How to Prepare Your Home Before Movers Arrive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving day can feel overwhelming when rooms are cluttered and access is uncertain, which often leads to delays and damaged items. Tight hallways, last-minute packing, and permit surprises can turn a manageable move into a stressful scramble. Two Men and Van solves these problems with pre-move planning, professional packing, and careful loading so you avoid damage and stay on schedule. We serve Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and provide written estimates and licensed moving crews.

Measure, Declutter, and Plan

Measure doorways, stairwells, elevators, and parking spots before the movers arrive to ensure large items will fit and to reduce on-site disassembly. Declutter early so you only move what you need and consider short-term storage for items that slow down the process. A clear plan helps Two Men and Van estimate time and labor accurately and reduces surprises on moving day. Early coordination also allows for packing supply delivery and professional packing if you choose that service.

Packing, Protecting, and Labeling

• Pack for durability and retrieval: Use sturdy boxes, reinforce bottoms, and label each box with the room name and a short contents note to speed placement during unloading.
• Wrap fragile items: Use moving blankets, bubble wrap, and corner protectors for glass, mirrors, and artwork so items stay safe during loading and transport.
• Essentials box: Pack a clearly labeled box with personal items, chargers, medications, and basic kitchenware to keep with you on move day for easy access.
• Label and inventory: Create a simple inventory and match box labels to the list so movers place boxes in the correct rooms and so you can track stored items.
• Packing materials delivery: If you need supplies, Two Men and Van can deliver packing materials and offer professional packing to save time and protect valuables.

Disassembly and Appliance Prep

• Disassembly: Remove table legs, detach sofa feet, and collapse shelving to make furniture easier to carry through doorways and stairs.
• Secure hardware: Place screws and small parts in labeled sealed bags and tape them to their related furniture to prevent lost hardware during transit.
• Appliance prep: Disconnect and drain washers and refrigerators, defrost freezers at least 24 hours before moving, and secure doors and trays for safe loading.
• Reassembly options: Two Men and Van includes disassembly and reassembly services in many packages so you can skip the heavy lifting and let professionals handle setup.

Protect Floors, Walls, and Fixtures

Protect floors and walls along the moving path with runners, moving blankets, and corner guards to reduce scratches and dents. Use door jamb shields and padding on stair rails to prevent damage in tight turns. Professional movers bring protective supplies and follow careful handling procedures during loading and unloading. These precautions reduce repair bills and keep your new home in move-in ready condition.

Coordinate Logistics and Building Access

Confirm elevator reservations, loading dock windows, and parking permits well before moving day to avoid last-minute delays. Communicate building rules and provide certificates of insurance when required for apartment or condo moves. Two Men and Van can handle permit coordination and deliver proof of insurance to building managers so crews can work efficiently. Good timing and permissions prevent waiting and overtime charges.

Move Day Safety and Family Prep

Keep children and pets in a safe, separate room or arrange daycare so movers can focus on heavy lifting without distractions. Wear closed-toe shoes and clear walkways of rugs or cords to reduce trip hazards during loading and unloading. Tell your crew about fragile items or special handling instructions and keep valuables and essential documents with you. A calm environment helps the moving team work faster and safer.

Final Walk-Through Process

• Final walk-through: Inspect every room, closet, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind and to confirm special item handling instructions with the moving crew.
• Keys and utilities: Verify that utilities are scheduled to transfer and that keys or access codes for the new property are available for arrival.
• Document condition: Take photos of high-value items and the empty rooms to document pre-move condition for peace of mind and any insurance needs.
• Handover notes: Leave a short note for the movers about final placement preferences and confirm the written estimate before the crew departs to avoid billing surprises.

Post-Move Setup by All Pro Assemble

Post-move setup is easier when professional assemblers handle reassembly and installations after unloading. All Pro Assemble is a trusted partner that offers furniture assembly, TV mounting, fitness equipment assembly, and shed installation to finish your setup quickly. Scheduling All Pro Assemble after your move saves time and ensures items are installed safely, and the team coordinates with moving crews for smooth handoffs.

Get a Free Moving Checklist and Estimate

Request a free moving checklist and a short written estimate today. Contact us Two Men And Van to schedule packing, loading, unloading, disassembly, and delivery across Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware; our movers are licensed and insured.