Checklist Before You Move: What to Do Before Packers Arrive

Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be a stressful experience if you’re not prepared. Hiring professional packers like Om International Packers and Movers can take a huge burden off your shoulders. However, your preparation before the packers arrive is equally important to ensure a smooth, efficient move.

To help you get organized, here’s a complete checklist of what you should do before the packing team shows up at your doorstep.

1. Declutter Your Home

Before packing starts, go through each room and sort out what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. There’s no point in spending time and money packing items you no longer use or need. Decluttering helps reduce the volume of your belongings, making the move faster and more cost-effective.

Tips:

• Use the “three-box method”: Keep, Donate, Discard.

• Schedule a garage sale or donate to local charities.

• Dispose of expired items, especially in the pantry, bathroom, and garage.

2. Create an Inventory List

Make a detailed list of everything you’re moving. This will help you keep track of your belongings and make sure nothing gets lost during the move. You can also cross-check it once the items are delivered to your new location.

Why it's important:

• Provides a record for insurance claims (if needed).

• Helps with unpacking and setting up your new home.

• Keeps you organized during the chaos of moving.

3. Separate Essentials for the First Few Days

You won’t have immediate access to all your boxes after moving, so it's smart to pack an essentials box. This should include items you'll need right away at your new home.

What to pack:

• Toiletries and medications

• Chargers and electronics

• Clothes for 2–3 days

• Basic kitchenware and snacks

• Important documents and IDs

4. Take Photos of Valuable Items

Before the packers begin, take clear photos of electronics, furniture, and fragile items. This acts as a reference for the condition of your belongings before the move. In the rare event of damage, these photos can be useful for insurance purposes.

5. Label and Organize Special Items

While our professional team at Om International Packers and Movers takes care of labeling boxes, you should still label items you want packed a certain way. For example:

• Mark boxes that are fragile.

• Set aside items you’ll carry personally.

• Highlight boxes that need to be unpacked first.

6. Secure Valuable and Personal Items

Pack your personal documents, jewelry, cash, and other valuables separately and keep them with you. Though packers are trustworthy professionals, it's always best to keep irreplaceable items under your own care.

7. Unplug and Clean Appliances

If you're taking appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or microwaves, make sure they are cleaned, unplugged, and dry at least 24 hours in advance. This prevents mold, mildew, or leaks during transit.

Tip:

• Defrost your fridge and wipe it dry.

• Disconnect and clean washing machines and dishwashers.

• Remove batteries from devices to avoid corrosion.

8. Inform the Packers About Special Instructions

Every home is different, and so is every move. Let your packers know in advance if there are special instructions for certain items — whether it's an antique mirror, a glass dining table, or a modular kitchen. The more they know, the better they can protect your items.

9. Arrange for Kids and Pets

On moving day, your home will be buzzing with activity. It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to look after your kids and pets to keep them safe and stress-free. This also helps the packers work more efficiently without any distractions.

10. Prepare the Home for Packing

Lastly, prepare your home for the packing process:

• Reserve parking space for the moving truck.

• Clear pathways for easy movement.

• Remove items from walls like clocks and frames.

• Disconnect Wi-Fi, utilities, and other services.

Final Thoughts

At Om International Packers and Movers, we strive to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible. But the key to a successful move is teamwork — and that begins with your preparation.

By following this simple checklist, you’ll not only help us do our job more efficiently but also ensure that your move is smooth, timely, and worry-free. Whether you're moving locally or across cities, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Need help planning your move? Contact Om International Packers and Movers today for a hassle-free moving experience!