Planning ahead can make your moving day much easier. Here are six important steps to take as soon as you know you’ll be relocating.

Get a Free Online Estimate

Request a free online estimate from Mic’s Moving as soon as you know you will be moving. Once you receive your estimate, it’s best to book at least a month in advance to ensure your preferred date and time are available.

Reserve Elevators and Loading Docks

If you live in a condo or apartment building, be sure to reserve the loading dock and elevators once your move is scheduled.

Reserve Parking if Moving in Washington DC

If your building does not have a loading dock, you may need to reserve street parking for the moving truck. This is common in many DC neighborhoods.

(Link to DC parking guide)

Start Collecting Moving Boxes

Hold on to any extra boxes you receive. Break them down and store them until you begin packing.

Save Original Packaging

If possible, keep packaging for large or fragile items such as TVs, computers, kitchen appliances, or electronics. Original packaging provides the best protection during a move.

Bookmark This Page for Moving Tips

Save this page and set a reminder to request your estimate and begin preparing for your move.

Preparing in advance will help ensure your move goes smoothly.

Declutter Before Packing

Get rid of items you no longer want prior to your move. Downsizing can reduce the number of boxes and make your moving day more efficient.

Disassemble Furniture When Possible

You can disassemble furniture ahead of time to save time during your move. Be sure to place all hardware in a labeled plastic bag so items can be reassembled easily.

Be Fully Packed Before Movers Arrive

If you are packing yourself, try to have everything boxed before the movers arrive. Our team offers professional packing services if you prefer assistance.

Reserve Elevators and Parking

Confirm any loading docks, elevators, or street parking reservations before moving day.

Notify Us About Access Challenges

Please inform Mic’s Moving if your location includes:

• Long walkways
• Multiple flights of stairs
• Narrow hallways or doorways
• This helps us plan the right crew and equipment.

Inform Us About Large or Fragile Items

Let us know ahead of time if you have oversized or delicate items that require special handling.

Consider Moving Fragile Items Yourself

If you are driving separately, we recommend transporting delicate items like lamps, artwork, picture frames, plants, and personal valuables.

Label Boxes Clearly

If you are packing yourself, label boxes clearly and mark fragile boxes so movers know to handle them with extra care.

Disassemble Particle Board Furniture

Particle board furniture is not designed to be moved fully assembled. We recommend disassembling these items before the move. While we handle everything carefully, we cannot guarantee these items will remain intact if moved assembled.

Pack an Essentials Box

Prepare a small box or suitcase with items you'll need immediately after arriving at your new home, such as:

• Toiletries
• Chargers
• Medications
• Important documents
• A change of clothes

Understanding how moving day works can make the process easier.

Walk Through the Home With Your Movers

When the crew arrives, provide a quick walkthrough and point out any items that need extra protection or special attention.

Move Valuables Yourself

We recommend transporting small valuables yourself, including jewelry, cash, personal electronics, and important documents.

Color Code Items Going to Different Locations

If some items are going to different destinations, color coding can help movers stay organized.

Example:

• Green – New home
• Red – Disposal
• Yellow – Storage or second location
• Purple – Donation

Remain Available for Questions

While you can relax during the process, it’s helpful to remain nearby in case the crew has questions.

After moving into your new home, unpacking and organizing can feel overwhelming.

If you need help settling in, we recommend reaching out to Roaming Darling, a professional unpacking and organizing service.

They can help unpack efficiently and organize your new home so you can start enjoying it sooner.

Use sturdy moving boxes

Avoid weak or damaged boxes that may collapse under weight.

Don’t overload boxes

Heavy items like books should go in small boxes. Larger boxes should be used for lighter items.

Use plenty of packing material

Wrap fragile items with packing paper or bubble wrap and fill empty spaces to prevent shifting.

Label boxes clearly

Write the destination room and mark fragile boxes so movers know how to handle them.

Fragile items require extra care when packing.

Wrap items individually

Use packing paper, bubble wrap, or foam for protection.

Use dish packs for kitchenware

Dish pack boxes are designed to protect plates and glassware during transport.

Fill empty spaces in boxes

Use packing paper or padding to keep items from shifting.

Label fragile boxes clearly

Mark boxes containing breakable items so they can be handled appropriately.

Packing boxes correctly helps protect your belongings during the move.

Place heavier items at the bottom

This keeps boxes balanced and protects lighter items.

Fill empty spaces

Use packing paper, towels, or linens to prevent movement.

Tape boxes securely

Use strong packing tape on both the top and bottom seams.

Keep boxes manageable in weight

Boxes should generally weigh no more than 40–50 pounds to allow for safe lifting.

Professional packing services can save time and reduce the risk of damage during a move.

Benefits include:

• Faster packing process
• Professional packing materials
• Proper protection for fragile items
• Less stress during moving preparation

Mic’s Moving offers professional packing services if you'd like our experienced team to handle packing for you.

Certain moving situations may involve additional risks beyond standard moving procedures. These may include:

• Hoisting furniture through windows
• Moving extremely heavy items
• Tight staircases or narrow entryways
• Unsafe building conditions

If a situation presents safety concerns, our team will discuss options and determine the safest approach.

Describe the item or answer the question Yes. Mic’s Moving is a fully licensed and insured moving company.

This ensures:

• Compliance with state and federal regulations
• Protection for your belongings during transport
• Professional safety standards for every move

Our experienced team handles moves throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with care and professionalism.