Save Money and Stress: How to Prepare for Professional Movers Like a Pro

Moving day is often one of the most stressful parts of relocating. There are boxes everywhere, heavy furniture to move, and a long list of things to remember. Hiring professional movers removes that burden off your shoulders, but how you prepare before they arrive can make a huge difference in how smoothly the day goes. While our movers are fully capable of packing, disassembling furniture, and disconnecting appliances, every extra task adds time, and more time means higher costs for you. 

The good news is that with a little preparation, you can streamline the process, save money, and reduce the overall stress of your move. Here is your guide to simple, practical steps to prepare your home before the movers arrive, ensuring your moving day is efficient, affordable, and as stress-free as possible.

1. Pack and Tape Boxes Before Moving Day 

The easiest and best way to prepare for your movers is to have all your boxes packed, sealed, and ready to go before they arrive. Loose items scattered around your home not only slow down the loading process but also increase the chance of things being misplaced, damaged, or someone even getting hurt. Movers work most efficiently when everything is already contained in sturdy, taped boxes that can be safely stacked and transported.

To make the process smoother, use strong moving boxes (not worn-out grocery boxes) and secure them with quality packing tape. Clearly label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief list of contents. For example: Kitchen: Pots, pans, utensils. This makes unloading at your new home much faster and more organized. 

Pro tip: Use a color-coding system for your boxes. For example, choose yellow tape or labels for everything in the kitchen. Then, create a simple color key for your new home so movers know exactly where each box belongs. With this method, boxes go straight to the right rooms, so there is no extra shuffling, no confusion, and less directing on your part. 

Also, avoid overstuffing boxes or leaving them open, as movers may need to stop and re-secure them, which takes extra time. By completing this step before moving day, you’ll save both time and money, while also ensuring your belongings arrive safely and in order.

2. Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time 

Another important way to prepare for moving day is to disassemble large furniture pieces ahead of time. Beds, dining tables, and shelving units take extra time to take apart, and doing this step ahead of time maintains a smooth moving process, saving money and time. By handling disassembly in advance, you make it easier for movers to do the really hard work of loading and safely transporting your furniture.

Start with items like bedframes: remove the slats, headboards, and footboards, and be sure to detach mirrors from dressers or shelving from cabinets. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware in small, labeled plastic bags and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture piece so nothing gets lost during the move. For fragile or glass components, such as shelves or table inserts, wrap them carefully in bubble wrap or blankets and set them aside for easy, safe transport.

While movers are fully capable of handling furniture disassembly, completing this task yourself before moving day saves time and labor charges, ultimately making your move more efficient and cost-effective.

Pro Tip: Keep an Allen wrench or small toolkit handy when taking apart furniture, especially bedframes or IKEA pieces. You’ll need it again when it’s time to reassemble everything in your new home.

3. Unplug and Prep Appliances

Large appliances are some of the trickiest items to move, and preparing them ahead of time is one of the best ways to save both time and stress on moving day. Appliances need to be disconnected safely before transport; doing it in advance will keep the pace of the move up and prevent delays. 

Start with your refrigerator and freezer. Be sure to unplug them at least 24 hours before moving so they have time to fully defrost. This prevents water leakage during transport and keeps your items safe from damage. Remove all food and pack pantry items ahead of time to avoid last-minute scrambling. Washers and dryers should also be disconnected, with hoses drained and secured so they don’t leak or get damaged in transit. Smaller appliances, like microwaves or coffee makers, should be unplugged, cleaned, and packed in sturdy boxes with their cords secured.

Pro Tip: When defrosting your refrigerator or freezer, place towels or a shallow tray underneath to catch water as the ice melts. This prevents messy puddles and protects your floors on moving day.

While movers can disconnect appliances for you, doing it ahead of time reduces delays and helps keep everything on schedule. With just a little preparation, your appliances will be ready for safe transport to your new home.

