What to Expect on Moving Day

Moving day is finally here. After weeks—maybe even months—of planning, packing, and prepping, the day you relocate has arrived. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, knowing what to expect on moving day can make the experience far less stressful and much more efficient.

Understanding the timeline, the responsibilities of both you and the movers, and a few key tips can help you stay calm, organised, and prepared. As Gean Brinker, Removalist Manager & Coordinator at The Smooth Movers, puts it,

“Moving day is not about rushing—it’s about rhythm. When everyone knows their role, the day flows better for everyone involved.”

Here’s what to expect—and how to stay ahead of the chaos.

1. Early Arrival and Pre-Move Walkthrough

Most professional movers arrive in the morning, typically between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., depending on your scheduled window. Be ready at least 30 minutes before their expected arrival. That means:

• All boxes should be sealed and labeled
• Appliances disconnected and clean
• Hallways and doorways cleared for access

Once on site, the moving team will usually do a walkthrough of your home. This is to:

• Confirm the inventory
• Assess access points for large furniture
• Clarify which items are fragile, valuable, or staying behind

Gean Brinker notes,

“That initial walkthrough sets the tone for the day. It’s where we establish trust and get a feel for how to handle the move with precision.”

2. Team Setup and Protective Measures

Before a single item leaves your house, a good moving team will lay down protective coverings for floors and door frames. They may also pad railings, remove doors, or set up ramps—especially if stairs or tight corners are involved.

Expect the crew to come prepared with:

• Trolleys and dollies
• Furniture blankets and pads
• Shrink wrap or straps
• Toolkits for disassembly

You don’t need to lift a finger, but it helps to stay available in case they have questions about specific items.

3. The Loading Process

Loading a moving truck is like playing Tetris—but with couches and boxes. There’s a strategy to stacking items efficiently and securely for transit.

Heavier, sturdier items go in first:

• Fridges, washers, and lounges
• Mattresses and bed frames
• Stacked boxes (heavier ones on the bottom)

Delicate or awkwardly shaped items are carefully placed last. During this stage, movers will likely:

• Wrap fragile furniture pieces in blankets
• Use ropes or ratchet straps to prevent shifting
• Double-check labels for handling instructions

Brinker adds,

“We pack the truck not just for space, but for safety. A well-balanced load means less risk of damage during transport.”

4. Communication and Timeline Updates

If your move is long-distance or has multiple stops (e.g., drop-off and storage), the moving team should keep you updated throughout the day.

Ask for:

• A rough estimate of how long the loading will take
• An ETA for arrival at the new home
• A point of contact in case you get separated

Good communication keeps stress levels down—especially if the move spans a whole day or more than one location.

5. Transit and Arrival at the New Property

Once everything is loaded, the team will head to your new home. Whether you’re following behind or meeting them there, try to:

• Arrive before the truck (if possible)
• Unlock and clear pathways at the new place
• Do a quick walkthrough to confirm where major items should go

If your relocation includes stairs, lifts, or limited parking, inform your movers beforehand so they can plan accordingly.

6. Unloading and Setup

At your new home, the movers will begin unloading in reverse order of how the truck was packed. Each box and piece of furniture will be:

• Brought inside room-by-room
• Placed according to your directions
• Unwrapped or reassembled if part of the service

You don’t need to do the heavy lifting—but do stay nearby to direct where things go. Having a room plan or labeled boxes makes this process far more efficient.

“Clients who label clearly or use color-coded stickers save everyone 30 to 60 minutes,” says Brinker. “It really adds up.”

7. Final Checks and Sign-Off

Before the movers leave, you’ll be asked to:

• Review and sign off on the inventory checklist
• Confirm nothing was left behind
• Settle final payment, if applicable

Now is the time to walk through both the old and new properties, checking:

• All rooms, cupboards, and outdoor spaces
• Any potential damage from the move
• That all your belongings have arrived

Most professional movers will also remove leftover packing materials or blankets used during transport.

8. What You Should Have Ready on Moving Day

While your movers will handle the big tasks, there are a few things you should prepare in advance:

• Essentials Box: Toiletries, chargers, medications, snacks, keys, toilet paper
• Important Documents: Lease agreements, licenses, receipts
• Valuables and Fragile Items: Jewelry, personal electronics, important paperwork (preferably kept with you)

Also make sure your phone is charged—you’ll be using it a lot more than usual.

9. Pet and Child Care

Moving day can be hectic, noisy, and unpredictable—not ideal for pets or small children. If possible:

• Arrange for a friend or family member to mind them
• Keep pets in a quiet, safe room with food and water
• Ensure children are supervised away from heavy lifting areas

Keeping them out of harm’s way lets the movers do their job without distraction.

10. Expect Some Fatigue—But Also Relief

Even with professional help, moving day can be tiring. Give yourself permission to ease into your new space without unpacking everything immediately. Focus on:

• Setting up beds and basic kitchen items
• Taking breaks to eat and hydrate
• Noticing small wins like clean floors and new views

Gean Brinker puts it best:

“A good moving day feels like controlled chaos at first—but by the end, it feels like progress. That’s the moment where the stress turns into satisfaction.”

Final Thoughts

Moving day doesn’t have to be a scramble. When you know what to expect, stay organised, and work with a reliable team, it becomes a well-oiled process rather than a dreaded event.

With a clear timeline, communication, and a bit of flexibility, your belongings—and your peace of mind—can arrive safely at your new doorstep.

And as Gean Brinker from The Smooth Movers reminds us: “A move isn’t just about logistics—it’s about starting fresh. Our job is to make sure your first step into the new place feels smooth.”