How to Prepare Your Apartment Before Movers Arrive: A Complete Moving-Day Guide

Hiring professional movers can take much of the physical work out of moving, but your preparation before they arrive can make an even bigger difference.

When movers arrive at an apartment that is packed, labelled, accessible and ready to go, they can focus on what they do best: safely loading, transporting and unloading your belongings. When boxes are still open, hallways are blocked, elevators aren’t booked or important items are mixed in with everything else, the move can take longer and become more stressful.

This is especially important for Toronto apartment and condo moves, where elevator reservations, loading docks, parking restrictions, narrow hallways and building rules can affect the entire moving schedule. Moving Co. notes that condo and apartment moves often depend on booked service elevators, loading-dock access, parking and building requirements.

Whether you’re moving across Toronto, from a downtown apartment to a GTA home, or relocating to another apartment, this guide explains exactly how to prepare your apartment before movers arrive.

Why Apartment Preparation Matters Before Movers Arrive

Professional movers charge for their time, so preparation isn’t just about reducing stress. It can also help your move run more efficiently.

Consider two apartments.

In the first apartment:

• Every box is sealed
• Boxes are labelled
• Furniture is accessible
• Drawers are emptied
• Hallways are clear
• The elevator is reserved
• Parking is arranged
• Valuables are separated
• The movers know about heavy or fragile items

In the second apartment:

• Half the boxes aren’t packed
• Clothes are still in closets
• Kitchen items are scattered everywhere
• Furniture is full of belongings
• The elevator hasn’t been booked
• The truck has nowhere convenient to park

The movers may have the same number of people and the same truck, but the second move can take considerably longer.

Moving Co. specifically recommends having boxes packed, emptying drawers, clearing closets and under-bed areas, and arranging parking and elevators before movers arrive.

The goal is simple: when the movers arrive, everything that is going with you should be ready to be moved.

1. Confirm the Moving Details

Before you start your final preparation, confirm the basics.

Double-check:

• Moving date
• Arrival time
• Current address
• Destination address
• Number of movers
• Truck size
• Estimated duration
• Services included
• Packing services, if applicable
• Furniture assembly or disassembly
• Storage requirements
• Payment arrangements
• Contact information

If anything has changed since you originally booked the move, tell the moving company.

For example, if you originally said you were moving a one-bedroom apartment but later added a storage locker, large sectional sofa and treadmill, the mover needs to know.

Accurate information helps the company plan the appropriate crew, equipment and truck.

2. Confirm Your Apartment’s Elevator Reservation

This is one of the most important steps for apartment and condo residents.

Don’t assume that because you’ve hired movers, the building will automatically provide elevator access.

Many Toronto buildings require residents to reserve a service elevator in advance. Moving Co. recommends confirming the elevator booking and building requirements before moving day.

Contact your:

• Property manager
• Building superintendent
• Concierge
• Condo management office
• Landlord

Ask:

• Is the service elevator reserved?
• What time does the booking start?
• How long is the booking?
• Is there a moving deposit?
• Does the building require proof of insurance?
• Is there a loading dock?
• Where should the moving truck park?
• Are there restrictions on truck size?
• Are there specific moving hours?

Why elevator timing matters

If your movers arrive at 9:00 a.m. but your elevator reservation doesn’t begin until 10:00 a.m., your crew may be waiting.

Likewise, if your elevator booking ends at noon and the apartment isn’t ready, you could run out of time.

Your elevator reservation should match your moving company’s arrival window.

3. Arrange Parking and Truck Access

Parking is another major consideration for apartment moves.

The closer the truck can legally park to your building entrance, the easier it is for movers to carry furniture and boxes.

Before moving day, determine:

• Where the truck can park
• Whether a loading dock is available
• Whether the building has a designated moving area
• Whether parking needs to be reserved
• Whether there are street restrictions
• Whether the truck has a size limitation
• Whether the entrance is accessible from the parking area

If you’re moving in Toronto, check the applicable City parking rules and your building’s requirements rather than assuming a curbside space will be available.

