You’ve planned, arranged, packed, and arranged with the movers. Now it’s finally time to move. The moving day can be very exciting but like everything concerning moving, it can be very stressful. If you have packed and arranged your things properly, this means that the bulk of the work has been done. This does not mean that there is no work to be done on a moving day. There is work to be done.
Before the moving day arrives, it is advisable to create a checklist of things to do on a moving day to make your move go smoothly. This list helps you to be prepared for the moving day and reduces the amount of stress that comes with the day. You will need to know what to expect to help you prepare. Knowing what to expect on a moving day helps you with your list and consequently, reduces your stress level on that day.
Here are a few things to expect and to prepare for on a moving day.
- Less sleep
You will need to wake up early on a moving day. Wake up early and take breakfast because you’ll need the energy. Waking up early gives you ample time to do all you need to do before the movers arrive. This helps to avoid any form of delay on your part.
- Set aside items that are not going into the moving truck
There are certain essentials that should be with you during the move. They include things like an overnight bag, important documents, medications, gadgets, and electronic devices. You can put all these in a separate box and label the box before setting it aside. Set them aside do they do not get mixed up during the move. These are essentials that you’ll need when you get to your new home.
- Note the time the movers will arrive
Whether you have engaged the services of a moving company or you have gotten friends and family to come and help you with your move, it is important that you note the time they are arriving for the move. Finish up any last-minute packing or preparation that you need to do before the movers arrive. Ensure you are prepared and be ready by the time they arrive.
- Ensure that your property is safe for the move
Moving involves a lot of lifting and moving around. The last thing you want to deal with on a moving day is an injured person. So be sure to secure the property and its environs. Reserve a convenient parking space for the moving truck so it’s easy to move items into it, provide ample space for a mover to walk through when carrying items, remove obstacles from the way. Just do your best to ensure everyone is safe during the move.
- The moving company ‘may’ compile an inventory
Where you have engaged the services of professional movers, expect them to make an inventory of items to be moved. They do this to ensure that all your items get to your new home and also to be able to prevent any future liability claim for loss of items. Where you are making use of family and friends to move, it will be necessary for you to make an inventory of your items to be moved. This helps you not to forget and to know what goes where during the move. Even when you have engaged the services of professional movers, it is still advisable for you to make an inventory of your items to be able to compare with the inventory of the movers.
- You’ll have a lot of moving to do
Whether you hire professional movers or not, you’ll have to join in moving a lot of the things you have to move. So, dress appropriately. Wear something comfortable that will allow you to do all the lifting you’ll need to do. You can wear jeans or shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers to allow you to move easily.
- Expect the movers to be in control of the move
Agreed, it is your move. However, the movers will be in charge of determining the best order to load and arrange your items. This is especially true when you have engaged the services of professional movers. Professional movers have their techniques for packing and loading different items. They also have a method of arranging the boxes into the moving truck. During this process, you will have to take a back seat and let the professionals do their jobs.
Where you are not using professional movers, it is advisable for you to make a plan on the move and who moves what. This plan will help you to keep things coordinated when the time to move comes. You have to be coordinated to have a smooth move and ensure that you don’t forget anything at your old home or lose things in the process of moving.
- Expect a bill of lading
A bill of lading is a document that is issued by a carrier of items, acknowledging the receipt of the items being moved. It details the type of items carried, quantity, value of the items, moving estimate, expected delivery date, and the proposed destination of the items. Where you have engaged the services of a professional mover, expect to receive a bill of lading from the moving company. You’re going to have to sign this bill of lading so ensure you go through the bill of lading to confirm the items on it before signing it.
- Prepare refreshments for your movers
This is important because the stress that comes with moving will tell on the movers. After a while, they will water, a cold drink and snacks to keep them refreshed. Have a stand for this or a small section where these things are kept so when the need arises, you are ready for it. If you are not able to prepare for this, just have cash at hand to order from any restaurant around.
Now that you know what to expect on a moving day, we hope you will be able to prepare properly for your move to avoid any form of stress that is avoidable.
