Pack® recommends scheduling equipment delivery the day before the movers to ensure the crew can start work immediately and to allow time to load anything you wish to handle yourself. 

Review loading tips

Because the movers will work under your direction, it’s a good idea to check out our loading tips. These will help ensure you understand how to set up the trailer loading ramp and know the best place to load everything in the trailer or ReloCube®. 

Gather supplies

Moving labor crews typically won’t bring any loading supplies with them, so make sure to have these items on hand: 

• moving blankets 
• paper padding 
• packing tape (for securing moving blankets and paper padding) 
• ropes or straps (to secure items as they’re loaded)  
• plastic stretch wrap 
• Scissors or a utility knife 
• Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, drill, hammer, tape measure, pliers, wrenches) 

Pro tip: For unloading, keep the scissors, utility knife and tool kit close by because you’ll need them! 

Prepare your home and belongings

Keep the crew safe by clearing a pathway to and from the moving equipment. Start by removing any tripping hazards like rugs, cords or water hoses and plan to keep children and pets out of the way on moving day for everyone’s safety! 

When packing your things, make sure boxes are clearly labeled and easily accessible for loading. Some larger items may need extra preparation: 

Measure bulky items

Break out that tape measure before the movers arrive to make sure larger things like furniture and appliances will fit through doorways. If you need extra clearance, remove internal doors ahead of your move for a few extra inches of space. Keep a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver on hand to make removing the exterior door easy if needed to get large items outside on moving day.

Disassemble large furniture

While some moving crews can do light disassembly, like removing mirrors from dressers, they won’t have the tools on hand to completely take apart furniture on moving day. If you can, it’s best to do this ahead of time so the movers won’t have to wait. 

Pro tip: Be sure to keep nuts and bolts together to save time when you’re ready to reassemble everything at the new place. A clear zipper-top bag works well for this to see what’s inside! 

Show appreciation

Whether you’re moving out or moving in, it’s nice to have water and snacks available for the crew while they work. A little gratitude goes a long way!  

Need more ideas? Here are some other ways to say “thanks” to the moving crew. 

Have questions about movers?

When you add moving labor to a U-Pack move, the provider will work completely under your direction. All you have to do is tell them what needs to be done!  

If you’re doing a local move and need help with packing and loading, we recommend contacting Moving Staffers for a moving labor quote. If you have questions about movers or getting ready for moving labor, let us know in the comments! We’re always happy to help!