Moving into or within Athens can feel exciting—new neighbourhoods to explore, new routines to build, and a fresh start overall. But let’s be honest: the process of moving is usually the stressful part. That’s exactly why hiring professional movers in Athens is becoming the smart choice for families, renters, and businesses alike
But even when you hire experts like McMinn Moving & More, preparing your home ahead of time can make your move smoother, faster, and even more affordable. Proper preparation reduces delays, prevents damage, and ensures that movers can focus on what they do best—transporting your belongings safely.
This complete guide walks you step-by-step through everything you should do before movers arrive, including organization tips, packing strategies, safety steps, and what to expect on moving day.
Why Preparing Your Home Properly Matters
You’re already investing in professional movers, so why prepare at all? Here are the top benefits:
✔ Speeds up your move
Movers work much faster when items are sorted, disassembled, and boxed properly.
✔ Prevents accidental damage
Clear pathways and well-packed items reduce the risk of drops, scratches, and breakage.
✔ Helps movers plan the load
Labeling and organizing helps movers load the truck strategically.
✔ Saves you money
Extra time = extra billable hours. A prepared home shortens labor time.
✔ Reduces stress on moving day
You avoid last-minute chaos and can focus on guiding the movers.
If you want an efficient, seamless move, preparation is your best ally.
Step 1: Create a Moving Plan Early
Moving becomes chaotic when you wait too long to prepare. Ideally, start 3–4 weeks before your move.
Build a moving checklist
List everything you must complete—packing, donating, cleaning, paperwork, address changes, and utility scheduling.
Book your movers early
Athens experiences peak demand during:
- End of the month
- Weekends
- College move-in/move-out seasons
Booking early with McMinn Moving & More guarantees availability and a smoother schedule.
Take inventory of your belongings
A room-by-room inventory helps you:
- See what you actually need
- Estimate packing materials
- Understand what needs special care
This is also extremely helpful for the movers.
Step 2: Declutter Before You Pack
The biggest mistake homeowners make is packing everything—including items they haven’t used in years.
Sort items into four categories:
- Keep – items you truly need and use
- Sell – furniture or appliances in good condition
- Donate – unwanted clothing, toys, books
- Discard – broken or unusable items
Decluttering has major advantages:
- Reduces packing time
- Lowers moving costs
- Helps you start fresh in your new home
When the movers arrive, you’ll only be moving what matters—and that makes the entire process easier.
Step 3: Start Packing Smartly (If You Are Packing Yourself)
Even if you’re using professional packing services, some clients prefer to pack certain items on their own.
Gather the right packing materials
You’ll need:
- Sturdy boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Heavy-duty tape
- Mattress covers
- Furniture sliders
- Permanent markers
Pack room by room
Doing this avoids confusion and prevents mixing unrelated items.
Label EVERYTHING
On each box, write:
- Room destination (e.g., Kitchen, Bedroom 2)
- Contents (e.g., Dishes, Books)
- Handling instructions (Fragile, This Side Up)
Movers appreciate this system—it allows faster loading and better truck organization.
Avoid overpacking boxes
Heavy boxes slow down movers, increase injury risks, and may burst open.
Ideal weight per box: 40–50 lbs maximum.
Pack fragile items carefully
Use:
- Extra cushioning
- Dividers for glasses
- Multiple layers of paper
If you want true peace of mind, let McMinn Moving & More handle your fragile items professionally.
Step 4: Prepare Your Furniture
Movers can disassemble and reassemble furniture, but prepping ahead helps save time.
Remove shelves, legs & fragile parts
Items that stick out are more vulnerable to damage.
Empty all drawers
Leaving clothes or items inside makes furniture heavy and unsafe to carry.
Wrap furniture
Use:
- Blankets
- Plastic wrap
- Edge protectors
Preparing furniture ahead of time allows the movers to load quickly and strategically.
Step 5: Clear & Prepare Pathways
Movers need clear pathways from every room to the truck. This step is essential for safety and efficiency.
Do this the day before moving:
- Remove clutter from hallways
- Keep pets out of the way
- Move vehicles from your driveway
- Ensure stairs and walkways are dry
- Keep children safely occupied
A safe environment lets movers focus on handling your belongings—not on navigating obstacles.
Step 6: Prepare Appliances
If you are moving large appliances, proper preparation prevents leaks, damage, and moving delays.
Refrigerators
- Empty and clean the inside
- Unplug 24 hours before moving
- Remove shelves and drawers
- Allow time for defrosting
Washing Machines
- Drain all water
- Disconnect hoses
- Secure the drum if required
Stoves & Ovens
- Clean thoroughly
- Disconnect gas or electric lines—professionally if needed
If you’re unsure how to do any of these steps, ask McMinn Moving & More. Their team can guide you or handle it safely.
Step 7: Prepare Outdoor Areas
Movers often handle more than just indoor items.
Clean up outdoor spaces
- Remove debris from walkways
- Bundle long items like rakes and brooms
- Drain gas from lawnmowers or grills
- Secure patio furniture
If you live in a two-story home, make sure exterior stairways are safe for heavy lifting.
Step 8: Set Aside Essentials You’ll Keep With You
You never want essential items packed away on the truck.
Prepare an “Essentials Box” containing:
- Medications
- Toiletries
- One day of clothing
- Chargers
- Basic tools
- Important documents
- Wallet, keys & IDs
- Pet supplies
Additional items to keep with you:
- Jewelry
- Cash
- Laptops & electronics
- Heirlooms
This ensures your most valuable or personally important belongings stay with you at all times.
Step 9: Communicate Clearly With Your Movers
Professional movers work best when they understand your needs.
