What to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Having a few hours to yourself on moving day can feel relaxing, exhausting, exciting, or uncertain. Everyone responds differently, but you don't have to just sit on your hands waiting for the truck to arrive. Instead, you can go down a helpful checklist that will ensure you really do have every single duck in a row. Here are five great things to do while waiting for the professional movers to arrive.

1. One Last Nook and Cranny Check

Take a last walk through your house and do a final check of every room, closet, cabinet, and upper shelf. Make sure you're not forgetting something or leaving a box in a closed room where the movers might not find it. It may be helpful to have one last half-full box open to receive the odd sock, earring, or bath towel that you may scrounge up from the far reaches of the cabinetry on your final check.

This is also the perfect time to also take a quick look at each bathroom. Make sure there is toilet paper, a hand towel, and hand soap in each one. This is not only useful for you and the movers on moving day, but also a courteous way to leave a home.

2. Clear Space for the Movers

Next, consider where the moving truck is going to park. You will need a long space, most likely curbside, with the rear (or side) of the truck pointing toward your home however that is possible. If you live in a parking-space controlled community, you may need to book a row of single spaces for your moving truck on the big day. And, some locations require permits for parking the moving van, so be sure to look into the requirements before the last minute.

Then, consider where your movers will be walking and prepare a wide path for them to safely follow. You can put down boards if there is mud, but most professional moving companies will put down floor runners to keep your floors clean. You should also clear any obstacles out of the way to speed up the move and remove tripping hazards.

3. Read and Understand the Fine Print

While waiting for the truck, take a moment to peruse your moving contract and documents. There are often interesting details and insights into the moving industry you can learn just by reading the documents that the moving company gave you.

The contract will also list certain objects that the movers cannot move, often by law. These include anything living like plants, anything that could explode, or anything that can spoil in the truck. If you have fish, pets, hazardous materials, or plants, make plans to take them with you instead of moving them in the truck. And if you have any questions about what can and can't go on the truck, give your moving coordinator a call. He or she would be glad to answer any questions you might have.

4. Put Out the Snacks

Next, take a moment to fill your fridge with refreshments. Your fridge has already been emptied which means there should be plenty of room for a couple cases of soda or bottled water and possibly even snacks for the moving crew. The bigger your move, the more appreciated refreshments will be. Providing snacks for the moving crew certainly is not mandatory, but we assure you that it will be well received and appreciated.

5. Pack Your Car

Last but certainly not least, make sure that your personal transport is packed and ready to go. Chances are, once the movers are gone and you've swept the place one last time, you'll be departing for good. The best way to make sure you don't forget anything is to do the complete check ahead of time. Check your gas and oil levels. Check your overnight bag and make sure any plants and pets will be ready to go when it's time.

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When you have taken care of everything, waiting for the moving truck can feel like a big stretch of empty time. But with the above items, you should have your time productively occupied so that everything is in order when the moving truck arrives. For more moving tips or to discuss your upcoming move, contact us today!