The City of Toronto provides temporary on-street parking permits for eligible locations, while moving vehicles must still follow applicable parking restrictions and signage.

4. Finish Packing Before Movers Arrive

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they can continue packing while movers are loading.

You can, but it isn’t efficient.

If movers are being paid by the hour, every minute spent waiting for you to finish packing can increase the total time required.

Moving Co. recommends having boxes packed, taped and closed before moving day because movers can carry sealed boxes much more efficiently than waiting while items are packed.

Your goal:

Everything that is going into the truck should already be packed.

That includes items in:

• Closets
• Drawers
• Cabinets
• Under the bed
• Storage rooms
• Balconies
• Kitchen cupboards
• Bathroom cabinets
• Home offices

Don’t forget the areas you rarely use.

5. Don’t Overfill Your Boxes

A box should be strong enough to carry safely.

Avoid creating extremely heavy boxes filled with books, canned goods or other dense items.

Instead:

• Put heavier items in smaller boxes
• Put lighter items in larger boxes
• Fill empty spaces
• Don’t leave fragile items loose
• Tape the bottom securely
• Don’t allow boxes to become difficult to lift

If you cannot comfortably move a box yourself, it may be too heavy.

6. Label Every Box

Labeling is one of the easiest ways to make unloading faster.

Instead of writing:

BOX 1

write:

KITCHEN — POTS & PANS

or:

BEDROOM — WINTER CLOTHES

Useful labels include:

• Kitchen
• Primary bedroom
• Bedroom 2
• Bathroom
• Living room
• Home office
• Storage
• Fragile
• Electronics

If you’re moving to a house, you can also label boxes according to the destination room.

For example:

BASEMENT

GARAGE

UPSTAIRS BEDROOM

This lets movers place boxes where they belong instead of creating a giant pile near the front entrance.

7. Empty Your Dressers and Drawers

Don’t assume every piece of furniture should be moved with its contents inside.

Moving Co. specifically recommends emptying dressers and drawers before a move because loaded furniture becomes heavier and more difficult to handle, particularly on stairs.

Empty:

• Dressers
• Nightstands
• Desks
• Cabinets
• Storage units

Put those contents into properly labelled boxes.

Why this helps

Empty furniture is generally:

• Easier to lift
• Easier to protect
• Easier to navigate through doorways
• Less likely to strain drawer runners
• Safer on stairs

Ask your moving company if you aren’t sure whether a particular piece should be emptied.

8. Clear Your Closets

Closets are easy to overlook.

Walk through every closet and decide what is actually moving.

Check:

• Bedroom closets
• Hall closets
• Linen closets
• Coat closets
• Pantry
• Utility closets
• Storage lockers

Remove everything that you’re taking with you and pack it.

Moving Co. recommends checking closets, under-bed areas and balconies because forgotten belongings can unexpectedly increase the size of a small move.

9. Clear Under the Bed and Behind Furniture

Before movers arrive, look in places that aren’t immediately visible.

Check:

• Under beds
• Behind sofas
• Behind doors
• Under desks
• Inside cabinets
• Behind appliances
• Basement storage
• Balcony storage

This is especially important if you received a moving estimate based on the contents of your apartment.

The more belongings you add at the last minute, the more likely the original estimate may no longer accurately reflect the job.

10. Declutter Before Packing

Don’t spend money and time moving things you don’t want.

Before packing each room, create four categories:

Keep

You’re taking it with you.

Donate

It’s still useful but you don’t need it.

Sell

It has enough value to make selling worthwhile.

Dispose

It’s broken, damaged or no longer usable.

Decluttering before moving can reduce:

• Number of boxes
• Truck space
• Packing time
• Loading time
• Unloading time
• Unpacking time

Moving Co. also offers junk removal for customers who need help clearing unwanted items before or after a move.

11. Separate Items You Don’t Want Movers to Take

Create a clearly marked “Do Not Move” area.

