The day before your household goods arrive is the perfect time to make a few final preparations. After your belongings have been packed and transported, you’re just one step away from getting settled into your new home. If Compass Moving is coordinating your relocation, your move specialist will stay in touch with you throughout the process and help make sure everything is in place before the delivery crew arrives.
Make Sure the Home is Ready
Before delivery day, confirm that your new home is ready to receive your shipment. Utilities should be turned on, entrances should be accessible, and any necessary arrangements with a homeowners association, apartment office, or building manager should already be completed. If your new residence requires elevator reservations, parking permits, or designated delivery times, it’s much easier to handle those details before the moving truck arrives than while the crew is waiting outside.
If your new residence requires elevator reservations, parking permits, or designated delivery times, it’s much easier to handle those details before the moving truck arrives than while the crew is waiting outside.
Visualize the Layout
You’ll also save time by deciding where you want your larger furniture before unloading begins. Think about the placement of beds, sofas, dining tables, dressers, and other bulky items so you can quickly direct the movers as they bring everything inside. Some families even place sticky notes on doorways or create a simple room layout to make the unloading process faster and eliminate guesswork.
A Good Handle on the Essentials
As you’re preparing your home, remember that certain belongings should remain with you rather than being packed with your household shipment. Keep medications, identification, important paperwork, valuables, electronic devices, chargers, and anything you’ll need during your first night readily available. Having these essentials close by allows you to settle in comfortably while the rest of your belongings are being unpacked.
Keep in Communication
If anything changes before delivery—whether it’s your arrival time, access to the home, or another unexpected circumstance—contact your move specialist as soon as possible. Early communication allows Compass Moving to coordinate with the local moving company and make adjustments if needed, helping everyone stay on schedule and minimizing potential delays.
Your Day-Before-Delivery Checklist
Before turning in for the night, take a few minutes to make sure you’ve completed the following:
- ✔ Electricity, water, gas, and other essential utilities have been turned on.
- ✔ You have access to your new home, including keys, garage door openers, gate codes, or entry instructions.
- ✔ Elevator reservations, parking permits, or loading dock access have been confirmed, if applicable.
- ✔ Walkways, driveways, and entryways are clear so the movers can safely bring your belongings inside.
- ✔ You’ve decided where major furniture pieces should be placed in each room.
- ✔ Medications, important documents, jewelry, passports, laptops, chargers, and other personal essentials are packed separately and staying with you.
- ✔ A plan is in place for children and pets so they remain safe while the movers are unloading.
- ✔ Your move specialist has your current phone number and can easily reach you if needed.
- ✔ You’ve communicated any last-minute changes or special delivery instructions to your move specialist.
It’s Worth the Preparation
Delivery day is the final milestone before you can begin enjoying your new home. By making a few preparations ahead of time and staying connected with your move specialist, you’ll help the unloading process go more efficiently and create a less stressful experience for both you and the moving crew. A little planning the day before can make a big difference when it’s time to open the door and start the next chapter.