What to Expect on Moving Day: A Complete Guide for a Smooth Move
Moving day is finally here.
The boxes are packed, the coffee is flowing, and you're probably looking around your house thinking, “Okay...what happens now?”
Don't worry. We've got you.
At The Other Side Movers, we've helped a lot of people get from one home to another. And while every move is a little different, there are some things you can expect when our crew shows up at your door.
Here's the rundown.
What Time Will My Movers Arrive?
We'll give you an estimated arrival window before your move.
Notice the word estimated.
We work until each job is done, and sometimes the move before yours takes longer than expected. We'll do our best to keep you updated if things change.
If you have a hard deadline, elevator reservation, closing time, parking restriction, or anything else that makes timing especially important, let us know ahead of time. The more we know, the better we can plan.
Do I Need to Be There?
Yep.
You—or an authorized representative who is at least 18 years old—need to be present during the move.
Why?
Because we're really good at moving stuff, but we're not mind readers.
We'll need someone who can answer questions, approve additional services if necessary, direct where things should go, and make decisions throughout the move.
If you can't be there, let us know before moving day so we can figure out the best solution.
What Happens When the Crew Arrives?
First things first: we'll do a walkthrough.
We'll take a look at the home, the items being moved, and the access to everything. This gives the crew a chance to understand what they're dealing with before we start moving furniture.
We'll also do another walkthrough before leaving the pickup location and a final walkthrough at the destination.
That final walkthrough is important.
You're ultimately responsible for making sure everything you wanted moved actually made it onto the truck and everything has been unloaded before the crew leaves.
So check the closets.
Check the garage.
Check the basement.
Check that weird cabinet you haven't opened since 2019.
You get the idea.
What Should I Do Before the Movers Arrive?
The easiest way to make your move go smoothly is to have your stuff ready to move.
That means:
Have everything packed unless you've purchased packing services.
Make sure boxes are closed and securely taped.
Clearly label your boxes.
Clear walkways, stairs, driveways, and entrances.
Remove snow, ice, debris, pet waste, and other obstacles.
Secure your pets away from the moving activity.
Remove valuables and anything you need immediate access to.
Make sure prohibited items have been removed before we arrive.
Basically, we want to show up and start moving—not spend the first hour helping you finish getting ready.
What Should I Do With My Valuables?
Our recommendation is simple:
If it's near and dear to your heart, keep it near and dear to your person.
Things like passports, medications, wallets, keys, jewelry, financial documents, laptops, family heirlooms, irreplaceable sentimental items, and other valuables should stay with you.
If you need it during the move, don't put it on the truck.
Trying to find one specific item after everything has been loaded into a moving truck is not our favorite version of Where's Waldo.
And if you have something particularly valuable—whether financially or sentimentally—tell us before moving day.
Certain items may require specialized handling or additional valuation arrangements.
Does Everything Need to Be in a Box?
Pretty much.
Our rule is simple:
If it can reasonably fit in a moving box, put it in a moving box.
That means your loose kitchen stuff, decorations, lampshades, electronics, small household items, and all the other random things that seem to multiply while you're packing.
Why?
Because loose items take longer to move, are easier to misplace, and make the truck harder to load efficiently.
And please close your boxes.
Open boxes are awkward, unstable, and take up more space on the truck. Boxes are designed to be stacked—but only when they're actually boxes and not cardboard bowls full of your belongings.
How Should I Label My Boxes?
Make it obvious.
We recommend putting the destination room and a general description of the contents on the box.
For example:
KITCHEN — POTS & PANS
is a lot more helpful than:
STUFF
You can also color-code rooms if you'd like to make things even easier.
Then put a matching sign on the doorway at your new home.
This helps us get your boxes where they belong without you having to play traffic cop all day.
What About My Dressers?
The safest option is to empty your drawers.
That said, lightweight clothing, linens, and other soft goods may generally remain in some bedroom dressers and nightstands if the furniture can be safely moved without becoming excessively heavy.
Larger pieces—like armoires, entertainment centers, china cabinets, wardrobes, and similar furniture—should be completely emptied.
And remember: furniture isn't magically stronger because it's moving day.
If a piece wasn't designed to support a giant collection of books, tools, or your entire winter wardrobe while being carried down stairs, this probably isn't the day to test that theory.
What About My Appliances?
A little preparation goes a long way here.
Refrigerators and freezers need to be completely emptied. Freezers should be fully defrosted ahead of time, and water needs to be drained before transportation.
If you're moving a washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, or other appliance, make sure everything is properly prepared before the crew arrives.
Our movers may be able to assist with certain existing connections when reasonably accessible, but we're movers—not plumbers or appliance technicians.
If an appliance needs professional disconnection or installation, that's a job for a qualified professional.
And once your appliances are reconnected at the new house, check them.
Look for leaks, drips, or anything else that doesn't look right before putting them back into normal operation.
Can You Move My TV?
Absolutely—with some rules.
