All of our clients are lovely people. Most (and this is especially true for people moving for the first time) wish they could help us with sorting and packing, or just getting problems out of the way before we arrive. If everyone could do that, it'd be a win-win: we'd spend less time figuring things out, and you get a faster, more efficient move.
With that in mind, here's a list of things that the Smoother Movers’ crews wish you knew before your moving day came along.
The Musts: Do These or Your Move Will Be Slower
1. Pack Your Boxes Before We Arrive
The worst mornings start with walking into a home where people are still throwing items into garbage bags while the crew is standing there ready to work. Since the meter’s also running (if it’s a local move), that’ll cost you precious money and us the time to watch you pack.
Ideally, before we arrive, all the boxes should be sealed, labeled, and ready to go. If you need help packing because you don’t have enough hands, the proper materials, or the expertise to pack efficiently, there’s always our professional packing service. Please don’t wait until the last minute to call or start packing!
2. Label Your Boxes Clearly
As movers, we’re trained on the best way to organize your boxes to make maximum use of a truck bed. Think of it like a game of Tetris. Instead of sorting boxes together by room, we sort them by size and shape. That means we’ll be grabbing boxes and grouping them from different rooms. If the boxes aren’t properly labeled, everyone will have a terrible time unpacking. A box labeled "KITCHEN – GLASSES & DISHES" tells us exactly where it lands at your new place. A box with nothing in it? We're guessing, and guessing wrong wastes everyone's time.
Use a marker (not a pen) and write large enough to read from a few feet away. Include the room and a quick description of what's inside.
3. Empty Your Furniture
Most moving companies won't touch furniture that still has drawers full of stuff, filing cabinets with documents, or shelves loaded with items. It's a liability thing.
Please empty everything out. Pack those items separately in boxes. It might seem tedious, but it protects your stuff and keeps us from having to refuse to move a piece of furniture you're counting on us to transport.
4. Clear a Path Through Your House
Movers carrying a heavy dresser, a couch, or a refrigerator down a narrow hallway filled with toys, shoes, and random clutter is a recipe for damage and frustration. Clear the pathways from room to room and especially from your front door to the moving truck.
This is even more critical if you live in an apartment or condo. A hallway blocked by your neighbor's items, packages, or your own accumulated stuff slows everything down. And if we accidentally damage a wall because the path was too tight? The damage’s on you. So please make sure that it’s obstruction-free before we came along.
5. Know What Can't Move With Us
Hazardous materials, perishable food, plants, medications, and certain flammable items can't go on our truck. Gasoline, propane, cleaning chemicals, paint thinner – these are absolute no-gos. Alcohol is restricted in many jurisdictions, and plants often won't survive being jostled around in a dark truck.
Get a list of prohibited items from us when you book your move, and separate them out beforehand. You can transport these yourself, donate them, or dispose of them responsibly. Don't surprise us on moving day with a pile of things we can't move.
6. Be Home During the Move
We need you there. Not hovering or micromanaging – just present. You might need to answer a question about where something goes, clarify what's fragile, or sign off on the final inventory. If you run out, let us know how long you'll be gone and when you'll be back.
Some people think hiring movers means they can disappear and let professionals handle everything. That's partly true, but it's not entirely.
7. Have Your Payment Method Ready
If you're paying with a card, make sure the information we have on file is current. If you're paying with a check or cash, have it prepared. Don't force us to wait around while you dig through drawers or run to the bank. We've already got a long list of moves scheduled after yours.
The Optionals – The Nice Touches (But Not Essential!)
Bring Water and Snacks
Moving is physically demanding work. A crew that's been loading boxes for four hours in the heat appreciates cold water. If someone offers a cooler with drinks or brings out sandwiches, the gratitude is real. It keeps people energized and moving efficiently.
You don't need to cook or go overboard. Bottled water, a few sodas, some snacks – that's plenty.
Have Cash Ready for Tips
Tipping movers isn't mandatory, but it's customary when the crew does good work. A general guideline is 10% of your total move cost split among the crew, though $20-$40 per mover for a shorter job or $40-$80 for a full day is also standard. If you do tip, have the cash ready. Don't make the crew wait while you find an ATM.
Arrange for Kids and Pets Elsewhere
A toddler running between the legs of someone carrying a dresser down the stairs, or a cat escaping into the chaos, slows everything down. If you can arrange for them to spend the day with a friend or family member, it helps. But if that's not possible, we'll manage – just set them up in a closed room away from the action with food, water, and entertainment.
Take Photos Before We Arrive
Photograph your valuable items and furniture before we get there. If something arrives damaged at your new place, you'll have proof of its condition before the move. This protects you and gives us a clear picture of what we're working with.
FAQ
Q: What happens if my boxes aren't packed by the time you arrive?
A: If you've hired us for a full-service move with packing included, that's different – we'll pack for you. But if you've paid for loading and transport only, unpacked boxes slow everything down and cost you extra if it's an hourly move. Best case: we wait around. Worst case: we can't move you on schedule, and you're scrambling to reschedule.
Q: Do I need to pack everything into boxes, or can I use bags?
A: Boxes are strongly preferred. Bags shift, tear, and are harder to stack efficiently in the truck. Boxes give better protection for your items and make our job easier. You can call us ahead of time to buy packing supplies from us if you don’t know where to get them or what type is appropriate.
Q: Can I help you load the truck?
A: We appreciate the offer, but no. Most moving companies have liability policies that prevent customers from helping with heavy lifting. You might get injured, you might get in the way, or if something breaks, it gets complicated. Just let us work.
Q: What if something gets damaged during the move?
A: Let us know immediately. Don't wait until after we leave to discover damage. If you've got photos of the item before the move, that helps with any claims. We carry insurance for a reason, but the sooner we know, the sooner we can deal with it.
Q: Can you move my car or motorcycle?
A: No. We move household goods, not vehicles. You'd need a specialized auto transport service for that.
Q: Can you move my piano?
Yes, we have a specialized piano moving service.
Q: What if I decide to add more items on moving day?
A: Let us know as soon as possible. We might not have truck space or crew capacity, especially if we're booked back-to-back. If we can fit it, there will likely be an additional charge. Ideally, you give us a heads-up during the estimate so we size everything correctly.
The Bottom Line
Moving day is a team effort. You do your part – pack, label, prepare, and clear the path. We do ours. When both sides show up ready, the whole thing runs smoothly.
Most people genuinely do care and want to help. That's why we're writing this. Just know that the best help you can give us is preparation and then getting out of the way so we can do what we're trained to do.
And if you're moving in the Vancouver or Lower Mainland area and want a crew that's been doing this for over 40 years? We're here. Give us a call at 604-987-8655 for a free estimate, and we'll tell you exactly what we need from you to make your move go smoothly.