Moving to a New Home? Proper Moving Day Etiquette

There’s a lot of work to be done when moving to a new home. And, if you’re not adequately prepared for it, your moving day will be one big, dangerous mess.

But don’t worry. All the common moving day pitfalls can be avoided. And we’re going to show you how.

In this guide, we’ll teach you the proper preparations and etiquette to make your move as smooth as possible. Follow these tips for a low-stress moving day.

1. Finish Packing Before Moving Day

This depends on if you’re paying for a full-service move or not. If you’ve arranged to have the movers pack for you, all you have to do is stand back and wait while they take care of everything—the packing, lifting, and shipping. 

If you haven’t made this arrangement, you must make sure you’re packed and ready for moving day. When the movers arrive, and you’re still finishing up your packing, it makes moving day troublesome for everyone. 

For one thing, you’ll be in the way of the movers while they’re trying to lift and move heavy boxes and furniture. For another, you’ll be paying the movers to wait for you to finish.

2. Have Your Travel Bag Packed

Even if you did purchase a full-service move, you still have some packing to do. First, you need your moving day luggage.

You need to pack your bathroom bag, medication, and clothes, just like you would if you were traveling for vacation. You may also want disposable tableware and any kitchen items you’ll need for dinner.

3. Prohibited Items

Beyond your travel bag, there is always a list of items your moving company will not accept in the moving van. This typically includes perishables, hazardous materials, high-value items (like jewelry), and documents/devices containing personal or sensitive information.

For a full list of prohibited items, refer to your moving company. You’ll want to have these items moved or packed before moving day, so you’re not in the way.

4. Stay Clear and Available

Give your movers space on moving day so that they can do their job. You can prepare for this before moving day by parking vehicles out of the way of the moving vans and building entrances. 

Also, clear the pathways in your home of boxes, trash, or other trip hazards. Stack boxes in an organized line against the wall. Make everything accessible for the movers. 

Being out of the way doesn’t mean gone. You need to be present the whole day of the move in case the movers have any questions or concerns they need to discuss with you.

5. Keep Children and Pets Out of the Way

Have a plan in place for your children and pets on moving day. You can’t leave them free to run around while the movers have their arms full of heavy things. This is hazardous to the movers, your children and pets, and your possessions.

It’s best to have pets contained in crates or carriers on moving day. Or have somebody watch them at another location.

Children can remain with you if you can watch them and make sure they stay out of the way. But you (and they) may want to have them stay with a friend or family member that day.

6. Label Boxes Clearly

Boxes should be labeled clearly, especially the fragile ones, so movers know what to expect. Make sure you have the room destination marked on each box.

7. Don’t Overpack Large Boxes

Large boxes are awkward to carry, especially if they are loaded with heavy items. Too many heavy things in a large box will make it too heavy.

Make sure you pack lighter weight, bulky items in larger boxes. Things like pillow and comforters are ideal in large boxes.

Make Moving to a New Home Easier

Moving to a new home is challenging. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Follow these tips to make moving day easier.

Now, read Making Moving Easy: Simple Unpacking Tips.