You've hired a great moving crew. The truck is booked, the date is set, and you're ready to go. But here's the thing most people don't think about: your movers need you to be ready too.
Professional movers work fast - but only when the conditions are right. A little preparation on your end can shave hours off your move, reduce the chance of damage, and make the whole experience better for everyone.
Here's what every moving crew - including our team at RVA Movers - expects from you on moving day.
1. Have Everything Packed and Labeled
Your movers aren't there to pack - unless you've booked our packing service. Have all boxes sealed, taped, and clearly labeled with the room they belong in. This helps the crew work fast and place everything exactly where it should go in your new home. Need help? Check out our packing service →
2. Clear Pathways and Doorways
Walk through your home before the crew arrives. Clear hallways, staircases, and doorways of anything that could slow the team down or cause a trip hazard. Move shoes, rugs, and loose items out of the path from each room to the front door.
3. Disassemble What You Can
While RVA Movers includes free furniture disassembly and reassembly, you can speed things up by removing legs from simple tables, taking apart bed frames, or detaching shelves. Keep all hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture piece.
4. Keep Valuables and Medications With You
Jewelry, important documents, prescription medications, laptops, and sentimental items should travel with you - not on the truck. Pack a personal bag with everything you'd be devastated to lose and keep it in your own vehicle.
5. Point Out Fragile and Special Items
Walk the crew through your home before they start loading. Point out anything fragile, antique, or extra heavy. If a piece of art is irreplaceable or a mirror needs special care, tell the crew lead up front so they can plan accordingly.
6. Have Parking and Access Ready
Make sure there's a clear spot for the moving truck as close to your door as possible - at both locations. If you're in an apartment or condo, reserve the elevator and loading dock ahead of time. Downtown Richmond moves may need a parking permit; check with your building management.
7. Secure Kids and Pets
Moving day is chaotic. Doors are propped open, heavy items are being carried through tight spaces, and the crew is moving fast. For everyone's safety, arrange for kids and pets to be with a friend, neighbor, or in a secure room away from the action.
8. Be Available for Questions
You don't need to hover, but stay accessible. The crew will have questions: Where does this bookshelf go? Which bedroom gets the dresser? Should we wrap this separately? Quick answers keep the move on schedule. Designate one person as the point of contact.
9. Tip Etiquette
Tipping your movers is not required, but it's a great way to show appreciation for hard work. A general guideline is $20–$40 per mover for a standard local move, more for especially long or difficult jobs. For a full breakdown, check out our tipping guide. Read our full tipping guide →
The Bottom Line
Moving day doesn't have to be stressful. When you and your movers are on the same page, everything runs smoother, faster, and safer. A little prep goes a long way.
At RVA Movers, we always walk through the job with you before we start loading. We'll answer questions, flag any concerns, and make sure we're all set before the first box hits the truck. That's just how we do it.