This could include:

• Important documents
• Passport
• Jewellery
• Cash
• Medication
• Laptop
• Phone chargers
• Keys
• Personal files
• Items you’re giving away
• Items staying with the landlord

Better yet, put personal valuables in your own vehicle or keep them with you.

Ontario’s consumer guidance specifically recommends moving valuables such as jewellery and artwork and personal documents yourself and supervising pickup and delivery.

12. Prepare an Essentials Bag

Pack a separate bag that stays with you.

Think of it as your first-night survival kit.

Include:

• Phone charger
• Wallet
• Identification
• Keys
• Medication
• Toiletries
• Change of clothes
• Basic tools
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Snacks
• Water
• Important documents
• Laptop
• Children’s essentials
• Pet supplies

Moving Co. also recommends keeping a separate first-night box with essentials such as chargers, toiletries, clothes, basic tools and items needed by children or pets.

13. Protect Your Valuables

Don’t leave expensive or irreplaceable items mixed into ordinary boxes without a plan.

Identify:

• Jewellery
• Artwork
• Collectibles
• Important documents
• Electronics
• Antiques
• Family photographs
• Computers
• High-value furniture

Ask your mover about insurance and protection options before moving day.

Ontario recommends asking movers about insurance coverage, including whether coverage applies to items you packed yourself, and determining who is responsible if belongings are damaged or lost.

14. Photograph Valuable Furniture and Electronics

Before movers begin, take photos of expensive or fragile items.

Photograph:

• Existing scratches
• Furniture corners
• Glass surfaces
• TVs
• Appliances
• Artwork
• Computers
• Specialty items

You don’t necessarily need to photograph every household item.

Focus on belongings where documenting their pre-move condition would be useful.

Ontario also recommends noting missing or damaged items before the movers leave.

15. Take Apart Simple Furniture If Appropriate

Some furniture is easier to move when disassembled.

Depending on the item, this may include:

• Bed frames
• Dining tables
• Desks
• Shelving units
• Certain wardrobes

Keep all screws, bolts and hardware in labelled bags.

For example:

KING BED — HARDWARE

Tape the bag to the furniture or put it in a clearly labelled box.

If you aren’t comfortable disassembling furniture, ask your movers whether they provide furniture disassembly and assembly.

Moving Co. handles furniture disassembly and reassembly as part of its moving services, with more complex work potentially treated differently depending on the job.

16. Measure Large Furniture Before Moving Day

Don’t wait until moving day to discover that your sectional doesn’t fit through the apartment door.

Measure:

• Sofa
• Sectional
• Mattress
• Bed frame
• Wardrobe
• Dining table
• Large appliances
• Exercise equipment

Also consider:

• Apartment door width
• Hallway width
• Elevator dimensions
• Stairwell turns
• Building entrance
• Destination doorways

Toronto condo hallways and doors can be relatively tight, and large furniture may need to be angled or disassembled to navigate corners. Moving Co.’s condo guide highlights this as a common issue.

17. Tell Your Movers About Heavy or Awkward Items

Don’t surprise the crew with a piano, treadmill or solid-wood wardrobe.

Tell the moving company in advance about:

• Pianos
• Safes
• Treadmills
• Pool tables
• Large aquariums
• Marble furniture
• Large mirrors
• Gym equipment
• Oversized sofas
• Heavy appliances

Moving Co. notes that heavy, fragile and specialty items may require specific handling, equipment and planning through doorways, stairwells and elevators.

This information can affect crew size and equipment requirements.

18. Prepare Appliances

If you’re moving appliances, check what needs to happen before the movers arrive.

Depending on the appliance:

• Empty refrigerators
• Remove food
• Defrost freezers when necessary
• Empty washing machines
• Disconnect appliances where appropriate
• Remove loose shelves
• Secure doors or components as advised

For gas appliances or appliances requiring specialized disconnection, arrange qualified service rather than assuming movers will disconnect them.

19. Handle Your Plants and Perishable Items

Make arrangements for anything that shouldn’t go into the moving truck.

This can include:

• Perishable food
• Certain plants
• Open food
• Hazardous materials
• Flammable products

Ask your moving company about its restrictions before moving day.

