Things to Do Before Moving Day in Minnesota & Wisconsin

You don’t have to have everything packed and perfect yet.

Most people hit this stage knowing their move date is on the calendar but feeling behind before they’ve even started. That’s completely normal. What you do in the days and weeks before moving day determines whether it goes smoothly or turns into a scramble.

If you are looking for a local moving company in your area, you have probably heard the term “apartment movers.” There are many benefits to using an apartment mover like Matt’s Moving for your move rather than doing it yourself.

Moving day itself is just a few hours. But everything that happens in the days and weeks before it determines whether those hours feel organized or chaotic.

Boxes that aren’t labeled slow movers down. Restricted items packed in with everything else create last-minute problems. A walkway blocked by furniture adds time — and time is money when you’re paying by the hour.

The good news is that most of this is easy to fix when you start early. This guide walks you through everything you need to do before your movers arrive so moving day actually goes the way you planned.

Packing isn’t just about fitting things into boxes. It’s about making sure the unloading process at your new home is just as efficient as the loading.

A few things that make a real difference: label every box on multiple sides, not just the top. Boxes get stacked and the top disappears. Mark fragile items clearly and with specific orientation if it matters. Avoid overfilling boxes to the point where they can’t be safely carried or stacked. Keep the hardware from any disassembled furniture in a small labeled bag attached to that piece so nothing gets lost.

If you’re packing yourself, Matt’s Moving can provide packing supplies including boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and wardrobe boxes. Ask your moving specialist when you get your quote.

One of the most common sources of moving day delays is restricted items: things that professional movers can’t legally or safely transport. Knowing this in advance lets you make alternate arrangements without any last-minute scrambling.

What items can’t movers transport?

Professional movers are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials, flammable liquids, and certain combustible items. For moves in Minnesota, this includes gasoline, propane, and firewood per Minnesota DNR restrictions. Lawn equipment must be fully drained of fuel before it can be moved. Perishable food should not go on a moving truck, especially on longer moves. If you’re unsure about a specific item, ask your moving specialist before moving day.

Can movers transport firearms and gun safes?

Gun safes can be moved, but they must be completely emptied first. Movers cannot transport firearms, ammunition, or other weapons inside a safe or otherwise. Make separate arrangements for those items before your move date.

What should I do with high-value items?

Items with high personal or monetary value, including jewelry, cash, important documents, and irreplaceable photos, should stay with you and not go on the truck. These aren’t items you want mixed in with the general load.

When movers arrive, they’re ready to work. The faster they can move through your home, the more efficient the whole job runs. A few simple things make a meaningful difference.

Clear pathways from every room to the exit before the crew arrives. Furniture or boxes left in hallways add time and create a safety risk. If you’re in a building with an elevator, reserve it in advance for the morning of your move. Make sure the moving truck will have clear access and a reasonable place to park close to the entrance. If you’re concerned about floors or banisters, let your movers know. The Matt’s Moving crew comes fully equipped with pads, shrink wrap, and floor protection materials.

This is one of the most practical things to do before moving day and one of the most overlooked. An essentials box is a single bag or box that stays with you, not on the truck, and contains everything you’ll actually need in the first 24 hours at your new home.

What to put in it: toiletries, a change of clothes, phone and device chargers, any medications, a few basic kitchen items (coffee, a mug, a pan), and any important documents you might need to reference during or right after the move.

The first night in a new place is disorienting enough. Not having to dig through 40 boxes to find your toothbrush makes it a lot less stressful.