A smooth moving day doesn’t start when the truck pulls up — it starts days or even weeks before. The more organised your home is before the movers arrive, the faster and safer everything will go. Preparing properly helps you save time, reduce costs, and avoid those last-minute scrambles that make moving stressful.
After years helping New Zealanders move houses, I’ve learned that small preparation steps make a big difference. Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare your home for movers and ensure your move runs efficiently from start to finish.
1. Declutter Before Moving Day
Before you start packing, take some time to go through every room and decide what’s worth taking with you. The fewer items you move, the quicker and cheaper the process becomes.
Sort your belongings into four groups: keep, donate, sell, or dispose.
If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s often better to let it go. Furniture that doesn’t fit your new space, worn-out clothes, or old appliances can all be donated or sold online.
Decluttering early helps our team load more efficiently — we’re only moving what truly matters to you.
2. Start Packing Early
Even if you’ve booked professional packers, it pays to prepare the basics ahead of time. Gather your packing materials — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and labels — and begin with non-essentials such as books, off-season clothes, and décor.
If you’re handling the packing yourself, start at least two weeks before moving day. Label boxes clearly with both the room and contents, so we know exactly where to place them in your new home.
If you’d rather leave it to the experts, our packing services can take care of it for you, saving time and minimising risk of damage.
3. Create a Moving Day Essentials Box
Pack a small box or bag with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home — things like toiletries, medication, chargers, basic cleaning supplies, and a change of clothes.
Having these essentials within reach means you won’t have to dig through boxes on your first night. This one step can turn a long moving day into a much easier experience.
4. Disconnect and Secure Appliances
Large appliances require special care. Unplug and clean fridges, freezers, and washing machines at least a day before the move. Defrost freezers, empty water hoses, and leave doors open to air them out.
If you’re unsure how to prepare heavy whiteware or delicate electronics, our team can help advise or coordinate safe handling. This ensures your appliances are ready to load as soon as we arrive, keeping the schedule on track.
5. Clear Access Points
When movers arrive, easy access is key. Clear pathways from rooms to doors, and make sure driveways or parking spaces are available for the truck.
Check that gates open fully, pets are safely contained, and there’s enough room for our team to manoeuvre larger items like couches or beds. Simple access prep saves time — and in turn, reduces labour costs.
6. Protect Floors and Walls
Even with the most careful movers, tight corners and slippery floors can pose challenges. Protecting your home in advance prevents damage during loading.
Use towels, blankets, or cardboard sheets to shield floors, and wrap furniture edges or doorframes that are prone to scuffing. We bring protective gear for furniture and walls, but a little extra care before we arrive keeps both your old and new homes in top shape.
7. Confirm Parking and Neighbours
If you live in a busy street, apartment complex, or shared driveway, check whether you’ll need a parking permit or space reservation for the moving truck. Let neighbours know your moving date so they can avoid parking in access areas.
A clear parking area near the entrance saves significant time on loading — especially for heavier or bulky items.
8. Keep Important Documents Handy
Gather important papers — lease agreements, insurance documents, medical records, or school information — and store them in a safe, easy-to-access folder.
Keep this with you during the move rather than packing it in boxes. Having all key documents on hand helps if you need to verify anything on short notice.
9. Double-Check Fragile Items
If you’re packing yourself, mark fragile boxes clearly on all sides and point out any delicate or high-value items to the movers when they arrive.
We take extra care when handling fragile items or antique pieces, but knowing in advance which boxes need extra attention allows us to plan their placement and stacking in the truck.
10. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before the movers arrive, take one last walk through your home:
- Empty rubbish bins and clear floors.
- Check cupboards and wardrobes.
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics.
This simple habit prevents forgotten items or extra trips later in the day.
Moving Day Made Simple
A well-prepared home sets the tone for a successful move. By decluttering early, packing smart, and clearing access for the movers, you’ll make the day faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
When you’re ready to plan your move, Truck About is here to help. Learn more about our house movers or explore our packing services for expert assistance with preparation and packing. We’ll handle the heavy lifting — you just focus on settling in.
