Moving day has a way of arriving before you feel completely ready. The boxes are packed, the plan is set—and then the truck pulls up. That last stretch of preparation, the night before and the morning of, can determine how smoothly the whole day unfolds. A few hours of focused prep now can save you a lot of scrambling later.
Clear the Way for Your Crew
Before your movers arrive, walk through every room and create a clear path to each exit. Clear hallways, doorways, and stairwells of anything that might get in the way—loose boxes, stray items, or rugs that could slide. Prop open doors where you can. The goal is to give your movers a straight shot from room to truck and back again.
This simple step protects your furniture and walls and helps the team work at a steady pace. Our team at Molloy Moving has been helping families across Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey since 1945, and a clear, organized home is always the foundation of a smooth move.
Label Every Box with Its Destination Room
If your boxes aren’t labeled yet, now is the time. Write the destination room on the top and at least one side of each box—”Primary Bedroom,” “Kids’ Room,” “Kitchen.” When the truck arrives at your new home, movers can carry each box directly where it belongs without stopping to ask. You’ll save time and avoid the frustrating shuffle of figuring out which box goes where.
Pack an Essentials Bag—and Keep It with You
Packing an essentials bag or box might be the single most useful thing you do before moving day. Set aside a bag or a clearly labeled box that rides in your car, not on the truck. Fill it with everything you’ll need in the first 24 hours: phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents like IDs and passports, and a few snacks. Valuables, irreplaceable items, and financial records should also stay with you throughout the move—not on the truck.
Prepare Your Appliances the Night Before
Empty and clean out your refrigerator the evening before your move. If it has an ice maker or freezer compartment, give it plenty of time to defrost—a dripping appliance on moving day is a headache nobody needs. Run a final cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine, then leave both doors open to dry overnight. Unplug small appliances and secure any removable parts or loose attachments.
Disconnect Electronics Thoughtfully
Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment system, take a quick photo of the cables in the back. You’ll be grateful for that picture when you’re setting things up at the new place. After disconnecting, bundle each set of cords and keep them in a labeled bag with the device they belong to. It’s one of those small steps that saves real frustration later.
A Few Extra Steps for NYC Buildings
Moving in New York City comes with a few additional logistics worth planning for early. Many buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company before they’ll allow access, and the specific requirements can vary. Reach out to your building management as soon as possible so Molloy Moving can provide the right documentation in time.
You’ll also want to reserve the freight elevator in advance. Move-in and move-out windows fill up quickly, and arriving without a reservation can mean a long, costly wait. Depending on the building, you may also need to arrange a parking permit for the moving truck or coordinate access to a designated loading dock. Getting these details confirmed before moving day keeps everything on schedule.
Your Move Starts Here
A little preparation goes a long way. When your crew arrives to clear pathways, labeled boxes, and a home that’s ready to go, the whole day moves faster—and you get to your new place sooner. Our team is ready to make it happen. Contact Molloy Moving today to get your move started.