Never assume that every item in your apartment can be transported by movers.

20. Keep Pets Away From the Moving Crew

Moving day creates an unusual environment.

Doors stay open.

People move in and out.

Boxes are everywhere.

Pets can become frightened and may accidentally escape.

Before movers arrive, place pets somewhere secure.

Options include:

• A closed room
• A trusted friend’s home
• A pet sitter
• A carrier
• A quiet area away from the main moving route

Make sure the movers know where your pet is if it remains inside the apartment.

21. Keep Children Safe

If young children are present, create a safe area away from the moving activity.

Moving involves:

• Heavy furniture
• Boxes
• Dollies
• Open doors
• Stairs
• Elevators
• Trucks

Children should not be walking around the loading area.

If possible, arrange childcare for moving day.

22. Clean the Path From Your Apartment to the Elevator

Your movers need a clear route.

Remove:

• Shoes
• Bags
• Toys
• Small furniture
• Loose rugs
• Boxes
• Plants
• Decorations

The goal is to create a straightforward path from:

Apartment → Hallway → Elevator → Lobby → Loading Area → Truck

The fewer obstacles there are, the easier the move will be.

23. Protect Floors and Walls When Necessary

If your building has strict requirements, ask management whether protective floor coverings or elevator protection are required.

Even if the building doesn’t require them, keeping pathways clear and protecting vulnerable surfaces can help prevent accidental damage.

Your moving company may also have moving blankets and protective materials.

24. Keep the Bathroom Accessible

This sounds minor, but it’s easy to forget.

During a long moving day, someone may need access to the bathroom.

Keep one bathroom usable until the move is nearly complete.

Keep available:

• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Paper towels
• Basic cleaning supplies

25. Prepare a Cleaning Kit

Your old apartment may need a final clean after everything is removed.

Keep a small cleaning kit separate:

• Garbage bags
• Paper towels
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Sponge
• Broom
• Dustpan
• Disinfectant
• Basic cloths

Don’t pack these into the truck until the final cleaning is complete.

26. Keep Your Phone Charged

Your phone is your communication tool on moving day.

Charge it the night before.

You’ll need it to communicate with:

• Movers
• Building management
• Landlord
• Property manager
• Family
• Utility providers

Keep your charger easily accessible rather than buried in a box.

27. Keep Important Documents Accessible

Create a document folder containing:

• Moving contract
• Estimate
• Building instructions
• Elevator reservation
• Insurance documentation
• New address
• Lease documents
• Keys
• Identification
• Contact information

Ontario recommends keeping your moving agreement available because you may need to refer to it if questions arise about the move or final bill.

28. Review Your Moving Contract

Before moving day, review the agreement.

Check:

• Services included
• Pricing
• Dates
• Number of movers
• Estimated hours
• Truck information
• Additional services
• Payment terms
• Insurance information
• Cancellation terms

Ontario requires consumer moving contracts over $50 to be in writing and to include important information such as the mover’s contact information, services, itemized prices, total amount, dates and payment terms.

Ontario also advises consumers to obtain written estimates and compare movers before signing.

29. Don’t Hide Last-Minute Items From Your Movers

If you realize the night before that you have more belongings than originally estimated, tell the moving company.

For example:

You originally mentioned:

One-bedroom apartment

But now you’re moving:

• Storage locker
• Large sectional
• Treadmill
• Extra boxes
• Balcony furniture

That changes the job.

Honest communication is better than having the crew discover everything when they arrive.

30. Make a Final Apartment Walkthrough

Before movers arrive, walk through the apartment one room at a time.

Bedroom

• Closets empty
• Under-bed area checked
• Drawers emptied
• Boxes sealed
• Furniture accessible

Living Room

• Cabinets checked
• Electronics disconnected
• Furniture accessible
• Fragile items protected

Kitchen

• Cabinets checked
• Pantry checked
• Refrigerator emptied if necessary
• Food sorted
• Fragile items packed

Bathroom

• Cabinets checked
• Personal items packed
• Cleaning supplies separated

Balcony

• Furniture checked
• Storage checked
• Plants handled separately
• Items packed

Storage Areas

• Closets checked
• Locker checked
• Basement/storage room checked

What Should You Do the Night Before Movers Arrive?

