Moving Day
Your moving day can be very hectic; therefore, it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Prior to your move, make sure you complete your moving checklist and timeline. After you have done so, you should follow these few pieces of advice listed below to make sure your moving day goes as smooth as possible.
Pack special items for the kids
- Have the kids pack a box for their “special” items. Point this box out to the driver during the walkthrough so they will know to unload it first.
- Take advantage of this time to be inclusive with your children. Many kids just want to have a place in the process. Provide special roles for your little ones such as a last minute dusting or delivering water to the movers. Ensure their tasks are safe but rewarding.
- Be sure to stock up on books and activities to keep your children occupied as you may be busy during the moving process.
- You may want to arrange for someone to take care of the kids (and pets) while the movers are packing and loading your items. Ask the caregiver to bring the kids back home prior to the truck leaving because it is important for young children to understand where their belongings are going.
Make Yourself Available
- Often, the driver will have questions that only you can answer; therefore, it is important that you or someone you’ve designated be available throughout the loading process.
Clearly mark and set aside items you don’t want loaded
- Marking boxes appropriately will remind you to inform the driver during your preload walkthrough what should not be loaded into the moving truck.
- Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to the move doesn’t get packed and shipped with your household goods.
Find out as many details as you can prior to the driver leaving your residence
- The driver may give you your delivery window. Keep in mind that it is really only an estimate at the time of loading. Many factors can change the schedule for the driver, so try to remain flexible.
- Ask the driver to call you with changes so that you can adjust your plans accordingly.
- If you have a delivery spread (a sequence of two or more days that your shipment can be delivered on and still be considered on time) understand that you can and may be delivered on any one of those days.
- Take one last sweep of the house before the driver leaves. Look through all closets, shelves, in the garage, attic, crawl space, storage unit, under the stairs, on the walls and any place else things may be hiding. You do not want to find out, after the driver is on the way, something was left behind.
