Hiring movers to pack your belongings is one of the best ways to reduce stress on moving day. Instead of spending weeks gathering boxes, wrapping fragile items, and labeling everything yourself, professional packers handle the process efficiently and with the right materials. But once the team arrives at your home, you may find yourself wondering what you should be doing during those hours. Standing around can feel awkward, yet hovering can get in the way of their work. The key is finding a balance between staying available and making productive use of your time.
Be available for questions
Even though movers are trained to pack quickly and carefully, no one knows your belongings better than you do. There may be certain items that need extra care, boxes that require clear labeling, or family heirlooms that should not be mixed with everyday household goods.
It’s helpful to:
Stay within earshot so packers can check with you if they are unsure about something.
Point out fragile or high-value items at the beginning so they receive proper attention.
Clarify any special instructions, such as items that should be packed separately for immediate use at your new place.
Being available without hovering gives the movers confidence while also ensuring your expectations are met.
Prepare an essentials box
While movers handle the majority of your belongings, there are certain items you’ll want to keep with you rather than packed in the truck. This includes everyday necessities like toiletries, a few changes of clothes, chargers, important documents, and any medication your household needs.
Packing your own essentials box not only prevents last-minute scrambling but also ensures that you can comfortably settle into your new home without having to search through dozens of boxes. It’s a small task that can make the first night after your move far easier.
Use the time for digital organization
Another productive way to spend the packing hours is updating your digital life. As you move to a new address, you’ll need to update subscriptions, delivery services, banking information, and official records. Having downtime while the movers pack gives you a chance to sit with your laptop or phone and start submitting change-of-address forms, transferring utilities, and confirming service cancellations.
This task might not feel urgent in the moment, but getting ahead of it prevents headaches later when bills or packages go to the wrong place.
Coordinate with your packing team
When working with professionals, good communication keeps everything running smoothly. If you’ve hired a packing company in San Francisco https://got2move.com/packers/san-francisco/, they’ll likely ask about your priorities, timeline, and any special considerations. Take this opportunity to walk them through each room and explain how you’d like things handled. For example, you may want your kitchen utensils grouped separately from pantry goods, or your office materials clearly labeled for quick unpacking.
Providing direction at the beginning saves time later and ensures your new home feels organized from day one.
Take care of kids and pets
Moving day can be overwhelming for children and pets, especially when unfamiliar people are walking in and out of the house. If possible, arrange for kids to stay with a relative or friend, and consider taking pets to a boarding facility or quiet room away from the activity.
If you keep them at home, prepare snacks, games, or activities that keep children occupied, and provide pets with food, water, and comfort items. Minimizing distractions for the movers not only speeds up their work but also helps your household stay calm during what can otherwise be a chaotic day.
Sort items you’ll move yourself
Some belongings are better handled personally rather than entrusted to movers. Jewelry, passports, financial documents, and sentimental keepsakes often fall into this category. Use the downtime to gather these items in a separate bag or box that you’ll transport yourself.
This also applies to fragile electronics, personal collections, or anything you’re uncomfortable having packed away. Setting aside these belongings before the movers finish ensures nothing gets misplaced.
Stay energized and hydrated
It may sound simple, but moving day can be surprisingly draining even if you’re not lifting boxes yourself. Offering water and snacks to the movers is always appreciated, and keeping some on hand for your family keeps everyone in good spirits.
This is also a good time to order food for later in the day. Once everything is packed, you may not want to cook, and knowing that dinner is taken care of makes the transition smoother.
Plan for the road ahead
If your move involves long-distance travel, there’s more to think about than just the packing. For example, if you’re working with a moving company from LA to SF https://got2move.com/long-distance/los-angeles-to-san-francisco/, you may want to review the travel schedule, expected delivery dates, and what you’ll need during the trip.
Even for local relocations, taking a moment to plan your arrival at the new home—where the truck will park, which room to set up first, and how to prioritize unpacking—can save time and energy later. Movers often appreciate clear instructions on where boxes should go, so making these decisions in advance is useful.
Take photos and document belongings
While professionals are skilled at protecting your items, accidents can happen. Use the waiting time to walk through your home with your phone and snap quick photos of valuables, furniture, and electronics. These images serve as documentation in the unlikely event you need to file a claim.
It’s also helpful to photograph how your cords, electronics, or shelving units are set up so you can reassemble them easily in your new place.
Use downtime for self-care
Amid the logistics of moving, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. Once you’ve answered the movers’ questions and packed personal items, take a break. Sit down with a book, catch up on emails, or simply relax with a cup of coffee. Allowing yourself a moment of calm helps reduce the stress that naturally comes with such a big transition.