The night before should be about final preparation, not major packing.

Ideally:

1. Finish all boxes
2. Seal and label everything
3. Empty drawers
4. Clear pathways
5. Separate valuables
6. Prepare essentials bag
7. Confirm elevator booking
8. Confirm parking
9. Review moving agreement
10. Charge your phone
11. Arrange pets and children
12. Get some sleep

If you are still packing the majority of your apartment at midnight, the move is not fully ready.

What Should You Do When Movers Arrive?

When the crew arrives:

1. Meet Them at the Entrance

Make sure they know where to park and how to access the building.

2. Explain the Apartment

Point out:

• Fragile items
• Heavy items
• Items staying behind
• Items you’re transporting yourself

3. Confirm the Plan

Make sure everyone understands the moving sequence.

4. Stay Available

You don’t need to follow every mover around, but remain available if questions arise.

5. Keep the Route Clear

Don’t start reorganizing boxes while movers are carrying furniture.

What Not to Do Before Movers Arrive

Don’t Leave Everything Until the Last Minute

Packing while movers wait can increase the time required.

Don’t Leave Valuables in Random Boxes

Keep important belongings separate.

Don’t Forget the Elevator

A booked moving company cannot compensate for an unavailable service elevator.

Don’t Block the Hallway

Boxes should be ready but not positioned where they obstruct the moving path.

Don’t Overload Boxes

Extremely heavy boxes can create safety problems.

Don’t Add a Huge Amount of Furniture Without Telling the Mover

The crew and truck may have been selected based on your original inventory.

Don’t Let Pets Run Around

Open doors and heavy equipment create unnecessary risks.

Apartment Moving Day Checklist

Use this checklist before your movers arrive:

• Moving date confirmed
• Arrival time confirmed
• Moving contract reviewed
• Elevator reserved
• Loading dock confirmed
• Parking arranged
• Building rules reviewed
• All boxes packed
• Boxes sealed
• Boxes labelled
• Drawers emptied
• Closets emptied
• Under-bed areas checked
• Balcony checked
• Storage locker checked
• Furniture accessible
• Large furniture measured
• Specialty items identified
• Valuables separated
• Important documents separated
• Essentials bag prepared
• Cleaning supplies accessible
• Pets secured
• Children supervised
• Phone charged
• Movers’ contact information available

A Simple 24-Hour Apartment Preparation Plan

If your move is tomorrow, don’t panic.

Use this schedule.

24 Hours Before

Finish:

• Decluttering
• Most packing
• Furniture preparation
• Storage areas
• Closet clearing

12 Hours Before

Complete:

• All boxes
• Labels
• Essentials bag
• Valuables
• Important documents

6 Hours Before

Confirm:

• Elevator
• Parking
• Building access
• Moving company arrival

2 Hours Before

Do a final walkthrough.

Clear pathways.

Keep pets and children safely away from the moving area.

When Movers Arrive

Everything should be ready for loading.

How Preparing Your Apartment Can Save Time and Money

A professional moving crew works on a time basis for many local moves, so preparation can have a direct effect on the final moving time.

Moving Co. states that its local Toronto moving service is billed at $50 per hour per mover, and emphasizes that having everything packed and ready helps keep the move efficient.

For example, if two movers spend an additional hour waiting for packing to finish, that’s an hour of crew time that could have been avoided with better preparation.

The exact savings will depend on your move and the company’s applicable pricing, but the principle is straightforward:

The more prepared your apartment is, the more time your movers can spend actually moving.

Should You Hire Professional Packing Services?

Not everyone has the time or energy to pack an entire apartment.

