Moving Day

To keep moving bedlam at a minimum, we've created this to-do list. Print out this page, and check off the tasks, item by item. Many of the moving tasks can be done ahead, so do yourself a favor and get organized the day before. Come moving day, you'll be ready to supervise the whole affair, without worry or distraction.

Task One: Clearly Mark and Set Aside Items You Don't Want Loaded On The Moving Truck

This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load on the moving truck as you conduct your preload walkthrough. Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to the move doesn't get packed and shipped with your household goods.

Task Two: Pack Special Items for the Kids

Have the kids pack a box of their "special" items, things that they'll want to have nearby as soon as you all arrive at your new home. Point this box out to the driver so it's one of the first to be unloaded. Note: You may want to arrange for someone to take care of the kids (and pets) while the movers are packing and loading your items on the moving truck. Have the caregiver bring the kids back home prior to the moving truck leaving as it important for young children to understand where their belongings are going.

Task Three: Get Rid of Trash, Hazardous and Flammable Items

Eliminate as much trash as you can before moving day. Last-minute garbage will inevitably build up the day prior to and the day of loading. Try making a deal with a neighbor to use their trash container for your last-minute debris. Many items that are considered flammable are not going to be loaded by the driver and crew. Understand what these items are so that you are not stuck with trying to get rid of them on day of loading. If you are uncertain what items can't be loaded, ask your estimator for a list. Because movers can't transport most household cleaners, they will be available for you to use throughout the day. Also remember to remove items from inaccessible areas like crawl spaces or attics.

Propane Grills. Most bbq grills don't move well. Unless the grill is expensive, consider it part of your moving sale or donation to your local church, fire dept station, etc. Movers will not move propane tanks for a good reason (fire when full, kaboom when empty) so don't try and move a propane tank in your personal vehicle either. Sell propane tanks at your moving sale. Perhaps a local propane company will buy your tank. Consider bartering your propane tank with the neighbor in exchange for some useful service.

Lawn Equipment. If movers will move lawn mowers and gas powered trimmers, run them out of gas then ziplock and tape the gas cap to the equipment, allowing plenty of time for all flammable liquids to evaporate.

Paints. Have an agreement with the new home owners that you will leave paint cans for them. If you have to dispose of paints and hazardous liquids, call the city about their local hazardous waste process.

Task Four: Reserve a Parking Space for the Moving Truck

If you live in a congested area, recruit some friends and park all of your vehicles one after another in a space close to your home and do not move them until the truck arrives. The closer the truck can get to your house, the better your chances are of not incurring an additional charge.

Task Five: Clear Walkways

Make it safe and easy for your home movers to get in and out of your house by removing all obstructions. " Move potted plants and planters from front porch, walkways and driveways. " Move all door and floor mats. " Move all rugs. The crew will protect the floors with a specially designed floor covering that does not slip. " Remove low hanging items such as wind chimes or hanging plants. " Disconnect the spring on the screen door so that it stays open during the loading process. " If you had the moving company pack for you, work with them to keep walkways clear for the driver and crew.

Task Six: Point Out Special Items

Set these items aside the day before the home move date. Then, once the mover arrives, point out items that are most special to you during the walkthrough. All your items will be handled professionally but take a moment to show them which ones need the most special care. Also, point out the boxes you would like to have unloaded first, if they are not going into storage. These boxes may include kitchen and bathroom items, or your children's toys.

Task Seven: Take Care of Your Driver and Crew Members

Consider the needs of your driver and crew members! It is not necessary to prepare an elaborate meal, as this is the last thing you will have time for. Still, run out and get some breakfast rolls or cookies and order pizza for lunch. It is a nice gesture and will be warmly received.

Task Eight: Decide on Tipping Movers Beforehand

Should you tip the moving crew? It is completely up to you. Many individuals do tip the driver (with smaller bills) and let him disperse the portion to the moving crew that they think is appropriate. You decide.

Task Nine: Before the Driver Leaves ...

Make sure you understand all the paperwork before the driver departs for your new home. If there is something that is confusing to you, ask your driver to explain it before you sign it. Provide the driver with your destination contact information. Take down any information the driver can provide such as his cell phone, pager and satellite tracking information. Ask the driver if your shipment is the last he/she will be loading. Find out when the last shipment goes onto the trailer. This will give you an indication as to when they will be departing for your new home. Ask the driver about his/her plans for delivering your items. Find out as many details as you can prior to the driver leaving your residence. If the driver attempts to give you a delivery date and time, keep in mind that it is really only an estimate at the time of loading. Many factors can change the schedule for the driver, so try to remain flexible. Ask the driver to call you with changes so that you can adjust your plans accordingly. If you have a delivery spread (a sequence of two or more days that your shipment can be delivered on and still be considered on time) understand that you can and may be delivered on any one of those days. Take one last sweep of the house before the driver leaves. Look through all closets, shelves, in the garage, attic, crawl space, storage unit, under the stairs, on the walls and any place else things may be hiding. You do not want to find out, after the driver has left, that something was left behind.

Practical Tips for Moving In Day include:

Work with the Mark Hitz Realtor Team, DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate to Relocate, Buy or Sell a Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Home

If you are thinking of moving, relocating, buying or selling a home, or just want to talk with an expert Real Estate Agent with detailed knowledge of the Current Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Real Estate Market including The Colony TX, Little Elm TX, Frisco TX, homes for sale or any of the communities listed below, please feel free to contact us. Simply call us at 214-514-1800, or e-mail us. We'll be glad to talk with you about home relocation, moving and storage concerns, and help you in all of your Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Real Estate needs.

About Our Moving and Storage Guides

Moving and storage commentary on this website is provided in a DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate advisory capacity for clients and customers. Our mention of specific movers, storage or related businesses is not rock solid endorsement by the Mark Hitz Realtor Team of their services nor should any moving or storage decisions be made soley based upon the information contained on this website. Links to any external movers, storage or related websites are provided as resources to assist relocating home buyers and sellers in their moving process. Our personal GMAC Real Estate Premier Service goal is to provide unique useful insight, opinion and information to potential relocating home buyers and home sellers interested in the Far North Dallas communities of Denton County and Collin County Texas. We encourage you to call Mark Hitz, Local Realtor® DFW Realty GMAC Real Estate at 214-514-1800 with any specific relocation, moving or storage questions you might have if you currently do not have a written agreement with another Texas real estate agent.

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