How to prepare your home before movers arrive

Before movers arrive, finish the packing assigned to you, clear a route from every room to the loading point, and put personal essentials somewhere the crew will not load them. Confirm keys, parking and building access at both addresses. Report anything that has changed since the estimate.

Check the written scope before you start

Read the estimate alongside your room list. Identify who is packing, who is supplying boxes and which furniture needs disassembly. A packing job and a loading-only job need different preparation. If the garage, patio or storage unit was left out of the estimate, send an updated inventory before moving morning.

For a move within Texas, review TxDMV's consumer guidance. For an interstate move, use the FMCSA moving checklist to review the paperwork and pickup arrangements.

Walk the actual loading route

Start at the room farthest from the exit and follow the path to the truck. Remove loose rugs, shoes, cords and boxes from that route. Keep stair landings clear. Tell the movers about narrow turns, low ceilings, fragile wall finishes or a piece that may not fit through the door.

For an apartment or condo, confirm the approved service entrance and elevator reservation with management. A parking space near the front door may not be a permitted loading space. Send the mover the access instructions, contact number and time window. Our apartment moving page explains the details to include in an estimate.

Create three clearly marked groups

• Load: sealed boxes and furniture included in the move, labelled for the destination room.
• Keep with me: keys, chargers, medicines, identification, essential documents and a change of clothes.
• Leave here: landlord-owned items, fixtures and anything being collected separately.

Use a separate room or a clearly marked corner for the last two groups. Tell the crew where they are during the opening walkthrough. Keep small valuables out of the loading area; see our jewelry packing guide for a way to organise them.

Prepare furniture and appliances by agreement

Empty loose contents that could fall out during handling. Ask the mover whether drawers may stay filled and which pieces need to be taken apart. Photograph cable connections, label removable parts and keep hardware in a labelled bag. Arrange appliance disconnection with the appropriate provider when needed; do not assume it is part of loading.

If packing is behind schedule, contact the team about packing support before arrival. Explain which rooms are unfinished so the team can assess materials, staffing and timing.

Use the first walkthrough to prevent missed items

Show the crew the agreed inventory, fragile items and anything excluded. Point out existing damage and discuss protection for floors and doorways. Keep one decision-maker available for questions. Arrange a separate space for children and pets so the loading route stays clear.

Before the truck leaves, check closets, cabinets, the attic access area, garage and outdoor spaces. Confirm that you have the keys and documents you need. For the next stage, read what to expect on moving day or request a residential moving estimate.

Common questions

What should be ready before movers arrive?

Finish the packing you agreed to handle, clear the route from each room to the loading point, separate items that stay with you, and have keys and building access ready. Tell the crew about any unfinished tasks before loading begins.

Should I take furniture apart before moving day?

Check the written scope first. Leave agreed disassembly to the movers, and ask about oversized pieces before arrival. If you remove anything yourself, label the hardware and keep the instructions with it.

How do I prepare an apartment for movers?

Confirm the loading location, service entrance, elevator reservation, move hours and any paperwork with management at both buildings. Send the details to your mover before the date is confirmed.