Top Tips for a Calm Moving Day

Written By

Machaela Casey

Plan Ahead

To make your move as smooth as possible, you have to have a game plan. You know this. That’s why you booked quality movers months in advance. You’ve scheduled the services you need-whether that’s packing, expedited shipping, or warehousing. In addition, you have your most important boxes-the big three boxes– packed. Finally–you’re ready to go.

Now, you just have to complete the move itself. At Nelson Westerberg, we have over a century’s worth of experience in residential moves. We know that moving day is busy, and we’re ready to do the heavy lifting. We also know that there are a few things you can do to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible.

Get up Early

Start by setting your alarm the night before. Get up when it goes off-don’t snooze. You don’t want to feel rushed and stressed on such a big day. Instead, plan plenty of time to wake up, shower, and get your bearings. If you need caffeine, schedule enough time to hit the drive through for your favorite drink.

Calm Your Mind

Moving day is hectic. Before the movers arrive, take a few moments to relax and prepare yourself for the big day. Sit quietly for a few moments and review your to-do list. Or, try some meditation or deep breathing exercises to get in the right mindset for your move.

Dress for Success

Today is not the day to make a fashion statement. On moving day, you may be climbing stairs, lifting boxes, or driving a long distance. Dress for a long day of being active. Wear comfortable tennis shoes and clothes that you can easily move in. Also, choose clothing with pockets. You’ll want easy access to your phone, your keys, and important documents on moving day.

We also recommend dressing in layers. That will make it easy to adjust to any changes in temperature without having to dig through boxes to find clothes.

Fuel Up

Start your day with a light, protein-packed breakfast. You’ll be grateful for the energy later in the day. In addition, be sure to bring several bottles of water with you in your personal vehicle. It’s important to stay hydrated to feel your best.

Conduct a Final Walk Through

Before you leave your old residence, do one last walk through. This will give you a chance to say goodbye to your old home. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to double check that you aren’t forgetting anything. For example, many people leave appliances behind when they move. That means that many people also forget items inside of those appliances when they leave

Be sure to check:

-The washer and dryer for laundry

-The drawer underneath the oven for spare pots and pans

-The dishwasher for leftover dishes or silverware

-The microwave for a dish or cup

Make a Memory

Before you pull out of your driveway for the last time, take a moment to snap a photo. Pick a favorite spot in the yard to gather your family for one last picture. You’ll be glad that you took the time to get that last photo.

Have a Plan for Arrival

When you get to your new place, be prepared to hit the ground running. You should know the floor plan of your new place. And, you should also have a basic idea of what goes where. Upon arrival, set up a command center in the kitchen.

Unpack your most important boxes while being centrally located in your new home. That way, you’ll be able to get important work done while directing movers where to unload boxes and assemble furniture.

Take Care of Your Movers

Performing a good deed is proven to reduce stress levels. This is easy to do on moving day. Be kind to your movers! First, be prepared to offer them some snacks and water on this busy day. They’re working hard to move all of your items, and some of those items are bulky, heavy, and/or fragile. They will appreciate your kindness.

Another practical way to show appreciation is with a tip. While tipping is not required, it is certainly appreciated. How much should you tip your movers? It depends. Usually, a tip of $5 per hour per mover is considered appropriate. However, if your movers go above and beyond for you, tip more.

Nelson Westerberg: Your Moving Partner

We have moved people into new homes down the street, across town, and around the world. As a full-service, home moving expert, we can provide the support that you need to plan a stress-free move.

There are also things you can do to reduce your own stress on moving day. By following these easy tips, you can help make your own moving experience a breeze.