If you’ve already booked your move and circled the date on the calendar, the next big question usually is: “Okay… now what do I do before the movers show up?”
We hear this all the time.
We move families every day at United Prime Van Lines, and the moves that feel smooth, calm, and almost “weirdly easy” have one thing in common: the home was prepared before we pulled up to the curb.
Let’s walk through how we’d tell a good friend to get their home ready, step by step, so moving day feels organized instead of chaotic.
The “Purge”: Don’t Pay to Move Trash
One of the most painful things we see is moving a box of broken toys, expired pantry food, or clothes that haven’t fit in five years across the country.
Remember: Every pound on the truck costs money.
- Trash it: Broken furniture, half-empty cleaning supplies (we can’t move liquids anyway), and anything chipped or unusable.
- Donate it: If you haven’t used it in a year, let it go.
- Sell it: Facebook Marketplace is great for things you don’t want to haul.
We always tell clients: “Don’t pay us to move things you’re going to throw away at the new house.”
Create Your “Do Not Move” Zone
This is the single most important tip for your sanity.
Pick a closet, a bathroom, or a clearly marked corner of a room and call it the “Do Not Move” Zone.
Put these things inside:
- Car keys, wallets, and purses
- Passports and birth certificates
- Daily medications
- Chargers for your phone/laptop
- The “First Night” suitcase (clothes, toiletries)
On moving day, close the door and put a sign on it: “MOVERS: DO NOT ENTER.” This prevents the accidental packing of your car keys into a box at the bottom of the truck (it happens more often than you’d think).
One Week Out: Logistics & Appliances
Now things are getting real. This week is about making sure the truck can actually get to your door and that your appliances are ready to go.
The Elevator & Parking Reservation
If you live in a condo in Hallandale Beach, Aventura, or any high-rise in South Florida, you know the drill: The Service Elevator.
- Book it now: Most buildings strictly enforce time slots (e.g., 9 AM – 1 PM). If you miss your slot, they might send us away.
- Reserve parking: If you’re in a city with tight streets or an HOA, we need about 40–50 feet of space (think: two to three car lengths) to park the truck safely. You might need to talk to the city or your building manager to cone off a spot.
The Fridge & Freezer Rule
This is a non-negotiable for safety and cleanliness.
- 48 Hours Before: Empty the fridge and freezer. Eat the ice cream, donate the frozen peas.
- 24 Hours Before: Unplug it. Leave the doors open to let it defrost and dry out completely.
Why? If we move a fridge that still has ice in the lines, it will melt in the truck and leak water all over your furniture and boxes. We cannot load a wet or icy fridge.
24 Hours Before: The Final Sweep
The day before the movers arrive is about clearing the path—literally.
Clear the Pathways (The “Trip Hazard” Check)
We’re going to be carrying heavy furniture while walking backwards. We need a clear runway.
- Pick up area rugs: Roll them up. Small rugs on tile floors are major slip hazards.
- Clear the hallways: Remove wall decor, hanging plants, or narrow console tables that crowd the walking space.
- Outdoor paths: Sweep leaves off the walkway. Move potted plants away from the front door.
Disconnect Tech & Prep Appliances
- Unplug Electronics: Disconnect cables from the TV, computer, and soundbar. Wrap the cords and tape them to the device or pack them in a labeled box.
- Disconnect the Washer/Dryer: If you’re taking them, they need to be disconnected from the water lines. (Note: Most standard movers cannot disconnect gas lines for liability reasons—you may need a plumber or handyman for that).
Move Day Morning: The Handoff
The truck is pulling up. Here is your game plan to keep things running smooth.
The Kids and Pets Plan
We love kids and dogs, but a moving zone is dangerous for them. Heavy boxes, open doors, and big feet are everywhere.
- Pets: Keep them in a crate, a closed room, or better yet, at a friend’s house for the day.
- Kids: If they are young, have a designated “safe room” with an iPad or toys, or arrange a playdate. This keeps them safe and lets you focus on the movers.
Your Role: The “Air Traffic Controller”
The best role for you on moving day isn't lifting boxes—it's directing.
- Greet the foreman: Walk him through the house. Point out special items (“Be careful with this antique”) and the “Do Not Move” zone.
