Getting Your Home Ready for Moving Day

When it comes to moving, a little preparation ahead of time can go a long way toward making the big day run smoothly. Moving day is often fast-paced and filled with last-minute surprises, but if your home is ready, your moving crew can work more efficiently, and with less stress for everyone involved.

From parking logistics to protecting your floors, this guide will help you get everything in place before the truck pulls up. Whether you're moving from a high-rise condo or a quiet residential street, these tips will help you prepare your home for a successful moving day.

Moving Day Prep: Make Space for the Truck

One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of preparing for moving day is making sure the moving truck has a clear and convenient place to park. The closer we can get the truck to your door, the quicker and easier the move will be.

If you have a driveway, make sure it's completely empty and accessible. Move your vehicle(s) elsewhere for the day and, if possible, ask neighbors not to park directly in front of your home.

For apartment buildings, condos, or townhomes, it’s essential to coordinate with the building manager or strata several weeks before the move. Many buildings have specific loading zones or require you to reserve a parking spot. Some even have time restrictions, so double-check if there are any guidelines about when movers can access the property.

By securing a parking spot in advance, you reduce the risk of delays, and save yourself the headache of watching your movers navigate a long haul down the street with heavy furniture.

Moving Day Coordination: Work With Your Building Management

If you’re moving into or out of a multi-unit building, working with building management is a key step in prepping for moving day. Most condos and apartment complexes have specific rules and procedures in place to protect shared areas like lobbies and elevators.

One of the most common requirements is elevator padding: those thick, protective covers that shield the walls from damage while furniture is being moved in and out. You may also need to sign out an elevator key or reserve the elevator entirely for your move.

Skipping this step can lead to unexpected delays (or even fines) so be sure to check with your strata or building manager several weeks in advance. Let them know your moving day details and ask what paperwork or scheduling needs to be handled. 

Moving Day Safety: Clear the Way Inside Your Home

Once our moving crew arrives, we get to work quickly and safely. But we can do our best work when there’s a clear, clutter-free path to navigate. Inside your home, take a few minutes the day before moving day to tidy up the exterior walkways and interior hallways.

Here’s how to prep the space:

• Stack packed boxes neatly along the walls, leaving hallways and doorways open.

• Remove rugs, cords, or anything else that could become a tripping hazard.

• Make sure stairs and entryways are well-lit and free of obstacles.

• Keep pets and small children in a separate area or off-site during the move (more on that in our pet-friendly moving post!)

We also bring floor runners to help protect your home, especially during wet weather, but having open space allows us to lay them down properly. A clear pathway not only speeds things up, it also minimizes the chance of accidents or damage to your home and belongings.

Moving Day Efficiency: Communicate Special Requests Ahead of Time

Everyone has different priorities on moving day, and the best way to make sure your needs are met is to let us know ahead of time. Clear communication allows our team to plan and pack the truck strategically.

For example, if you know you’ll want your bed set up right away in your new home, we can load the mattress and bedframe last so it’s the first thing off the truck. If you need help reassembling furniture, no problem—we would be happy to help with this, plus we can help you find your box of linens.

Other helpful things to share in advance:

• Items that are especially fragile or need extra care

• Furniture that requires special disassembly

• Access challenges at either location (tight stairwells, long walkways, etc.)

• Priority rooms or boxes to unload first

We’re here to make your moving day as smooth as possible, and a little bit of planning allows us to serve you better.

Moving Day Mindset: Pack an Essentials Box

Even the most organized move has a few “Where did I put that?” moments. That’s why we always recommend packing an “essentials box” for moving day: a small container or suitcase with the things you’ll need right away.

This might include:

• A change of clothes

• Toiletries and medications

• Chargers for phones and laptops

• Snacks and water

• Paper towels and cleaning supplies

• Important documents (like real estate contract, lease agreements or mover contracts)

Label this box clearly and keep it with you during the move. That way, when you arrive at your new place, you won’t be rifling through five boxes just to find your toothbrush.

Moving Day Checklist: Final Touches Before the Movers Arrive

Here’s a quick checklist to help you feel fully ready when moving day begins:

•  Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck

•  Reserve elevators or loading docks if needed

•  Keep a clear path throughout the home

•  Disassemble large furniture ahead of time (unless we’re helping with it)

•  Pack an essentials box for easy access

•  Communicate any special requests or concerns

•  Secure pets or arrange off-site care

•  Double-check that everything is packed, labeled and boxes are taped closed

These small steps can add up to a big difference, including saving time, avoiding stress, and helping your move feel seamless from start to finish.

If you’d like a more thorough moving checklist, make sure to check out our moving checklist on our resource page.

Moving Day Peace of Mind: Let Provincial Moving & Storage Help

At the end of the day, moving day is all about transition, and a good team makes all the difference. If you're looking for a moving company that cares as much about the little details as you do, Provincial Moving & Storage is here to help.

We’re a family-owned local moving company based in Victoria, BC, and we believe in taking the stress out of moving. Whether you're relocating across the street or across the island, our experienced team works with care, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of what matters most to you.

Let us handle the heavy lifting (literally!) while you focus on settling into your new space. From preparing your home to unloading the final box, we’re with you every step of the way.

Check out our services, and never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Book Your In-Person Estimate

Call us at 250-588-8898 to book your upcoming move!