How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Movers (Checklist Included)

A smooth move starts long before the movers arrive. When your home is organized, packed, and easy to navigate, the entire job becomes faster, safer, and more efficient. Whether you’re moving from a house in Pittsford, a condo in Penfield, or an apartment in Rochester, following a preparation checklist can reduce stress and help you save money.

This guide covers everything you should do in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to moving day to ensure your home is fully ready for a professional moving crew.

Why Preparing Your Home Matters

Professional movers work quickly, but they can only move as fast as your home allows. A prepared home leads to:

• Lower total moving time

• Fewer surprises on moving day

• Less risk of damage to items or the home

• More predictable job flow

• Faster loading and unloading

• Reduced overall cost

Even small improvements make a big difference.

1. Declutter Before You Pack

The biggest time-saver is simple: move less stuff.

Before moving day, go through every room and decide what to:

• Keep

• Donate

• Sell

• Throw away

This is especially important for:

• Basements

• Garages

• Closets

• Attics

• Kids’ rooms

• Storage areas

The less you move, the faster and cheaper the job will be.

2. Pack and Label Everything Clearly

Movers can only work efficiently when items are boxed, closed, and labeled.

Pack correctly:

• Use sturdy boxes

• Tape both bottom and top seams

• Keep heavy items in small boxes

• Keep lightweight items in larger boxes

• Don’t leave loose items scattered around

Label each box:

• Room name (Kitchen, Bedroom, Basement)

• A brief description (Dishes, Linens, Tools)

• “Fragile” if needed

Clear labeling speeds up loading and unloading and helps movers place items in the correct rooms.

3. Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time (If You Prefer)

Movers can disassemble furniture for you, but doing it yourself saves time.

Consider taking apart:

• Bed frames

• Sectionals

• Dining tables

• Shelving units

• Office desks

• Cribs

Keep hardware in a labeled sandwich bag and tape it to the furniture piece.

If you prefer not to do this yourself, let the movers handle it on site.

4. Clear Pathways Inside Your Home

Movers need unobstructed access to every room.

The night before your move:

• Remove clutter from hallways

• Move rugs out of walkways

• Keep pets secured in a closed room

• Prop open interior doors if possible

• Make sure stairways are safe, dry, and lit

A clear home allows movers to maintain safe, efficient momentum throughout the day.

5. Prepare Your Driveway and Walkways

This is especially important in Rochester due to snow, ice, or leaves depending on the season.

Before movers arrive:

• Clear snow and ice (salt if needed)

• Remove leaves from walkways

• Trim branches overhanging the path

• Move cars out of the driveway

• Ensure the truck has a place to park

If you’re in a neighborhood with narrow or long driveways (common in Webster, Greece, and Penfield), ensure movers have adequate turning space.

6. Empty Appliances and Disconnect Electronics

Appliances and electronics should be fully prepared and safe to move.

Do the following:

• Unplug all TVs and electronics

• Coil and label cords

• Empty refrigerators and freezers

• Disconnect washers and dryers

• Remove propane tanks from grills

• Drain water lines if necessary

Movers cannot disconnect gas lines or plumbing, so this must be done in advance.

7. Set Aside a “Do Not Pack” Area

Identify items you want to transport yourself, such as:

• Wallets

• Keys

• Medications

• Documents

• Jewelry

• Phones and chargers

• Children’s essentials

• Pet supplies

Place these in a clearly marked box or a separate room so movers know not to load them.

8. Protect Your Floors and Walls (Optional)

Professional movers typically bring:

• Floor runners

• Door jamb protectors

• Masonite sheets

• Carpet covering

But if you have freshly refinished floors, new carpet, or newly painted walls, extra protection may offer peace of mind.

9. Communicate Important Details to Your Movers

A two-minute conversation at the start of the day helps avoid problems.

Tell your crew about:

• Fragile or high-value items

• Furniture that needs disassembly

• Boxes that require special handling

• Items headed to storage

• Heavy objects in attics or basements

• Any narrow stairways or tricky areas

Good communication creates a smoother workflow.

10. Be Ready When Movers Arrive

On moving day, make sure your home is fully prepared by the scheduled time.

Before movers arrive:

• All boxes packed

• All pathways clear

• All pets secured

• All appliances empty

• Driveway cleared

• Payment method ready

• “Do not pack” box set aside

Starting with a ready home prevents delays and keeps your move efficient from the first minute.

Moving in Rochester? Roc City Movers Can Help

Preparing your home properly makes a big difference on moving day. Roc City Movers provides reliable, efficient moving services across Rochester, Monroe County, and the surrounding suburbs.

We offer:

• Full-service and labor-only moving

• Professional packing

• Clean trucks and equipment

• Disassembly and reassembly

• Transparent, straightforward pricing

Visit our pricing page or contact our team to schedule your move.