Moving house is an exciting new chapter, but it can also feel daunting when you think about the logistics. Hiring a moving company can make the process smoother and less stressful, but preparation is key to ensuring everything runs efficiently. By getting your home ready before the movers arrive, you’ll save time, avoid unnecessary costs, and reduce the risk of damage to your belongings.

Below, we’ve put together a practical guide on how to prepare your home for a moving company.

Declutter Before You Pack

Before movers set foot in your home, take the opportunity to declutter. The fewer items you need to move, the faster and cheaper the process will be. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or recycle. This is especially important for bulky items like old furniture or appliances that no longer serve you.

Not only will this cut down on moving costs, but it will also give you a fresh start in your new home without unnecessary clutter.

Create an Inventory

Creating a detailed inventory of your belongings has multiple benefits. It allows you to:

• Keep track of what’s being moved.
• Provide movers with a clear idea of the workload.
• Make it easier to identify if anything is misplaced.
  

You can write this down room by room or use an app designed for moving checklists. Remember to highlight fragile items or valuable possessions that may require extra care.

Pack Smart and Label Clearly

Even if your moving company offers a packing service, many homeowners prefer to pack personal items themselves. If you do:

• Use sturdy boxes and quality tape.
• Avoid overpacking boxes, as this increases the risk of breakage.
• Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or newspaper.
  

The most important step is labelling. Clearly mark each box with the room it belongs to, along with notes such as “fragile” or “this way up.” Labelling ensures movers can place boxes directly where they need to go in your new home, saving you significant time during unpacking.

Disassemble Furniture in Advance

If possible, disassemble large furniture items like bed frames, dining tables, or wardrobes before moving day. While most movers will handle disassembly if needed, having it done in advance helps speed up the process. Keep screws, bolts and small pieces in labelled bags taped securely to the furniture so they don’t get lost.

Protect Your Property

Moving day can be hectic, and heavy items being shifted around may pose a risk to your home. Take a few protective measures, such as:

• Using old blankets or sheets to cover flooring.
• Wrapping banisters with protective padding.
• Propping doors open to avoid scuffs or repeated handling.
  

These small steps will help prevent accidental damage to your current property particularly important if you’re renting or planning to sell.

Secure Valuables and Essentials

While professional movers are trustworthy, it’s always best to keep personal valuables such as jewellery, passports, important documents, and sentimental keepsakes with you.

Additionally, pack an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately at your new home, such as:

• Toiletries and medication.
• A change of clothes.
• Phone chargers.
• Basic kitchen supplies like a kettle and mugs.
  

This ensures you’re not rummaging through dozens of boxes just to make a cup of tea on your first night.

Clear Access for the Moving Company

Movers need easy access to your home to load items efficiently. Before they arrive, make sure:

• Driveways and pathways are clear of vehicles or obstacles.
• Gardens and outdoor spaces are tidy for moving larger items.
• Stairways, corridors, and doorways are free from clutter.
  

If your property has restrictions, such as narrow streets or limited parking, inform the moving company in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Communicate with Your Movers

The success of your move relies heavily on communication. On the day, walk through your home with the moving team to explain:

• Which items need special handling.
• Any belongings that aren’t being moved.
• The layout of your new property, if known.
  

Being available for questions throughout the day ensures the movers can work efficiently and avoids any confusion.

Double-Check Everything Before Leaving

Once the van is loaded, do a final walkthrough of your home. Check cupboards, drawers, lofts, sheds and garages for forgotten items. Turn off appliances and lights, and make sure windows and doors are secured. Leaving your old home in good order gives you peace of mind as you move on.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for a moving company might feel like extra effort, but it makes all the difference on the big day. By decluttering, packing strategically, protecting your property, and communicating clearly with movers, you’ll ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into your new home.

Ready to Make Your Move Easier?

If you’re planning a move and want trusted professionals to handle the heavy lifting, our experienced moving team is here to help. We’ll take the stress out of moving day so you can focus on settling into your new space.

Contact us today for a free moving quote and start your journey the right way.