- Stay close: Be available to answer questions (“Does this lamp go?”), but let the crew do the heavy lifting.
- Final Walkthrough: Before the truck leaves, do one last lap. Open every closet, cabinet, and check the attic/garage. Once the truck drives away, coming back for a forgotten item is expensive.
How United Prime Van Lines Helps You Prep
We don’t expect you to memorize all this. When you book with us, we act as your partner in prep.
- We Protect Your Home: We bring floor runners for the hallways and padding for the door jambs to prevent scratches.
- We Bring the Wardrobes: On moving day, we often bring wardrobe boxes for your hanging clothes so you don’t have to pack them beforehand.
- We Communicate: We confirm the arrival window so you aren’t left guessing.
A prepared home means a faster, safer, and cheaper move. If you tackle these steps, when we show up, all we have to do is what we do best: get you to your new life.
Pack an “Essentials Box” (The “First Night” Kit)
This is the single most important box you will pack. Do not tape it shut and put it on the truck. This box (or suitcase) stays with you in your car.
Imagine getting to your new house at 9 PM. You are exhausted. The last thing you want to do is rip open 20 boxes looking for a toothbrush.
Pack this with:
- Bedding: Sheets and pillows for the beds you’ll sleep in that first night.
- Bathroom Basics: Toilet paper (new houses rarely have it), hand soap, towels, and shower curtain.
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, medications, contact lens solution.
- Chargers: Phone and laptop chargers.
- Kitchen Basics: Paper plates, plastic utensils, a few mugs, and a coffee maker (or instant coffee) for the next morning.
- Tools: A box cutter (to open other boxes) and a screwdriver.
Prep Your Appliances and Electronics
Your heavy appliances need specific care before they get loaded onto a moving truck.
The Fridge and Freezer Rule
This is a major safety and cleanliness rule.
- Empty It: Eat the perishables or toss them.
- Unplug 24 Hours Early: You generally must unplug your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before we arrive.
- Defrost & Dry: Leave the doors open to let it defrost. Wipe it dry. We cannot load a wet or icy fridge. If ice melts in the truck, it will leak water over your mattress or cardboard boxes.
Washer and Dryer
- Disconnect: Turn off water valves and disconnect hoses. Drain leftover water into a bucket.
- Secure the Drum: If you have the original "shipping bolts" for your washing machine, put them back in to stop the drum from banging around.
- Gas Dryers: Note: Most moving companies (including us) cannot disconnect gas lines due to liability. You may need to hire a plumber or handyman to cap the gas line before we arrive.
Tech & TVs
- Photo First: Take a picture of the back of your TV/computer setup before you unplug cords. It makes re-connecting significantly easier.
- Wall Mounts: Please take TVs down from wall mounts before the crew arrives. We can move the TV, but we typically don't remove hardware from walls.
The “Clear Path” Strategy (24 Hours Out)
The day before the move, look at your floors. We will be carrying heavy furniture while walking backwards. We need a runway.
Remove Trip Hazards
- Rug Roll-Up: Roll up area rugs and runners. They are major slip hazards on tile or wood floors.
- Clear Hallways: Remove low-hanging photos, mirrors, or narrow console tables that crowd the hallway.
- Exterior Check: Sweep the front walkway. Move potted plants away from the door.
Reserve the Parking Spot
If you are in a condo or tight street (common in Hallandale Beach or Los Angeles):
- The Space: We need about 40-50 feet (2-3 car lengths) for the truck.
- The Reserve: Use your own cars or cones to save the spot in front of your home the night before.
- The Neighbors: A quick text to neighbors ("Moving truck tomorrow!") prevents parking wars.
Moving Day Morning: The Final Handoff
The truck is pulling up. You’ve done the prep. Now, what?
Be Available (But Stay Out of the Way)
Your best role is "Air Traffic Controller."
- Initial Walkthrough: Walk the foreman through the house. Point out the "Do Not Move" pile and any fragile items.
- Stay Close: Don't leave to run errands. We will have questions ("Does this stay?", "Is this trash?").
- Final Sweep: Before the truck locks up, do one last lap. Check the attic, the top shelf of the closet, the dishwasher, and the backyard. Once we drive away, coming back for a forgotten item is expensive.
