How to Prepare for Moving Day

The best thing you can do before moving day is finish packing the night before. Movers can work faster and more carefully when everything is already boxed and ready to carry, rather than packing on the spot.

Clear a path. Make sure hallways, doorways and stairwells are free of loose items, rugs that could slip, or anything breakable within reach of a busy walkway. If you have pets, it's worth arranging for them to be somewhere quiet and out of the way — moving day is stressful enough for animals without a constant stream of strangers and open doors.

Confirm access in advance. If your building requires a permit for moving trucks, or your new place needs advance notice to use the lift, sort that out before the day itself rather than discovering it when the truck arrives.

Be available, but you don't need to do the heavy lifting. Point out anything fragile or high-value, answer questions about where things go, and let the crew do the physical work — that's what you're paying for.