The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived. There are actually two moving days: the day you move OUT of your old house, and the day you move INTO your new home.

Moving Out Day

Pack up whatever items you used until the end. Make sure that the boxes or suitcases that you are carrying with you are kept separate, so they don’t mistakenly wind up on the moving truck.

Be ready for the moving truck when it arrives. Make sure that there is room for the truck to park. Let your neighbors know ahead of time, especially if they are going to be inconvenienced.

Be available for your movers. Stick around all day to answer any questions they may have.

Be considerate of your movers. Show them where the restrooms are, and have drinks and snacks available for them and anyone else who is helping out. Have cash on hand to tip the movers for a job well done.

Put your pets in a room where they won’t be frightened by the movers, and won’t get in the way. Consider boarding your pet during the move or asking a friend take them out.

Make arrangements for your small children; it’s going to be a long day. Arrange for  a babysitter or a playdate with a good friend.

The mover will prepare an inventory list of your belongings, and will note the condition of each item. Check over the list and make sure that you are in agreement with the condition noted. Once the list is completed, and your belongings are tagged, the movers will load the truck.

After the movers have finished loading everything, take one last look around the house to make sure nothing was left off the truck.

Check over the paperwork, make sure everything is correct, and sign the Bill of Lading. Don’t sign unless you understand and agree with everything. Ask the driver if you have any questions.

Make sure the mover has detailed directions to your new home. Exchange contact information, so that you can contact each other if something comes up along the way.

After the movers have left, do a last cleaning, and give the keys to the realtor or a neighbor.

Be sure that all utilities are turned off. Say goodbye. Lock up. Now begin your trek to your new home!

Moving IN Day

Arrive to your new home before the movers. Make sure utilities are turned on.  Arrange for parking for the movers

You will need to stick around today as well, to guide the movers and answer any questions they have. Figure out ahead of time where you want  the movers to place items.  Getting boxes and furniture placed in the right rooms will make unpacking much easier.

Keep pets safely away from the moving activity.

Make arrangements for your small children to keep them out of the way.

Once again, be kind to the movers. Provide drinks and snacks. Have cash on hand to tip them for a job well done.

Have full payment available in the form of payment that you agreed upon with the mover (cash, credit card, certified check, etc.)

Check the inventory list as items are unloaded. Report anything that is lost or damaged immediately to the moving company. Note any discrepancies on the mover’s inventory list.