Last-Minute Moving Prep

The Procrastinator's Guide to Last-Minute Moving Prep

Moving day is practically here, and you've procrastinated on the prep work. Don't panic; there's still time to get organized before the Big Boy Movers crew arrives. 

This guide covers all the essential last-minute tasks you need to tackle so you can check them off and ensure a smooth move that could potentially save you money.

Part 1: Bedroom/Furniture Disassembly

One of the most overlooked yet important parts of moving preparation is taking apart beds, desks, tables, and other furniture before the movers get there. Doing this makes for easier loading and unloading, prevents potential damage during transportation, and saves you money.

Start by removing mirrors and shelves from dressers. For beds, unscrew the frame pieces and wrap or secure them together with moving blankets or plastic wrap. The same goes for desks, tables, and any other furniture that can be broken down.

Pro Tip: Use a labeling system to know which pieces will go where in re-assembly. Masking or painter's tape and a marker work great. We suggest putting them into a bag and labeling it accordingly. Keep all the pieces for each furniture item in a separate labeled bag.

It's also a good idea in this process to unhook and properly wrap up any electronic components like TVs, stereos, and computers. Have a dedicated toolbox with all screws, bolts, and tools needed for disassembly/reassembly.

Pro Tip: You can take pictures of how cords are connected to make reassembly easier at your new place. 

Part 2: Packing Up What's Left

When your furniture is taken apart, it's time to finish packing up any remaining loose items. Make sure all boxes are sealed with packing tape and clearly labeled by room. Do one last sweep of bedrooms for any overlooked clothes, shoes, or toiletry items and pack them up. (Or throw them away, as the case may be.)

In the kitchen, clear out all pantries, cabinets, and drawers. Carefully wrap pots, pans, and other cookware to prevent scratches and dents. And of course, wrap your dishes and pack them securely. Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or towels as cushioning to prevent breakage.

Pro Tip: It's better to use several small boxes for fragile and/ or heavy items instead of one big box that's difficult to lift. 

Don't forget to designate a suitcase or separate bag for essentials like changes of clothes, medications, or must-have kitchen items for the first couple of days after your move before everything is unpacked.

Part 3: Appliance & Utility Prep

Big Boy Movers has you covered for most major appliances, but there are some things you will want to do ahead of time. 

About 24-48 hours before moving day, be sure to unplug your refrigerator and freezer, allowing your freezer plenty of time to fully defrost. The same goes for disconnecting washers, dryers, window air conditioning units, or dehumidifiers. Drain any water reservoirs and have a plan for how you'll transport these appliances.

For hardwired stoves, dishwashers, or other large appliances, take photos of how they're currently set up to use as a guide when installing them at your new home. Make a checklist to go around and confirm all utilities like gas, electric, and cable/internet have been properly disconnected or scheduled for disconnect.

Pro Tip: If you haven't prepared your new home for utility set-up, do so now. If you have any smart appliances, you might have to wait a while to use them.

Part 4: Safety and Logistics

Preventing injury and avoiding damage on moving day requires some safety precautions.

• Clearly mark boxes with fragile items (namely glass and porcelain) and alert the movers of extremely heavy furniture or boxes. 

• Secure parking for the moving truck and confirm there is clear access to your home's entrance. Keep kids and pets safely separated from work areas.

• Designate a separate box or area stocked with snacks, water, and beverages so the hardworking movers can refuel periodically. 

• It's also wise to set aside valuables like jewelry, passports, cash, and important documents that you'll want to transport yourself instead of packing onto the truck.

The key to a safe and smooth move is clearing all obstacles and tripping hazards from paths where the furniture will be carried. Remove area rugs, secure loose cords, and make clear access to prevent any unfortunate spills or falls.

Part 5: Wrapping It All Up

Provided that you've followed this checklist, you should be all ready for your move, but a final walkthrough won't hurt. By this time all of your loose household items from dishes to electronics to linens should be packed. Furniture should be disassembled, with loose parts (screws, smaller connecting pieces) wrapped together. And your appliances and electronics should be disconnected and cleaned out. 

If you have a little extra time, you can fill that by cleaning. Whether you've sold your house or hired a cleaner to do a move-out clean, you'll save time and money by doing some of it yourself. 

When working with a time limit, and if you have to prepare the house for show or a landlord's inspection, your highest move-out clean priority should be eye-level, high-touch areas and surfaces. Wipe down counters, toilets, and showers, rub noticeable marks off the walls, and vacuum, sweep, or mop the floors. 

Following this procrastinator's checklist in the days leading up to your move will minimize stress and prevent potential disasters.  When you make these final preparations, you show your respect for the movers' time and hard work. It also ensures a faster, smoother load and unload process.

In conclusion, properly preparing saves you both time and money. Don't hesitate to ask the team at Big Boy Movers for any other packing or prepping advice. A little extra effort goes a long way toward a headache-free, successful move. No need to beat yourself up about waiting until the last minute–you've got this!

Let's be honest, life happens and all of this prepping may not happen. Keep Big Boy Movers posted and we can help with packing and disassembly if needed. Big Boy Movers assists people with residential and commercial moves in Utah, Idaho, and the western USA. Call us toll-free at 877-70-MOVER or contact us online today.