The Complete Guide to Preparing Your Home Before Professional Movers Arrive

Hiring professional movers is one of the best ways to make your relocation smoother, safer, and more efficient. But even with a skilled moving team handling the heavy lifting, preparing your home in advance plays a major role in how successfully the move unfolds. When your home is organized, packed correctly, and ready for the moving crew, everything goes faster and more efficiently—saving time, reducing stress, and helping protect your belongings. A well-prepared home also allows movers to work more effectively, ensuring the process stays on schedule from start to finish.

Whether you're moving across town or relocating to a new home within the same region, proper preparation ensures a more streamlined experience. This guide outlines the essential steps every homeowner should follow before professional movers arrive, helping create a safe, stress-free environment for both you and your moving team.

Step 1: Declutter and Downsize Early

The more items you have, the more time your movers will need to load, transport, and unload them. Decluttering well before moving day makes the entire process easier. Go room by room and evaluate what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Not only does this reduce the number of boxes, but it also lowers moving costs and simplifies your transition into the new space.

Many homeowners find it helpful to sort items into categories such as:

• Keep
  
  
• Donate
  
  
• Sell
  
  
• Recycle
  
  
• Throw away
  
  

This early step eliminates unnecessary packing and ensures every item you move has a purpose in your new home.

Step 2: Organize and Pack Nonessential Items First

Start packing items you won’t need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, decor, books, and rarely used kitchenware. Packing in stages avoids the stress of doing everything at the last minute. Use high-quality boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your belongings.

Label every box with:

• The room it belongs to
  
  
• The contents
  
  
• Whether it contains fragile items
  
  

Clear labeling helps movers place boxes in the correct locations and makes unpacking far more manageable.

If packing feels overwhelming, professional moving companies like Movher can also handle the packing for you, ensuring each item is properly protected and organized.

Step 3: Create a Moving Inventory List

Keeping track of your belongings is easier when you maintain an inventory list. This doesn’t have to be overly complicated—simply write down the items packed in each box or take quick photos grouped by category or room. This helps ensure nothing gets left behind and makes unpacking more efficient.

An inventory list is especially helpful for:

• High-value items
  
  
• Fragile belongings
  
  
• Electronics
  
  
• Collectibles or heirlooms
  
  

Having documentation brings peace of mind and improves organization on moving day.

Step 4: Prepare Appliances and Electronics

Before movers arrive, disconnect and prepare household appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Most moving companies require all appliances to be empty, dry, and ready for transport.

Recommended steps include:

• Unplugging appliances at least 24 hours before moving
  
  
• Draining water lines from refrigerators, freezers, and washers
  
  
• Removing shelves or drawers
  
  
• Taping doors or compartments shut (or letting movers handle this step)
  
  

For electronics, take photos of cable setups so you can easily reconnect everything in your new home.

Step 5: Protect Your Floors and Walls

High-traffic areas—especially hallways and entryways—should be protected during the move. While most reputable moving companies bring their own protective coverings, taking additional precautions is never a bad idea.

Consider:

• Floor protectors or runners
  
  
• Corner guards
  
  
• Door jamb protectors
  
  

These added layers help prevent scratches, dents, or scuffs during the moving process.

Step 6: Make a Plan for Kids and Pets

Moving day can be stressful for pets and children. To keep everyone safe and prevent delays, plan ahead by arranging care or designating a quiet room where they can stay during the move.

Options include:

• Scheduling a playdate or babysitter
  
  
• Boarding pets for the day
  
  
• Keeping pets in a separate closed room until movers are finished
  
  

This ensures the move is safer for both your family and the moving crew.

Step 7: Prepare an Essentials Box

When everything is packed and loaded, it’s easy to forget that you may need a few items right away in your new home. Preparing an essentials box keeps your first 24–48 hours organized and stress-free.

Include items such as:

• Toiletries
  
  
• Medications
  
  
• Important documents
  
  
• Phone chargers
  
  
• Towels
  
  
• Sheets and pillows
  
  
• Basic kitchen items
  
  
• Clothing for the first night
  
  

Keep this box with you rather than loading it onto the moving truck so it’s accessible when you arrive at your new home.

Step 8: Ensure Clear Pathways for Movers

Movers work efficiently when pathways are clear and free from obstacles. Before they arrive, walk through your home and remove any tripping hazards such as:

• Clutter
  
  
• Loose rugs
  
  
• Cords
  
  
• Shoes
  
  
• Boxes left in hallways
  
  

Also ensure there is clear access to all entry points, driveways, and walkways, especially during winter weather. Removing snow, ice, or debris ensures a safer and smoother moving day.

Step 9: Disassemble Furniture When Needed

Some large pieces of furniture may need to be disassembled before moving. While many professional movers can handle this, doing it ahead of time can save time and reduce overall labor costs.

Examples include:

• Beds
  
  
• Dining tables
  
  
• Shelving units
  
  
• Desks
  
  
• Large modular furniture
  
  

Store screws and hardware in labeled bags so reassembly is easy at your new home.

Step 10: Confirm the Details With Your Moving Company

The final step before the movers arrive is confirming all essential details:

• Arrival time
  
  
• Address and directions
  
  
• Inventory adjustments
  
  
• Special instructions
  
  
• Parking arrangements
  
  
• Payment or paperwork requirements
  
  

Clear communication helps ensure moving day goes as planned. A reputable moving company like Movher will gladly answer questions, review instructions, and walk you through what to expect.

Preparing your home before professional movers arrive is one of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience. By organizing, planning ahead, and creating a clear environment for your moving team, you’ll enjoy a faster, safer, and more efficient move from start to finish.

If you're ready to schedule professional moving services or want expert help with packing and preparation, call Movher at 509-954-4777 to plan your move with a team committed to quality, care, and customer satisfaction.