How to Prepare for Moving Day: A Room-by-Room Guide

The easiest moving days happen when every room is ready before the truck arrives. When the crew walks in and everything is packed, labeled and cleared, loading moves fast, and on an hourly move, that saves you money. Here is how to prepare for moving day, room by room.

Before you start: set up a system

Pick one labeling system and use it everywhere. Write the destination room and a short description of contents on the top and at least one side of every box. Many people color-code by room with tape or stickers, then tape a matching color to the door of each room at the new home so the crew knows exactly where everything goes.

Set aside a "do not move" zone, such as a bathroom or closet, for anything traveling with you: documents, valuables, medications, chargers and your essentials box.

Kitchen

The kitchen takes the longest to pack, so start early.

• Pack rarely used items first: specialty appliances, serving dishes, holiday items and extra glassware.
• Wrap plates individually and stand them on edge in dish-pack boxes, like records.
• Wrap glasses and stemware in packing paper and use cell dividers.
• Use up or donate pantry food. Most movers will not transport open liquids, perishables or flammables.
• Empty, defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the move.
• Keep a small "last week" kit: a few plates, cups, utensils, one pan, dish soap and a towel.

Living room

• Photograph the back of the TV and entertainment setup before unplugging anything.
• Bag and label cables and remotes, and tape the bag to the device or keep it in one clearly marked box.
• Remove light bulbs and harps from lamps and pack shades separately.
• Remove artwork and mirrors from the walls, and let the movers know which pieces are valuable.
• Clear bookshelves and pack books in small boxes so they stay liftable.

Bedrooms

• Wash and pack extra bedding, but keep one set per bed for the first night.
• Leave light clothing in dresser drawers only if your mover confirms that is fine. Otherwise, pack it.
• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes to save time on both ends.
• Remove bedding the morning of the move and strip beds so frames can be disassembled.
• Keep hardware bags taped to the matching furniture piece.

Bathrooms

• Pack most toiletries in advance, using zip-top bags for anything that could leak.
• Toss expired medications and products.
• Keep a small bag of daily essentials, medications and a roll of toilet paper with you.
• Pack towels and shower curtains last; they double as padding.

Home office

• Back up your computer and important files before moving day.
• Pack sensitive documents, passports, and financial records yourself and keep them with you.
• Photograph cable setups and label cords.
• Empty desk drawers so desks can be moved safely.

Kids' rooms

• Involve kids in packing a special box of favorite items that stays with them.
• Pack toys and books in small, sturdy boxes.
• Set up kids' rooms first at the new home so they have a familiar space right away.

Garage, basement and outdoor areas

• Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, trimmers and other equipment.
• Dispose of paint, propane, chemicals and fertilizers properly. Movers cannot transport hazardous materials.
• Clean and dry outdoor furniture and grills.
• Group tools in sturdy boxes and bundle long-handled tools together.

Laundry room

• Disconnect washers and dryers ahead of time or ask your mover about options.
• Make sure the washer is fully drained and dry.
• Pack detergents in sealed bags or leave them behind if they are open.

Moving day morning

• Walk the crew through every room and point out fragile or high-value items.
• Keep pets and young children in a quiet room or with a caregiver.
• Keep hallways and paths clear.
• Do a final sweep of every closet, cabinet and drawer before the truck leaves.

Let a professional crew help

If packing every room sounds like too much, Messolar offers full or partial packing as part of our residential moving services in Nashville. For packing techniques, see our pro packing tips, and use our ultimate moving checklist to stay on schedule. Get your free quote today.