Preparing adequately before professional packers arrive is crucial for an organized, successful move. Having belongings packed chaotically at the last minute leads to forgotten items, damaged goods and unnecessary stress. Getting organized ahead of the packing date prevents headaches down the road. If professional packers will handle your upcoming move, here are 10 key tasks to complete beforehand so the process goes smoothly.

Sort And Declutter All Rooms

The first step is thoroughly decluttering each room well in advance. Be ruthless in sorting through your belongings and purge anything you don’t need to bring. This prevents clutter from getting packed and hauled unnecessarily. Hold garage sales or donate unused items. Clearing excess stuff also lets you organize possessions more logically.

Schedule Disconnection/Connection Of Utilities

Contact any utility providers like cable, internet and power companies to cancel services at your old home and schedule turn-on at your new address. Build in a buffer between turnoff and start dates. Make sure disconnection dates don’t occur before the packers leave and new connections happen shortly after unloading. Suspending automatic payments prevents double-paying utilities too.

Repair Any Damage Needing Attention

Inspect walls, floors, doors and structures throughout your home for any damage needing repair prior to move-out day. Fix torn carpeting, leaky fixtures, cracked tiles or anything broken during residence. Paint over scuffs and nail holes. This prevents forfeiting part of your security deposit for preventable damage. The repairs also make household items easier to pack.

Organize Financial Records And Documents

Gather personal files, financial statements and vital records in one place so they don’t get packed randomly throughout boxes. Place them together in a lockable file case you’ll transport personally for security. Scan any critical documents like birth certificates to have digital backups. Securely shred unneeded records containing personal information.

Consolidate Medications And Valuables

Like files, collect medications, jewelry and other high-value items so the movers don’t unintentionally box them. Place prescriptions, expensive watches and the like in a dedicated valuables case that remains with you. You don’t want movers responsible for these items. Make sure no valuables remain in the furniture either.

Backup Computers And Electronics

Copy important data from computers, phones and tablets to external drives and the cloud. Photograph electronic connections so you can properly reconnect them later. Download any content stored locally on devices in case of damage. Remove and individually wrap all loose cables, cords and accessories to prevent loss.

Collect Keys, Garage Remotes And Manuals

Gather keys for your new and old properties, as well as any remotes, access cards or fobs needed on move day. Also, assemble product manuals and warranties for appliances and electronics to reference later if needed. Place these in a labeled envelope you keep accessible during the move itself.

Clean Out Appliances

Empty and defrost refrigerators. Have self-clean cycles run on ovens. Wash out crumbs and dust accumulated in dishwashers, microwaves and other appliances. This prevents loose debris from getting loose and damaging interiors during transit. Book professional cleaning services for heavily soiled appliances.

Start Packing Non-Essentials Yourself

Get a head start on packing seldom-used items like seasonal decor, old toys and infrequently worn clothing. Label boxes by category and room. Mark any fragile contents. Flat-pack bulky furniture you won’t need before move-in. This greatly lessens the volume professional packers like In Or Out Movers must handle in one day.

Take Inventory And Photograph Belongings

Catalog all your possessions room-by-room with detailed descriptions for insurance purposes. Photograph expensive items and antiques to document their condition pre-move. Make extra copies of the inventory to provide the movers so damaged goods can be identified. Save digital copies of photos and lists for claims too.

To Wrap Up

With these pre-packing preparations complete, the packing itself will flow smoothly and efficiently when the pros arrive. You’ll rest assured knowing your belongings are handled systematically and safely.