How United Prime Van Lines Makes This Easier
We know this list seems long. But remember, we are partners in this.
- We Protect Your Home: We bring floor runners and door jamb pads to prevent scratches.
- We Bring Wardrobes: We often bring wardrobe boxes on moving day for your hanging clothes, saving you hours of packing.
- We Communicate: We confirm arrival times so you aren't guessing.
A prepared home means a faster, safer, and cheaper move. If you tackle the prep, we can focus on what we do best: getting you to your new life.
Don't Forget the Humans (And the Pets)
Moving day is dangerous for small creatures. Doors are propped open, heavy boots are stomping around, and large furniture is pivoting in hallways.
The Kids Plan
We love kids, but a moving site isn’t a playground.
- Young Children: If possible, arrange for a sitter or a playdate at a relative's house for the actual move day. If they must be home, designate a "Safe Room" (completely empty of boxes/furniture being moved) with an iPad, snacks, and the door shut.
- Older Kids: Give them a job! Let them be responsible for packing their own "Essentials Backpack" or checking closets.
The Pet Plan
- The Escape Risk: The front door will be wide open for hours.
- The Solution: Boarding them for the day is the safest option. If that’s not possible, keep them in a crate or a locked bathroom with water and a sign on the door: "PET INSIDE - DO NOT OPEN."
- The Travel: Make sure you have their vet records, food, and leashes in your car, not on the moving truck.
The Boring (But Critical) Admin Tasks
You don’t want to move into a dark house with no internet.
Utilities: The "Overlap" Strategy
Don't turn off the lights at the old house the same day you move out.
- Old Home: Schedule shut-off for the day after the move (so you have lights for the final walkthrough).
- New Home: Schedule turn-on for the day before you arrive (so the fridge is cold when you get there).
Address Changes
- USPS: Forward your mail at least 5 days in advance.
- Banks & Credit Cards: Update billing addresses so your payments don't get declined.
- Subscriptions: Don't let your Amazon packages or meal kits go to the people moving into your old house!
The "First Night" Box: Your Survival Kit
This is the most important box you will pack. Do not tape it shut and put it on the truck. This box (or suitcase) stays with you in your car.
Pack this with:
- Bedding: Sheets and pillows for the beds you’ll sleep in that first night.
- Bathroom Basics: Toilet paper (new houses rarely have it), hand soap, towels, and shower curtain.
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, medications.
- Chargers: Phone and laptop chargers.
- Kitchen Basics: Paper plates, plastic utensils, a mug, and a coffee maker (or instant coffee) for the next morning.
- Tools: A box cutter (to open other boxes) and a screwdriver.
The Final Walkthrough (Before The Truck Leaves)
Once the truck is loaded and the foreman says, "We're all set," do one last lap.
Check these hiding spots:
- The Dishwasher: Is it empty?
- The Oven: Any pans left in the drawer?
- High Shelves: Check the top of the closet shelves and kitchen cabinets.
- The Attic/Crawlspace: Did you grab the holiday decorations?
- The Shower: Loofahs and shampoo bottles often get left behind.
Once the truck drives away, coming back for a forgotten item is expensive and frustrating. Take the extra 5 minutes.
Pack Your “First Night” Survival Kit
This is the single most important box you will pack. Do not tape it shut and put it on the truck. This box (or suitcase) stays with you in your car.
Imagine getting to your new house at 9 PM. You are exhausted. The last thing you want to do is rip open 20 boxes looking for a toothbrush.
Pack this with:
- Bedding: Sheets and pillows for the beds you’ll sleep in that first night.
- Bathroom Basics: Toilet paper (new houses rarely have it!), hand soap, towels, and a shower curtain.
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, medications, contact lens solution.
- Chargers: Phone and laptop chargers.
- Kitchen Basics: Paper plates, plastic utensils, a few mugs, and a coffee maker (or instant coffee) for the next morning.
- Tools: A box cutter (to open other boxes) and a screwdriver.
The Final Walkthrough (Before The Truck Leaves)
Once the truck is loaded and the foreman says, "We're all set," do one last lap around your empty home.
