What Should I Do the Week Before Movers Arrive? Your Ultimate Week Before Moving Checklist

Moving day is an exciting yet stressful milestone that requires careful preparation to go smoothly. Whether you’ve hired Southside Moving, the trusted Southside Portsmouth VA movers, or are exploring options, getting your house ready the week before movers arrive will save you time, money, and headaches. From decluttering to securing truck parking and reviewing safety protocols, this moving prep timeline covers everything you need to tackle in the final week.

Why Planning the Week Before Moving Matters

The week before moving is your critical window to organize your home and logistics so the moving crew can do their job efficiently. Proper preparation decreases your unpacking workload, reduces costs charged by movers, and ensures smooth access for the trucks and crew. It’s also your chance to double-check that everything complies with safety standards and building policies.

Week Before Moving Checklist: Your Step-By-Step Guide

1. Declutter to Cut Costs and Unpack Time

Take a close look at your belongings and separate them into three categories:

Keep
Donate/Sell
Dispose

Moving fewer items lowers your overall moving cost with companies like Southside Moving and speeds up unpacking. Consider organizing a garage sale or donating gently used items to charities.

Remember, movers will not transport hazardous or flammable items. Keep your list of non-allowable items handy (more on this below).

2. Review Non-Allowables and Safety-Based Exclusions

Be sure to check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) guidelines on Protect Your Move, a valuable FMCSA resource for consumers. Use the FMCSA 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' booklet to familiarize yourself with items movers cannot carry, such as:

Flammable liquids and gases (paint, propane tanks)
Perishable foods
Explosives
Live animals
Plants (depending on destination restrictions)

Disclose any potentially hazardous items during booking to avoid surprises on moving day. Movers often can’t transport certain large batteries or products containing corrosive materials. It’s frustrating to arrange last-minute disposal at 8:00 a.m. on move day, so plan ahead.

3. Finalize Truck Parking and Building Access Logistics

One of my first questions to clients is always: “Where will the truck park?” Having confirmed parking and building access is essential before movers arrive.

Contact your building management or HOA to reserve a truck-loading zone, or check local parking regulations for single-family homes. Southside Moving teams appreciate when clients can secure a spot that allows easy load-in/out without violations.

At condos or apartment complexes, obtain elevator booking confirmations and keys or fobs needed for access—this ensures movers are not trapped waiting outside. Keep elevator reservations taped to a visible spot near entrances for the crew.

4. Measure Large Furniture and Building Exits

Measure key pieces of large furniture and compare their dimensions to all entryways, stairwells, and elevator sizes. This eliminates surprises during the move can movers take chlorine and helps movers plan wrap needs and disassembly if necessary.

Mark door widths and heights, stair clearance, and elevator capacity with painter’s tape in visible block letters so the moving team can see at a glance. This small step saves time by avoiding last-minute dissembles or alternative route scouting.

5. Label Rooms with Painter’s Tape, Not Boxes by Item

One of the most helpful tips I’ve learned is to label rooms with painter’s tape in big block letters directly on walls or doors—living room, kitchen, bedroom 1, etc. It streamlines the unloading process.

A quick pet peeve: labeling boxes by item type slows movers down and results in less efficient placements. Instead, mark each box with the destination room name and number if needed (e.g., “Kitchen 3”).

6. Pack an Essentials Box and Keep Movers in the Loop

Pack a box or suitcase with essential items you’ll need immediately at the new home (toiletries, chargers, a few days’ clothes). Keep it separate and labeled so it’s the last loaded and first unloaded.

Communicate clearly any last-minute updates or special requests to Southside Moving ahead of time. Share building rules or gate codes in advance to avoid delays.

FMCSA Resources to Empower Your Move

Resource Description Where to Get It 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' booklet Comprehensive consumer guide outlining mover responsibilities, prohibited items, insurance info, and how to resolve disputes. Protect Your Move Website 'Ready to Move' brochure Checklist and tips for homeowners to prepare physically and logistically for moving day. Download from Protect Your Move

Your Moving Prep Timeline: Day-by-Day Highlights

7 Days Before: Declutter, separate non-allowable items, start packing non-essential belongings, book truck parking if required.
5 Days Before: Confirm elevator access, parking, building permissions; measure furniture and doorways; label rooms clearly.
3 Days Before: Finish packing; prepare essentials box; notify movers of any last-minute special items or access instructions.
1 Day Before: Clear hallways, remove rugs or obstacles; review moving checklist; check with Southside Moving for schedule confirmation.
Moving Day: Ensure truck can park easily; be available for movers to answer questions; have payment and paperwork ready per FMCSA guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your house the week before movers arrive can feel overwhelming, but tackling these key tasks methodically will turn stress into seamless efficiency. By decluttering wisely, confirming logistics, adhering to FMCSA safety rules, and communicating clearly with your Southside Portsmouth VA movers, you’ll set the stage for an unforgettably smooth move.

Remember to download and refer to the FMCSA booklets like 'Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move' and the 'Ready to Move' how to get moving permit brochure for expert guidance you can trust. Move smart, plan ahead, and happy moving day!