Professional packing can make sense if:

• You’re working full-time
• You’re moving on short notice
• You have a large apartment
• You have lots of fragile items
• You have young children
• You’re moving after a renovation
• You’re relocating for work
• You simply don’t want to spend days packing

Moving Co. offers full-home and partial packing services, allowing customers to have everything packed or focus professional help on fragile and difficult areas such as kitchens and artwork.

You can also ask whether packing materials are available through your moving company.

Why Choose Moving Co. for Your Apartment Move in Toronto?

Preparing your apartment is easier when your moving company understands apartment and condo logistics.

Moving Co. provides professional moving services in Toronto and the GTA, including apartment and condo moves. Its Toronto moving guidance specifically addresses elevators, loading docks, parking, narrow hallways, fragile items and other issues that can affect apartment moves.

The company offers services including:

• Apartment moving
• Condo moving
• Residential moving
• Small moves
• Packing services
• Furniture assembly
• Furniture disassembly
• Storage
• Junk removal
• Specialty-item moving

If you’re moving from a Toronto apartment, preparing the property properly before the crew arrives can make the entire process smoother.

Ready for moving day? Get your apartment packed, labelled, accessible and prepared before the movers arrive. If you need help with the heavy lifting or packing, contact Moving Co. to discuss your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should everything be packed before movers arrive?

Ideally, yes. Having boxes packed, taped and labelled allows movers to focus on loading and transporting your belongings rather than waiting for you to finish packing. Moving Co. specifically recommends completing your boxes before moving day.

Should I empty my dresser drawers before moving?

Yes, unless your mover specifically tells you otherwise. Empty drawers make furniture lighter and easier to handle. Moving Co. recommends emptying dressers and drawers before a move.

Do I need to book my apartment elevator?

If your building requires elevator reservations, you should book it as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Many Toronto condo and apartment buildings have specific moving procedures.

Should I move jewellery and important documents myself?

Yes. Ontario recommends that consumers move valuables such as jewellery and personal documents themselves whenever possible.

What should I keep with me on moving day?

Keep an essentials bag containing your phone, charger, wallet, identification, medication, keys, toiletries, important documents and anything you need for the first night.

Should I label my moving boxes?

Absolutely. Label each box by room and, when useful, include a brief description of the contents. This helps both loading and unloading.

Should I disassemble furniture before movers arrive?

You can disassemble simple furniture if you’re comfortable doing it, but ask your moving company what it handles. Moving Co. offers furniture disassembly and assembly services.

What should I do with my pets during the move?

Keep pets in a secure, quiet location away from the moving activity. Open doors, elevators and heavy furniture can create risks for animals.

How do I prepare large or fragile items?

Tell your movers about them before moving day. Items such as pianos, glass tables, artwork, mirrors and gym equipment may require specialized handling and equipment.

Can movers pack my apartment for me?

Yes, depending on the company and service selected. Moving Co. offers both full and partial packing services.

What if I have more belongings than I originally told the movers?

Contact the moving company before moving day. A significant change in inventory can affect the required crew size, truck capacity and estimated time.

What should I do if something is damaged?

Document the issue and notify the moving company promptly. Ontario recommends noting missing or damaged belongings before the movers leave and understanding who is responsible for damage or loss under your agreement.

How early should I start preparing my apartment?

Ideally, begin several weeks before the move. Start with decluttering and non-essential items, then work toward having everything packed and ready before moving day.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your apartment before movers arrive doesn’t have to be complicated.

The most important thing is to make sure everything that is being moved is packed, accessible and clearly organized.

Book your elevator. Confirm parking. Finish your boxes. Empty drawers. Clear closets. Separate valuables. Protect fragile items. Keep pets safe. Review your moving agreement. And make sure your movers know about anything heavy, oversized or difficult to handle.

These small steps can make a major difference on moving day.

For apartment and condo residents in Toronto, preparation is particularly important because building access, elevator reservations, loading docks and parking can determine how smoothly the move goes.

If you need professional help, Moving Co. provides apartment and condo moving services throughout Toronto and the GTA, along with packing, furniture assembly, storage and other moving-related services.

Prepare your apartment today so your movers can get straight to work on moving day.