Prepare For Your Move

Clear the clutter. Moving is a great time to eliminate excess. If you haven't used it or worn it in 12 months, consider having a garage sale, donating it to charity, or giving it away. Removing any excess will not only make your move easier but may make it less expensive as well.
Think about your new space and where you want your furniture placed before your move day. Feel free to sketch your ideas and provide them to your mover to make your move in day go smoother. Adding a small piece colored painters tape to items can also help indicate if an item is to go/not go/or determine which room it goes to at the new location.
Gas appliances should be disconnected by your service provider to ensure safety to you, your family and your movers.

Contact your insurance carrier to inquire on additional insurance during your move or ask your mover what additional coverage they can provide. All movers are required to carry a standard of insurance but you may want to insure your items over and above their coverage.
Extra large or heavy furnishings may require special attention or equipment. Please discuss these items with your mover prior to the move day.
Discuss access to locations with your mover prior to the move.
Weed out plants! Plants are perishable and chances are they will not do well with the move. Watering them within 2 days before your move may lead to water damage to your other items during transit. Your mover may not agree to take plants that have moist soil and will leave dirt or debris behind. Your mover can not guarantee the condition of plants upon arrival to the new location.
Pets should be removed from the premises the day of the move for their protection and to avoid injury to the movers or damage to your furnishings.
Plan to transport any guns, ammunition, alcoholic beverages and flammable items in your own vehicle. Your mover legally cannot transport these hazardous items for you. All fuel must be removed from gas engines prior to your move.
Consider moving on a weekday. This will make it easier for you to contact utility companies, facility managers or landlords should you need to as part of your move.

Packing

If packing yourself, make sure all items are packed before your mover arrives as to not delay the loading process or increase your move cost. Do not pack your check book or ATM/Debit card. Your mover will expect payment at the end of your service.
Using recycled boxes can lead to unwanted problems. Loose staples can scratch floors or furnishings and snag upholstery. Make sure boxes are sturdy, able to be taped shut and packed fully.
Newspaper is not recommended for packing your personal possessions due to that print can transfer and may be permanent. Consider purchasing professional packing paper from your local moving supply store.
Pack heavy items and breakables in smaller boxes to ensure your valuable are protected during the load and unload process.
Don't skimp on packing tape. Packing tape provides strength and stability to your box. Consider buying a tape gun to make this process easier. All boxes should be taped shut for proper stacking.
The more loose items you have, the longer it will take your mover to load and unload resulting in unexpected costs for you at the end of your service.
Clothing may be left in dresser drawers provided your furniture is not too heavy to move up/down stairs safely and is sturdy enough to handle the weight during transit. All loose or breakable items should be removed from the drawers before the movers arrive and packed safely in boxes. Leaving items in antique furniture is not recommended.
Pack an overnight bag containing prescription medicines, toiletries, a change of clothes, check book , closing documents for your new home, lease agreements, pet food, etc. that can be unpacked first at your new location or loaded into your car to assure you have access to these essentials at any time.
Stack your packed boxes along walls to allow movers access to maneuver furniture and facilitate your move.
Do not remove items from cabinets and set on the counter. This will make it more difficult and take more time for your mover to pack, if using their packing service, as they will need that surface to wrap breakable items.
Mark all boxes visibly as to which room they belong in on the other end of your move to make unloading and organization go smoothly.

Loading

Unloading

Arrive before the movers to avoid being billed for additional time while they sit and wait for you to arrive.
Make sure any realtor or landlord walk-through paperwork has been completed before the movers arrive.
Consider taping names on the doors of each room to assist the movers during the unload process.
Be available to the mover for questions on furniture placement. If you will not be at the unload location, please arrange for a responsible adult to be present with authority to complete the moving process and notify the mover in advance of this arrangement.
Do not forget to tip your mover. Cash tips for movers are highly appreciated. It's a nice touch for a job well done. Customary tips range from $20 - $100 per mover.

The most important of all moving tips is to make yourself available to your mover during the loading process. They will have questions.
If you are not travelling with your mover, provide them all necessary contact information including cell phone number and full delivery address.
Do a final walk through before leaving your old location to make sure all items have been loaded.
Check or shut off all utilities such as water, electricity and gas before leaving the location.