A smooth moving day starts long before the moving truck arrives.

The more you prepare ahead of time, the easier your move will be. A little planning can help you avoid last-minute stress, save money, and keep everything on schedule.

Here are 9 simple things to do before your movers arrive.

1. Review Your Moving Contract

Take a few minutes to read through your moving contract or bill of lading before moving day.

Make sure your moving date, addresses, services, and other details are correct. If anything looks wrong or you have questions, call your moving company before moving day.

2. Remove Anything You’re Not Moving

Set aside anything that is not going on the moving truck.

Donate it, throw it away, or place it in a room or area clearly marked “Do Not Move.” This helps prevent mistakes and keeps the movers moving quickly.

More: 9 Charities That Offer Free Donation Pickup

3. Pack Early

If you’re packing yourself, start as early as you can.

Most people have more belongings than they think. Packing a little each day is much easier than trying to finish everything the night before.

Learn when to start packing for a move and how to properly pack moving boxes to help protect your belongings.

4. Keep Valuables With You

Gather important and valuable items before moving day.

This includes jewelry, cash, passports, medications, important documents, small electronics, and family heirlooms.

Keep these items with you instead of putting them on the moving truck.

5. Make Plans For Kids & Pets

Moving day can be busy and stressful.

If possible, have children and pets stay with a family member, friend, or sitter during the move. This helps keep everyone safe and lets the movers work more efficiently.

6. Be Available On Moving Day

Plan to be home when the movers arrive.

The crew may have questions about what stays, what goes, or where furniture should be placed at your new home. Being available helps everything go smoothly.

7. Get Your Home Ready

Before the movers arrive, do one final walk-through.

Make sure:

  • Everything is packed and labeled.
  • Walkways are clear.
  • Parking is available for the moving truck.
  • Doors and hallways are easy to access.
  • Sprinklers are turned off.

8. Prepare Your Appliances

Unless your moving company has agreed to disconnect appliances, you’ll need to do it yourself.

Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers should all be ready before the movers arrive.

Tip: Unplug your refrigerator and freezer about 24 hours before moving day so they have time to defrost.

9. Turn Off Your Sprinklers

This is one of the easiest things to forget.

Turn your sprinklers off before the movers arrive so boxes, furniture, and your moving crew stay dry. It’s a simple step that can prevent delays and unnecessary messes.

A little preparation goes a long way.

By taking care of these 9 simple tasks before moving day, you’ll help your movers work faster, protect your belongings, and make your entire move much less stressful.

Your future self will be glad you planned ahead.