Before moving day, share details like:
- Parking instructions
- Narrow hallways or tight staircases
- Items needing special handling
- Boxes you want loaded last
- Items you want unloaded first
Clear communication helps movers plan efficiently and avoid surprises.
Step 10: Do a Final Walkthrough Before Movers Arrive
This step minimizes overlooked items and keeps moving day smooth.
What to check:
- Are all boxes closed and sealed?
- Are pathways clear and safe?
- Are appliances disconnected?
- Is furniture ready to be moved?
- Are fragile items marked clearly?
- Is your essentials box packed separately?
Once the movers arrive, they can immediately begin loading.
What to Expect on Moving Day in Athens
Here’s the typical flow when professionals like McMinn Moving & More arrive:
1. Arrival & Home Walkthrough
Movers inspect the home layout and discuss priority items.
2. Protection of Your Home
They may use:
- Floor runners
- Padding around doors
- Protective blankets
3. Strategic Loading
Movers load the truck in an order that prevents damage and maximizes space.
4. Transportation to Your New Home
Your belongings are secured and safely transported.
5. Unloading & Placement
Movers will place items in the rooms you specify.
6. Final Check
You confirm everything is delivered and placed correctly.
A prepared home ensures each of these steps happens efficiently and without delays.
Why Choose McMinn Moving & More for Your Athens Move
Choosing the right moving company determines whether your moving day is easy or stressful. McMinn Moving & More is one of the most trusted names in Athens for residential and commercial moves.
Here’s why clients prefer them:
✔ Local Athens Expertise
They understand neighborhoods, apartments, and moving restrictions specific to the area.
✔ Licensed & Insured Movers
Your belongings are handled safely and professionally.
✔ Full-Service Moving Options
Including:
- Packing & unpacking
- Furniture disassembly
- Local & long-distance moving
- Specialty item moving
✔ Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprises.
✔ Fast & Reliable Crew
Movers arrive on time, work efficiently, and treat your home respectfully.
✔ Friendly, Family-Owned Service
A team that genuinely cares about your experience.
Make Your Athens Move Stress-Free — Hire the Professionals
Preparing your home for professional movers sets the stage for a successful move, but having the right movers makes all the difference.
If you want your move handled safely, quickly, and professionally, McMinn Moving & More is the moving partner you can trust.
Get a free, no-obligation moving quote today
Make your next move in Athens smooth, stress-free, and professionally managed. Let the experts handle the heavy lifting—literally
FAQs:
1. How far in advance should I prepare my home for movers?
You should begin preparing your home for movers at least two to three weeks before moving day. This gives you enough time to declutter, organize essentials, pack non-daily items, and communicate special instructions to your moving company. Early preparation helps movers work faster, prevents delays, and reduces overall moving costs.
2. What should I do the day before movers arrive?
The day before movers arrive, finish sealing all boxes, clear pathways, disconnect appliances, pack your essentials bag, and confirm details with your moving company. Make sure pets and children are safely managed, label remaining boxes clearly, and move your personal valuables aside. A final walkthrough ensures that everything is ready for a smooth and efficient moving day.
3. Should I empty drawers before the movers come?
Yes, you should always empty your drawers before movers arrive. Full drawers make furniture heavier, harder to carry, and more likely to break or shift during transport. Removing items also prevents damage, reduces the risk of injury, and speeds up the overall moving process. Place drawer contents into labeled boxes for easier unpacking.
4. Do movers prefer everything in boxes?
Movers work fastest when items are neatly boxed, sealed, and labeled. Boxes stack efficiently, help protect fragile items, and speed up loading. Loose items take longer to move and increase the risk of damage. Even odd-shaped belongings can be bagged or grouped together to keep everything organized. Proper boxing ensures a smoother overall move.
5. What items should I keep with me on moving day?
Always keep your essentials with you, including medications, important documents, jewelry, small electronics, chargers, wallets, keys, and a change of clothing. These items are easier to access during the move and safer in your possession. An essentials box also prevents delays when settling into your new home since you won’t need to dig through packed boxes.
6. Do I need to disassemble furniture before movers arrive?
If you want to save time and possibly reduce labor costs, partially disassembling furniture helps movers work faster. Removing legs, loose shelves, and delicate attachments can prevent damage. However, many professional moving companies—including McMinn Moving & More—can disassemble and reassemble furniture for you if you prefer a hands-off experience.
7. How should I prepare appliances for professional movers?
Prepare appliances by disconnecting power or gas lines, emptying contents, cleaning inside surfaces, and securing loose parts. Refrigerators should be unplugged 24 hours before moving to defrost properly. Washing machines need hoses drained and drums stabilized. Preparing appliances ahead ensures safe handling and prevents leaks, messes, and delays on moving day.
8. How do I prepare fragile items for movers?
Wrap fragile items in several layers of bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in sturdy boxes with dividers when possible. Clearly label the boxes as “Fragile” and “Handle With Care.” Pack similar items together and fill empty box space with cushioning to prevent shifting. If you want guaranteed protection, consider letting your movers pack fragile items for you.
9. Should I clean my house before movers arrive?
A quick clean-up makes moving safer and faster. You don’t need a deep clean, but clearing clutter, sweeping floors, and making wide pathways helps movers navigate easily. Removing obstacles prevents accidental damage and keeps the moving crew efficient. A tidy environment ensures they can load the truck quickly and handle your belongings safely.
10. What should I expect when professional movers arrive?
Movers typically begin with a walkthrough to understand your layout and priorities. They protect floors and doorways, then start loading items strategically based on weight and fragility. Once everything is secured, they transport your belongings to your new home and unload them into designated rooms. Clear communication ensures a seamless and efficient moving experience.