Flat-screen TVs are delicate little things these days.
We provide the professional moving materials necessary to properly wrap and protect them. If you're asking us to move a television without the recommended protection, additional requirements may apply.
We also inspect and test televisions before packing and after delivery when the necessary power, cords, remote, and other equipment are available.
One important thing:
Your TV needs to be off the wall and ready to move before we arrive.
We don't install or mount televisions at the new house unless that service has specifically been arranged in writing.
What Stuff Can't Go on the Truck?
There are some things we simply cannot transport.
This includes things like:
Gasoline and diesel fuel
Propane cylinders
Fireworks and explosives
Ammunition
Hazardous chemicals
Pesticides and fertilizers
Paint thinners and solvents
Compressed gas cylinders
Pool chemicals
Bleach and acids
Other hazardous, combustible, corrosive, explosive, illegal, or prohibited materials
If you're looking at something in your garage and thinking, “I wonder if they'll move this,” there's a decent chance the answer is “please don't put that on the truck.”
If you're unsure, ask us before moving day.
What About Medications, Alcohol, or Drugs?
Please keep medications and other personal items you need with you.
TOSM also maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Work areas need to be free from illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and open alcohol containers.
This isn't us being uptight.
We're responsible for the safety of our crews, and moving heavy furniture around while working in an unsafe environment isn't something we're willing to do.
If something creates a safety concern, we may have to pause the move until the situation is corrected.
What If There Is Snow, Rain, or Really Hot Weather?
We live in Colorado.
So, yes, we're familiar with the weather having opinions.
Rain doesn't necessarily stop a move. We'll take reasonable precautions to protect your belongings and the home.
Snow and ice are a different story.
If the roads or property are unsafe, we may need to delay or reschedule. We aren't going to put our crew, your belongings, or other people at unnecessary risk just to stick to a schedule.
If you're expecting snow, please clear the walkways, driveway, stairs, and entrances before we arrive.
Your movers will appreciate it.
So will your floors.
Can I Help Load the Truck?
We know it's tempting.
But please stay out of the truck and off the moving equipment.
For safety and insurance reasons, only authorized TOSM employees are permitted to enter, ride in, climb on, or otherwise access our trucks and moving equipment.
That means no customers, kids, friends, cousins, neighbors, or that one guy from down the street who “used to move furniture.”
If you need something from the truck, just ask.
We'll grab it for you.
Will You Put Everything Where I Want It?
That's the plan.
If your boxes are clearly labeled, we'll put them in the appropriate rooms.
For furniture, we'll need you to provide direction at the destination.
This is another reason it's important to have someone available who can make decisions.
You don't have to draw us a blueprint.
Just tell us:
“That goes upstairs in the bedroom.”
We'll take it from there.
What Happens When We Get to the New House?
We'll unload everything and place your belongings where you've directed us.
Once we're finished, we'll do a final walkthrough with you.
This is your opportunity to make sure everything that was supposed to come off the truck has come off the truck and that nothing was accidentally left behind.
Take your time.
Open the closets.
Check the garage.
Look around the truck.
Once the crew leaves, you're officially on your own with approximately 700 boxes labeled “KITCHEN.”
Good luck.
When Do I Pay?
Unless you've made other arrangements with us in writing, payment is due when the move is complete.
We accept cash and major credit and debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
If your move takes longer than expected, that doesn't necessarily mean something went wrong. Moving estimates are based on the information available when the estimate is prepared, and changes to inventory, access, services, or other circumstances can affect the final bill.
We'll bill according to the actual services performed and the terms of your estimate and service agreement.
What If Something Gets Damaged?
First: don't panic.
Moving is a physical process.
We're moving large, heavy objects through doorways, hallways, staircases, driveways, and sometimes spaces that seem like they were designed specifically to make moving furniture difficult.
We take reasonable care to protect your belongings, but accidental damage can happen.
If you notice damage or something is missing after the move, let us know as soon as possible.
Take pictures. Write down what happened. Keep any relevant receipts, repair estimates, or other documentation.
The sooner we know about an issue, the sooner we can investigate it while the details are still fresh.
One Last Thing Before We Show Up
Your movers are coming to your home to do a physical job.
Help us help you.
Give us clear access.
Have your boxes ready.
Secure the pets.
Remove prohibited items.
Keep your valuables with you.
Clear the snow.
Tell us about the giant safe in the basement.
And if there's something about your move that you're not sure about, ask us.
We'd much rather answer a question before moving day than discover the answer while we're standing in your driveway.
Ready to Get Moving?
Moving day doesn't have to be complicated.
A little preparation, a little communication, and a crew that knows what they're doing can make a huge difference.
At The Other Side Movers, our goal is simple: provide a professional, safe, and efficient moving experience while treating your belongings and your home with the care they deserve.
We've got the trucks.
We've got the equipment.
We've got the moving blankets.
And we've got the people.
You just need to be ready for moving day.
Let's get you moved.