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How to Prepare for Movers: The Day-Before Checklist

Published 2026-06-19 · Best Movers LA editorial team

A smooth, fast move day is mostly won the day before. The more ready you are when the crew arrives, the less time it takes — and since local moves are billed hourly, ready means cheaper.

Finish packing — completely

Everything should be boxed, taped and labeled before the crew arrives. A half-packed home is the number-one cause of a move running long, because the crew waits (on the clock) while you finish. Leave out only your essentials box and what you'll sleep with.

Clear the paths and stage the boxes

Move boxes to a central, accessible spot near the door, clear hallways and walkways, and take down anything fragile from walls. The faster the crew can flow from your stuff to the truck, the lower your bill.

Handle parking, elevators and access

Confirm the truck can park close — reserve a spot with your own car if there's no permit, and book the building elevator and have any COI ready at both ends. In permit-zoned LA neighborhoods, the no-parking permit should already be pulled. This is the single biggest time-saver in dense areas.

Prep appliances and last details

Defrost the fridge, disconnect and drain the washer, empty the dishwasher, and unplug electronics. Confirm the crew's arrival window, keep payment and your essentials box with you, and do a final walk-through. Our crews handle parking permits, elevators and the heavy lifting — see our complete checklist, labeling guide, and cost breakdown.

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Related questions

What should I do the day before movers come?

Finish packing completely, stage boxes near the door, clear the paths, confirm parking and the elevator, defrost the fridge and drain the washer, and keep your essentials box with you.

How do I make moving day faster and cheaper?

Be fully packed before the crew arrives, stage boxes by the door, reserve parking close to the entrance, and clear the walkways — since local moves are billed hourly, being ready directly lowers the bill.

Should everything be packed before movers arrive?

Yes — everything except your essentials box should be boxed, taped and labeled. A half-packed home makes the crew wait on the clock, which costs you more.

What about parking for the moving truck?

Confirm the truck can park close: reserve a spot with your own car if there's no permit, pull a no-parking permit in permit-zoned areas, and book the building elevator in advance.

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