Published: July 01, 2023

Things to Do the Night Before a Move: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving can be a stressful and chaotic experience, but with proper planning and organization, you can make the process smoother and more manageable. One crucial step is to prepare for the night before the big move. Taking the time to complete essential tasks and tie up loose ends can help alleviate stress and ensure a successful transition to your new home. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of things to do the night before a move so you can start your moving day with confidence and peace of mind.

1. Pack an Overnight Bag: Before you begin packing up your entire house, it’s crucial to prepare an overnight bag with essential items. This bag should contain clothes, toiletries, medications, and any other necessities you might need for the first night in your new home. By doing so, you won’t have to scramble through boxes to find your essentials when you arrive at your new place.

2. Confirm the Details: Double-check all the crucial details related to your move prior to the day of your move. Confirm that your moving services are in place for the correct date and time. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises or complications on moving day, allowing for a smooth moving process.

3. Clean and Organize: Take some time to clean and organize your current home before leaving. Clean out the fridge, empty the trash, and ensure all surfaces are wiped down. This will make your move-out process smoother, and you’ll leave the house in good condition for the next occupants. Additionally, organize important documents, such as leases, contracts, and moving paperwork, in a secure folder or box so they’re easily accessible when needed.

4. Disassemble Furniture: If you haven’t done so already, disassemble any furniture that requires it. This will save you time and effort on the moving day itself. Keep all the necessary tools, screws, and bolts in a labeled bag or box. If you’re unsure how to disassemble a particular piece of furniture, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek guidance online.

5. Label Boxes: Labeling your boxes is an essential step that often gets overlooked in the chaos of moving. Take the time to label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This will make unpacking much more manageable and efficient, allowing you to find essential items quickly. Consider using different colored labels or markers for each room to make the process even easier.

6. Defrost and Clean Appliances: If you’re taking any appliances with you, such as a refrigerator or freezer, make sure to defrost and clean them the night before the move. Remove all food items, clean the interior, and let them dry. Once dry, secure the doors with tape or bungee cords to prevent them from opening during transportation.

7. Plan for Pets and Children: If you have pets or children, make arrangements for their care during the moving process. If possible, ask a family member or friend to look after them for the day. Alternatively, book a pet daycare or hire a babysitter to ensure their safety and minimize distractions on moving day.

8. Take Photos of Valuables: As an additional precaution, take photos of valuable items and electronics before packing them up. This will serve as documentation in case of damage or loss during the move. Having visual evidence can be helpful for insurance claims or disputes.

Preparing for the night before a move is an essential part of the moving process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reduce stress, stay organized, and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. Remember to pack an overnight bag, confirm all the details, clean and organize, disassemble furniture, label boxes, defrost and clean appliances, make arrangements for pets and children, and document valuable items. By completing these tasks, you’ll be ready to tackle moving day with confidence and start your new chapter on the right foot. For more information or help with your move, visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Kansas City or call (816) 384-0897.