Moving into a new home is exciting, but the hours before the moving truck arrives can make a huge difference to how smoothly the day goes. Once boxes, furniture, and appliances start coming through the door, even simple tasks become harder to complete.
Preparing the property before moving day gives you a clean slate and makes it easier for everyone to work efficiently. From checking utilities to protecting floors, here’s what to do before the movers companies in Edmonton arrive.
Clean Before the Furniture Goes In
If you have access to your new home before moving day, clean it while the rooms are still empty. Vacuum or mop floors, wipe down cabinets, clean countertops, and pay attention to areas that will soon be difficult to reach. Take the opportunity to clean inside kitchen cupboards, bathroom storage, closets, and appliances if they are already installed.
If the previous occupants have left the property in good condition, you may only need a basic clean. If it needs more attention, arranging professional cleaning before moving day can save you a significant amount of work later.
Check That Utilities Are Working
Don’t wait until moving day to discover that the electricity or water hasn’t been connected. Before the truck arrives, check that essential utilities are active, including:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Water
- Heating or cooling
- Internet, if already installed
In Edmonton, heating is particularly important during colder months. A home without adequate heat can become uncomfortable very quickly when you’re opening doors repeatedly to bring furniture inside.
If possible, test the lights, faucets, toilets, heating system, and major appliances. If something isn’t working, you’ll have time to contact the appropriate provider before your belongings arrive.
Protect Floors and High-Traffic Areas
Moving crews will make dozens of trips between the truck and your front door. Dirt, moisture, snow, and small stones can easily get tracked inside. Protect vulnerable floors before the first box enters the house. Use floor runners, cardboard, or suitable protective coverings along high-traffic paths.
Pay particular attention to hardwood, carpet, tile, and freshly cleaned surfaces. If you’re moving during an Edmonton winter, keeping towels or absorbent mats near entrances can also help manage melting snow and water.
Clear the Driveway and Entrance
The moving truck needs enough room to park and unload safely. Remove vehicles, toys, gardening equipment, bins, and other obstacles from the driveway or access area. If there is snow or ice, clear and treat the path leading from the truck to the entrance.
Don’t forget the inside route. Remove shoes, boxes, furniture, and other items that could narrow hallways or create trip hazards. The clearer the route, the easier it will be for the moving crew to bring large furniture inside without unnecessary stops.
Reserve the Elevator or Loading Area
If you’re moving into an apartment or condominium, check the building’s moving requirements well in advance. Many buildings have specific rules about moving hours, elevator reservations, loading zones, and access to parking areas. Some require a damage deposit or proof of insurance before allowing a move.
Contact the building manager or property management company and confirm exactly what is required. An elevator that hasn’t been reserved can create a serious delay, particularly during busy moving periods.
Decide Where Furniture Will Go
You don’t need to have your entire home decorated before moving day, but a general plan helps. Measure rooms and large furniture beforehand. Then decide where beds, sofas, dining tables, desks, and other major pieces should go.
If you’re unsure about smaller items, that’s fine. Focus on the large furniture first. You can even create a simple room plan and label each room. This makes it easier to direct the crew when they bring everything inside and reduces the amount of furniture you’ll have to move around later.
Keep Pets and Children Out of the Way
An open front door and several people carrying heavy furniture create an unsafe environment for young children and pets.
If possible, arrange for children to stay with a family member or trusted friend during the busiest part of the move. Pets should ideally be kept in a secure, quiet room away from the traffic. This also reduces the chance of a pet escaping through an open door while everyone is distracted.
Prepare an Essentials Area
Don’t pack everything away and then expect to unpack the entire house on the first night. Set aside the items you’ll need immediately, including:
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Toilet paper
- Phone chargers
- Medications
- Basic cleaning products
- Snacks and drinks
- Coffee or tea
- Basic cooking utensils
- A change of clothes
- Important documents
Keep these items somewhere clearly marked and accessible. Ideally, they should travel with you rather than being buried inside the moving truck.
Check the Home One Last Time
Before the movers companies in Edmonton arrive, walk through the property once more. Check every room, closet, cabinet, bathroom, garage, and storage area. Make sure doors and windows are accessible and that nothing is blocking the planned route for large furniture.
Take photos of the property’s condition before your belongings arrive. This gives you a record of the home’s condition at the time you move in and can be useful if you’re renting.
Make Moving Day Easier From the Start
Preparing your new home isn’t about making everything perfect before the truck arrives. It’s about removing obstacles. A clean property, working utilities, clear access routes, protected floors, and a basic furniture plan can save hours of frustration.
Once the movers companies in Edmonton arrive, they’ll have a clear path to unload your belongings efficiently, while you can focus on getting your new home set up. The better prepared the property is, the less you’ll have to worry about once the first box crosses the threshold.