Moving day is almost here — and what you do before the movers show up makes all the difference. Knowing what to do before movers come can save you hours of stress, prevent surprise charges, and make the whole experience go much more smoothly for everyone involved.
Whether you’re moving across Arnprior, across Ottawa, or anywhere in Renfrew County, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a practical checklist to help you get ready.
1. Finish Packing (Seriously, All of It)
This sounds obvious, but many people underestimate how long packing actually takes. Movers are on a schedule, and if they arrive to find half your kitchen still in the cupboards, you’re likely looking at delays — and extra time on the clock.
Aim to be fully packed at least the night before your move. Label every box clearly with the room it’s going to, and mark anything fragile on the outside.
If you’re worried about getting everything done in time, ask your moving company about packing services. Ardie’s Movers, for example, offers help with packing so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
2. Disassemble Large Furniture in Advance
Beds, bookshelves, IKEA units, and large desks often need to be taken apart before they can be moved safely. If you can handle the disassembly yourself the night before, do it — it speeds things up considerably.
Keep all screws and hardware in labelled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture piece they belong to. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself on the other end.
3. Clear the Pathways
Walk through your home and make sure there’s a clear, obstacle-free path from each room to your front door. Move rugs that could be tripping hazards, shift any furniture blocking hallways, and prop open interior doors.
If you live in a building, let your building manager know about your move and reserve the elevator if needed. Holding the elevator for long stretches can be a real time-saver.
4. Protect Your Floors and Walls
Moves can be tough on your home — especially if heavy furniture is being carried through tight doorways. Put down floor protection (old blankets, cardboard, or plastic runners work well) in high-traffic areas.
Remove wall décor near doorways and hallways to avoid accidental bumps. A good moving crew will be careful, but protecting surfaces yourself removes any guesswork.
5. Set Aside Your Essentials Box
Pack a separate bag or box with the things you’ll need immediately after the move: phone charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, snacks, and important documents. Keep this with you — don’t let it go on the truck.
Many people forget this step and end up digging through boxes at 10 p.m. looking for their toothbrush.
6. Defrost the Freezer and Empty the Fridge
If your fridge or freezer is being moved, defrost it at least 24–48 hours in advance. Moving a frost-filled appliance risks water damage to other items and can be a mess to clean up.
Give it a wipe-down too, especially if it’s going into storage temporarily. Most movers won’t move appliances that still have food or ice in them.
7. Confirm the Details with Your Moving Company
The day before your move, it’s worth a quick call or message to confirm arrival time, your address, and any special instructions. Good moving companies appreciate the heads-up, and it gives you a chance to flag anything that may have changed (like a new parking situation or a last-minute heavy item addition).
At Ardie’s Movers, the team is local and easy to reach — and they’re used to the quirks that come with rural routes and smaller-town logistics.
8. Plan for Kids and Pets
Moving day is hectic, and having young children or pets underfoot can create safety risks and distractions. If you can, arrange for a friend or family member to watch them for the day, or at least keep them in a designated safe room that’s already been emptied.
This also helps the movers work more efficiently — they won’t need to slow down or navigate around little ones.
9. Handle Parking and Access
Make sure there’s enough space near your front door for the moving truck. If you’re on a busy street or in a neighbourhood with parking restrictions, you may need to arrange temporary access (check with your municipality for parking permit rules).
For rural moves in Renfrew County, think about whether the driveway can handle a large truck, or if a smaller vehicle might need to make multiple runs from the road.
10. Do a Final Walkthrough Before You Leave
Once everything is loaded, don’t just hand over the keys and drive away. Do a slow room-by-room walkthrough to check:
- Closets and storage areas
- Under beds and in drawers
- Behind doors and in corners
- The garage, basement, and outdoor storage
Check that all windows are locked, lights are off, and utilities are shut off as needed. Take one last look before heading to your new home.
A Smooth Move Starts Before Moving Day
The most stress-free moves happen when homeowners are prepared and organized well in advance. Even just ticking off a few items on this list the week before can dramatically reduce last-minute chaos.
If you’re looking for a local moving team that takes the pressure off, Ardie’s Movers serves Arnprior, Ottawa, and communities throughout Renfrew County. Whether you need full-service moving, help with packing, or just a reliable crew on moving day, they’re worth a call.
Ready to book your move? Get a free quote from Ardie’s Movers at ardiesmovers.com/contact — and go into moving day feeling prepared.
Get a free estimate
Call: 343-353-9900
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Serving Arnprior, Ottawa Valley & Renfrew County
