Bruce George

On Moving Day

Have a notepad or clipboard handy to jot down reminders
Have everything packed and ready to go by the time your helpers arrive
Make sure the movers have clear directions to your new home and that someone will be there to greet them.
Make sure the moving van has a convenient place to park. Mark off the parking area with cones or other suitable objects. Make sure the moving truck doesn't block a neighbour's driveway.
When loading and unloading, make sure the movers don't walk over your neighbour's lawn.
Try not to move too early or too late in the day.
Confine your pet or arrange for a friend or family member to care for your pet during the move. Another alternative is to take your pet to the groomer for the day.
Food and refreshments for your family and the movers.
Leave your old house as clean as you would like to find your new house. Clean as much as you can before moving day, and then make a final check after everything is out.
Stay around until the movers are finished loading. You will be asked to sign a bill of lading and to check an inventory sheet. Read the documents carefully before signing.
Remember the last walk-through of all rooms.
If the movers have done a good job for you, it is customary to tip them around $20 each, depending on the difficulty of the move.

It will be less stressful if you know that you don't have to unpack everything in one day or even in one week.
If you have prepared well, furniture and boxes can be unloaded directly into the correct rooms.
Focus on one room at a time, beginning with the kitchen, followed by the bathroom.