Check these hiding spots:
- The Dishwasher: Is it empty? (This is the #1 forgotten spot).
- The Oven: Any pans left in the bottom drawer?
- High Shelves: Check the top of the closet shelves and kitchen cabinets.
- The Attic/Crawlspace: Did you grab the holiday decorations?
- The Shower: Loofahs and shampoo bottles often get left behind.
- Outlets: Did you leave any nightlights or chargers plugged in?
Once the truck drives away, coming back for a forgotten item is expensive and frustrating. Take the extra 5 minutes.
It’s Moving Day! Here’s Your Game Plan
The truck is pulling up. You’ve done the prep. Now, what do you actually do while we work?
Your New Job Title: “Air Traffic Controller”
The best way to help us isn't by lifting boxes—it's by directing traffic.
- Greet the Foreman: Do a quick walkthrough with the lead mover. Point out the special items (“This antique is fragile”) and show them exactly where your “No-Pack Zone” is.
- Stay Available: You don’t need to hover, but don’t leave to run errands just yet. We will have questions: “Does this lamp stay?” “Is this trash?”
- Keep the Path Clear: If you have friends helping, make sure they aren’t standing in the hallways. Our crews move fast with heavy items, and clear walkways keep everyone safe.
The Final Walkthrough (Do This Before We Drive Away)
Once the truck is loaded and the foreman says, “We’re all set,” take 10 minutes to do one last lap around your empty home. This is the moment to catch mistakes before they become problems.
Check these commonly forgotten hiding spots:
- The Dishwasher: Is it empty? (This is the #1 item people forget to check!)
- The Oven Drawer: Did you leave any baking sheets in the bottom broiler drawer?
- High Shelves: Check the top shelf of the kitchen cabinets and closets—things get pushed to the back.
- The Shower: Check for loofahs, shampoo bottles, or shower caddies.
- The Walls: Did you grab the clock or the thermometer on the patio?
- The Garage Rafters: Check high storage areas one last time.
Once the truck locks its doors and drives away, coming back for a forgotten toaster or a shampoo bottle is expensive and frustrating. Take the extra five minutes now.
Why This Matters to Us at United Prime Van Lines
We know this list seems long. But we treat moving as a partnership.
When you handle the prep—clearing the paths, sorting the “trash vs. treasure,” and securing the elevators—it lets us focus 100% on what we do best: protecting your furniture and getting everything to your new home safely.
Whether you’re moving a studio in Hallandale Beach or a five-bedroom home in Chatsworth, a prepared home is a happy move.
You’ve got the plan. We’ve got the trucks. Let’s get you moved.
What To Expect When We Actually Arrive
When move day finally shows up, here’s how it usually unfolds with us at United Prime Van Lines:
The Quick Walkthrough & Game Plan
When we arrive, we don't just start grabbing boxes. We pause to get the lay of the land:
- Introductions: Meet the crew foreman.
- The Walkthrough: We walk through the home with you to confirm what’s going and what’s staying.
- The Critical Questions: We ask about your "No-Pack" zones, fragile heirlooms, and the order you’d prefer things loaded.
This is when your prep pays off. Because your home is decluttered and paths are clear, we can focus immediately on safety and efficiency.
You Don’t Have To Hover, But Stay Available
You don’t need to micro-manage every box; that’s our job. But we do ask that you:
- Stay on-site (or very reachable) during the move.
- Keep your phone charged.
- Be available to approve on-the-spot decisions ("This dresser is loose—do you still want to move it?").
We handle the heavy lifting and the "Tetris" of packing the truck. You handle the high-level decisions.
Turning A Stressful Day Into A Managed One
Moving will probably never feel like a spa day—but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be chaos.
When you:
- Declutter before we arrive.
- Prep pathways, appliances, and building access.
- Separate your essentials and "no-pack" items.
- Plan for kids and pets.
…you give us the perfect conditions to do our best work for you.
At United Prime Van Lines, we treat move day like a team effort: you handle the decisions only you can make, and we handle the lifting, loading, logistics, and transport. Whether you’re moving out of a Hallandale Beach condo, a South Florida townhouse, or a Chatsworth, CA home, we’re here to make that day feel organized, respectful, and as calm as possible.
