Try to complete all the tasks below prior to move day so that you can be home during the loading process; often drivers will have questions that only you can answer. It is important that you or someone you’ve designated be available throughout the loading process. Clearly mark and set aside items you don’t want loaded.
This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load as you conduct your pre-load walkthrough. Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to the move doesn’t get packed and shipped with your household goods! Pack special items for the kids Have the kids pack a box of their “special” items. Point this box out to the driver so it’s one of the first to be unloaded.
You may want to arrange for someone to take care of the kids (and pets) while the movers are packing and loading your items. Have the caregiver bring the kids home prior to the truck leaving as it is important for young children to understand where their belongings are going.
Clear walkways
Make it safe and easy for your movers to get in and out of your house by removing all obstructions:
• Move potted plants and planters from front porch, walkways, and driveways.
• Remove all door and floor mats.
• Remove all rugs. The crew will protect the floors with a specially designed floor covering that does not slip.
• Remove low-hanging items such as wind chimes or hanging plants.
• Disconnect the spring on the screen door so that it stays open during the loading process.
Point out special items
Once the mover arrives, point out items that are most special to you during the walk-through. All your items will be handled professionally, but take a moment to show them which ones mean the most to you. Point out the boxes you would like to have unloaded first, if they are not going into storage. These boxes may include kitchen and bathroom items, or your children’s toys.
Before the driver leaves:
• Be sure you understand all the paperwork you are signing before the driver departs. If there is something that is confusing you, ask your driver to explain it before you sign it or call our office to talk to your director.
• Take one last sweep of the house before the driver leaves.
Look through all cupboards, closets, shelves, in the garage, attic, crawl space, storage unit, under the stairs, on the walls, in the dishwasher and anywhere else things may be hiding. You do not want to find out, after the driver has left, that something was left behind.
