Introduction: Why the Day Before Your Move Matters More Than You Think
The day before your move isn’t just about waiting for the trucks to arrive—it’s a crucial window for last-minute preparation that can make or break your entire moving experience. Whether you’re relocating a small apartment or a large family home, being proactive the day before helps prevent stress, delays, and costly mistakes. In this detailed day before moving checklist, we’ll walk you through every essential task you need to complete to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. With guidance from Eastland Movers, a trusted moving company in the DMV area, your relocation can begin on the right foot from day zero.
1. Confirm All Moving Details with Your Moving Company
Communication is key—especially with your movers. One of the first things to check off on your day before moving checklist is to verify all details with your moving company. This step avoids confusion and ensures both you and the movers are aligned.
Call Eastland Movers to confirm the arrival time, location, and contact information. Make sure they have your updated address and cell number, and confirm any special handling instructions for items such as pianos, antiques, or electronics. Clear and early communication ensures your movers arrive prepared.
Review the moving contract and estimate one last time. Clarify what’s included in your package, whether packing/unpacking is covered, and who is responsible for dismantling furniture. This final review helps avoid any pricing surprises or misunderstandings.
2. Pack a Moving Essentials Box and Last-Day Necessities
Even if everything else is packed, you’ll still need access to personal items and daily essentials. This is where your moving essentials box becomes invaluable. It should contain everything you’ll need for the first night in your new home.
Include toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen tools in your essentials box. This keeps you from rummaging through boxes just to find your toothbrush or phone cable.
Prepare an “Open First” box with basic tools, toilet paper, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. You’ll likely need to clean up your old place and maybe do a quick wipe-down of the new one before unpacking begins. Eastland Movers recommends labeling these boxes clearly so they can be offloaded first.
3. Defrost the Refrigerator and Prepare Major Appliances
Your kitchen appliances need time to settle before the move. Moving a fridge that hasn’t been properly prepped can cause water leakage, mold buildup, and internal damage. The day before is the perfect time to address this.
Unplug your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours in advance. Remove all food, clean the interior, and keep the doors open to allow moisture to evaporate. Place towels around the base to catch any dripping water.
Unplug and prepare other major appliances such as your washer, dryer, or stove. Disconnect hoses, remove any detachable parts, and secure all cords and moving components. If you’ve hired Eastland Movers, their team can guide you through this process or assist with appliance handling as part of your customized service plan.
4. Perform a Final Walkthrough of Your Home
A walkthrough is more than just a farewell tour—it’s your last chance to catch forgotten items, perform quick repairs, or fulfill move-out responsibilities. Skipping this step can lead to complications, lost items, or disputes with landlords or buyers.
Open every cabinet, drawer, and closet to ensure nothing is left behind. Commonly missed areas include medicine cabinets, under the sink, attic storage, and garage shelves.
Check for damage and take photos of each room for your records. If you’re leaving a rental, this documentation protects your security deposit. Eastland Movers advises clients to complete the walkthrough early in the evening to leave time for last-minute adjustments.
5. Prepare for the Movers’ Arrival: Parking, Pet Care, and Access
To avoid a chaotic start to moving day, you need to prepare your home’s logistics. Ensuring that movers can easily access your home and work without distractions will significantly speed up the process.
Reserve parking for the moving truck in advance. If you live in an apartment or a busy neighborhood, contact building management or city services to arrange a permit or reserved spot. A delay in truck parking can cause schedule setbacks and extra charges.
Secure pets and small children in a safe area or arrange for them to stay elsewhere. Movers need space to work, and unexpected activity can pose safety risks. Eastland Movers’ crew appreciates a clear, obstacle-free workspace that helps them move quickly and safely.
6. Set Aside Final Payments, Paperwork, and Contact Info
You don’t want to be searching for your checkbook or trying to access your email when the movers are at your door. Be prepared with the documents and payment methods you’ll need on hand.
Prepare payment for Eastland Movers—whether by card, check, or online transfer—and confirm the tipping policy. If cash tips are preferred, make sure you have small bills ready in labeled envelopes.
Keep all moving documents, identification, and new home keys in a folder. This should stay with you at all times during the move. Include your utility shutoff schedule and lease or closing paperwork so it’s accessible if needed on moving day.
Estimated Moving Day Costs to Consider
| Item | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Company Service Fee | $400 – $1,500 | Depends on size of home, services, and distance |
| Packing Supplies (leftover needs) | $20 – $50 | Tape, markers, last-minute boxes |
| Tips for Movers (optional) | $10 – $40 per mover | Based on satisfaction and complexity of the move |
| Cleaning Services (if hired) | $100 – $300 | Optional for deep clean before handing over the property |
