Getting Ready Before the Removalists Arrive
A practical checklist to help you prepare your home, boxes, access and important items before moving day.
A little preparation before moving day can make a big difference.
You do not need everything to be perfect, but having the main details organised helps the removalists work efficiently, protect your belongings and keep the day moving in the right direction.
Here are some practical steps to help you get ready before the Southern Removals & Storage team arrives.
Quick moving day preparation checklist
Before moving day, it helps to:
Declutter before packing
Label boxes clearly
Keep important items with you
Clear access around the home
Prepare larger items
Tell the team about anything needing extra care
Declutter before you start packing
Before packing every cupboard and drawer, take some time to sort through what you actually want to take with you.
Moving is a good chance to separate items into what you want to keep, donate, sell, store or let go of. This can be especially helpful for downsizing moves, long-held family homes and interstate relocations where every extra box adds time, space and handling.
Good places to start include:
Garages
Linen cupboards
Spare rooms
Sheds
Storage spaces
Outdoor areas
The less you move unnecessarily, the easier it is to pack, quote, load and settle into the next place.
Pack and label boxes clearly
If you are packing yourself, try to have most boxes packed, closed and labelled before moving day.
Label each box with the room it belongs in and a short note about what is inside. For example:
Kitchen items — plates
Main bedroom — linen
Bathroom — towels
Office — books and files
Clear labelling helps the crew place boxes in the right rooms at delivery and makes unpacking easier.
Try not to overfill boxes, especially with books, kitchen items or heavy objects. A box that is too heavy can be harder to move safely and may not stack well in the truck.
Keep important items with you
Some items are better kept separate rather than going on the truck.
Consider keeping these with you:
Wallets, keys and phones
Medication
Chargers
Pet supplies
Children’s essentials
Toiletries
A change of clothes
Snacks and water
It can also help to pack a small first-night bag with anything you may need before you start unpacking properly.
Clear access around the home
Good access helps the removalists work safely and efficiently.
Before the team arrives, clear walkways, hallways, driveways and entry points where possible. Move loose rugs, shoes, toys, pot plants and small items that may be in the way.
If you live in an apartment or unit, it is worth checking:
Lift access
Loading zones
Building rules
Parking availability
Moving time restrictions
The closer the truck can safely park to the property, the smoother the loading process usually is.
Prepare larger items
Some larger items may need simple preparation before moving day.
This may include:
Emptying drawers where needed
Removing items from cabinets
Taking bedding off beds
Disconnecting washing machines
Emptying fridges and freezers
Removing loose shelves
Securing cords
Keeping remotes, screws or small parts together
If you are unsure whether something needs to be dismantled, ask before the move. Some items are better handled by the crew, while others may need to be prepared in advance.
Mention special items early
Let the team know ahead of time if you have items that are heavy, fragile, valuable or need extra care.
This may include:
Pianos
Antiques
Artwork
Mirrors
Large dining tables
Pool tables
Statues
Custom-made furniture
Sentimental items
Knowing about these items early helps the team plan the right approach, equipment and space in the truck.
A better move starts with preparation
Getting ready before the removalists arrive does not need to be complicated.
A few simple steps can help the day feel more organised and make it easier for the crew to protect your belongings from pickup to delivery.
At Southern Removals & Storage, our focus is to plan properly, communicate clearly and handle your move with care from the first conversation to the final item placed.
Need help with packing, boxes or planning your move? Speak with the Southern Removals & Storage team and we’ll help you work through the next step.