4. Declutter and Organize Before Moving Day

We have all heard “time is money.”? So the best way to save money is to save time. One of the simplest ways to save both time and money on moving day is to reduce how much you actually have to move. Quite simply, the less you bring, the faster and cheaper your move will be. Before your movers arrive, take some time to go through your belongings and decide what you truly want to take to your new home. 

Donate gently used items, sell what you can, and toss anything broken or no longer useful. This not only lightens your load but also makes unpacking at your new place much easier.

Pro Tip: Start decluttering at least 2–3 weeks before your move. Tackling one room at a time keeps the process manageable and ensures you’re not rushed the night before moving day.

As you declutter, start organizing what you’re keeping. Group small items together in bins or boxes so movers don’t have to spend extra time chasing loose belongings. Be sure to set aside important items like legal documents, jewelry, medications, and daily essentials that you’ll want to transport yourself. By tackling these decisions before moving day, you avoid the stress of last-minute choices and make the process smoother for everyone involved.

5. Protect Fragile and Special Items

Fragile and special items often hold so much more than just monetary value. They carry memories, milestones, and meaning. From your grandmother’s china set to a child’s favorite keepsake, these belongings deserve extra care to ensure they make it to your new home safely.

While movers are trained to handle delicate items, the best protection starts with how they’re packed before moving day. Taking the time to properly wrap glassware, dishes, electronics, or collectibles not only prevents damage but also gives you peace of mind knowing the pieces of your life that matter most will arrive intact and ready to create new memories in your next chapter.

Start by wrapping fragile items in bubble wrap, packing paper, or soft linens, and placing them in sturdy boxes with plenty of cushioning. Clearly label each box with “FRAGILE” and note the room it belongs to so movers know to handle it with care. Utilizing bright red tape or a label is always a helpful attention grabber for those fragile boxes. For larger breakables, such as mirrors or framed art, use specialty boxes or padded blankets to prevent scratches and cracks.

Pro Tip: Use towels, blankets, or linens to fill empty spaces in boxes with fragile items. This provides extra cushioning, reduces shifting, and saves space by packing two things at once.

As for valuables like jewelry, cash, passports, or sentimental keepsakes, it’s best to keep those with you instead of packing them with the moving truck. Movers can’t replace items of personal or sentimental value, so transporting them yourself ensures they remain safe. By taking these steps ahead of time, you not only protect your belongings but also make the moving process more efficient.

6. Prepare Your Home for Moving Day

Why it matters: A clear, organized space ensures your movers can work quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely.

Before your movers arrive, take time to declutter pathways inside and outside your home. Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, or shoes, and make sure hallways, stairs, and entryways are free of obstacles. If you live in an apartment or condo, consider reserving the elevator and securing a designated parking spot to make loading easier and faster.

Pro Tip: Snap a few photos of each room before the movers arrive. This makes it easier to spot if anything is missing or out of place during unpacking.

It’s also important to keep pets and small children in a safe, separate area so they don't accidentally get hurt or delay the process. While not required, offering water or light snacks is a thoughtful gesture that’s always appreciated by hardworking crews. These small steps go a long way in keeping your moving day running smoothly and stress-free for everyone involved.

Now You Are Ready For A Smoother, Faster Moving Day!

Preparing for your move ahead of time can make all the difference. By having your boxes packed, furniture disassembled, and appliances unplugged before moving day, you’ll save time, cut down on costs, and significantly reduce stress. While professional movers are there to do the heavy lifting, your preparation helps everything run more smoothly, efficiently, and safely. A well-prepped home allows movers to focus and care for your belongings with precision.

At Big Boy Movers, we’re committed to making your move as seamless as possible. Whether you're relocating locally or long-distance, our team is trained to deliver efficient, reliable service tailored to your unique needs. Let us take the stress out of moving so you can focus on settling into your new space.

Call 877-70-MOVER today or visit us online to get your free moving quote!