If you are hiring movers to help you move your belongings, you may wonder what types of tasks you should complete before moving day in order to save time and money. While there are several things that you can do on your own, it is also important to recognize that the professionals you are hiring to move you will often be more efficient than you and your friends at completing many of the basic moving tasks. If you want to get prepared for your move, below are some of the common tasks that you should leave for the movers and what you can concentrate on instead.
Packing Items That Are in Dressers and Chests
In most situations, light items such as clothing, pictures, and bedding can be left in your dresser or chest when they are moved. For this reason, you should not take the time to empty out these items and pack them in separate boxes. However, you may want to discuss what can and cannot be left in dressers with your moving representative when you get your in-home estimate.
What to Do Instead:
You should concentrate on emptying out filing cabinets and desks. These tend to have more lose items that can shift during a move, and you may be required to empty these drawers before the furniture can be loaded.
Moving Packed Boxes to a Staging Area
Many people think it is a good idea to move all of their packed boxes to a room near the front door. While this may save you a little loading time, it can actually cause the unloading of the truck to be more chaotic, as boxes may no longer be separated by room once they reach their destination. Movers can quickly move packed boxes from their original room on a moving dolly. The only time you should move your own boxes to a staging area is if you live in a two-story home and are moving all items to the first floor to avoid stair charges.
What to Do Instead:
Concentrate on packing each room fully and labeling your boxes clearly with their final destination.
Disassembling Electronics and Large Furniture
While it is true that you can save money by disassembling your own furniture and electronics, this should only be done after your boxes are packed and your other tasks are taken care of.
What to Do Instead:
Disconnect and empty your refrigerator and have a qualified technician disconnect any gas appliances. These are often tasks that need to be completed a day or more before you move, whereas electronics and large furniture can be disassembled on the day of the move.
Covering or Stretch-Wrapping Furniture
Furniture blankets and stretch-wrap can be surprisingly difficult to place neatly. It is likely that your movers can wrap your furniture in a fraction of the time that you can and that they will also do a more thorough job.
What to Do Instead:
Work on a destination map for where you want your furniture to be placed when it is unloaded at your final destination. Make several copies and place them on the interior doors of your new home.
Packing Fragile Items
Fragile items require special attention, and often, moving companies will not cover the cost of damages to fragile items unless they pack them. To make sure your fragile items are protected, let your professionals pack them.
What to Do Instead:
Work on your inventory list, and be sure to include a description of all of your fragile items. A detailed inventory list will help you make sure that everything has arrived at your destination as items are unloaded.
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