When it comes to relocating an entire household, the process can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and physically exhausting. Whether you’re heading across town or planning a cross-country move, hiring professional furniture movers can drastically reduce the stress and workload associated with the experience. From packing heirloom furniture to organizing logistics, full house moves involve much more than just boxing up belongings.
1. Start Planning Early
One of the most critical aspects of a successful full house move is early planning. The more time you give yourself, the less stressful the process becomes.
Create a Moving Timeline
Develop a moving calendar outlining when each task should be completed, such as:
- Researching moving companies
- Decluttering and donating unwanted items
- Packing room by room
- Transferring utilities
- Changing your address
Book Movers in Advance
Professional movers, especially those as reputable as Delaney’s Moving & Storage, book up quickly—especially during peak seasons like summer. Schedule your moving date at least 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure availability and lock in pricing.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect time to assess what you truly need. It’s expensive and inefficient to move items you don’t use.
Sort Items into Four Categories:
- Keep: Only the essentials or sentimental pieces
- Donate: Items in good condition but no longer needed
- Sell: High-value items you’re willing to part with
- Discard: Broken, outdated, or unusable belongings
Not only does this reduce the volume to move, but it also saves you time unpacking later.
3. Inventory Your Furniture and Belongings
Creating a detailed inventory of your furniture and other belongings is a must, especially for full house relocations. This helps in:
- Getting accurate quotes from moving companies
- Tracking items during the move
- Filing insurance claims in case of damage or loss
Use spreadsheets, apps, or even simple checklists. For large or high-value items, take photos for reference.
4. Choose the Right Moving Company
Your furniture and personal items deserve the highest level of care and professionalism. Choosing a reputable moving company is critical for a smooth experience.
What to Look for in Professional Furniture Movers:
- Years of experience in full house moves
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Transparent pricing with in-home or virtual estimates
- Positive customer reviews and testimonials
- Additional services like packing, storage, and specialty item handling
Delaney’s Moving & Storage has nearly 25 years of experience serving Alabama and Georgia with excellence. We’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to protecting your property—every mile of the way.
5. Understand What Moving Services You Need
Every move is different. Assess your household’s unique needs to determine what level of moving service is right for you.
Full-Service Moving Options May Include:
- Packing and unpacking
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture
- Storage solutions
- Crating for valuable or fragile items
- Long-distance transportation
DIY Hybrid Options:
- You pack the boxes; movers handle the furniture
- You disassemble some items; pros handle the heavy lifting
Discuss these options with your moving company to tailor a plan that fits your timeline and budget.
6. Prepare Your Furniture for Moving
Proper preparation of furniture prevents damage and speeds up loading on moving day.
Tips to Protect Your Furniture:
- Disassemble large furniture like bed frames and tables
- Wrap items in moving blankets or bubble wrap
- Remove and label hardware in bags
- Use stretch wrap to keep drawers and doors closed
- Place protective padding on glass surfaces
If this seems daunting, don’t worry—Delaney’s professional movers are trained in carefully preparing and protecting all types of furniture, from antique armoires to modern sectionals.
7. Pack Strategically by Room
When packing a full house, a room-by-room strategy ensures you stay organized and don’t overlook anything.
Room-by-Room Packing Checklist:
- Kitchen: Start with rarely used appliances and dishes
- Bedrooms: Pack off-season clothing and linens first
- Living Room: Disassemble entertainment centers; label cords
- Garage: Safely dispose of hazardous materials before packing
- Home Office: Backup digital files before packing electronics
Label each box with the room name, a brief contents description, and any handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile”).
8. Prepare Your New Home Before Move-In Day
If possible, visit your new home before move-in to clean, measure rooms, and map out where furniture will go.
Things to Do Before Moving In:
- Check doorways and stairwells to ensure furniture fits
- Set up utilities and internet
- Do a deep clean
- Designate a “first-night box” with essentials like toiletries, bedding, and clothes
Having these details sorted in advance will make the transition into your new space more comfortable.
9. Don’t Forget About Specialty Items
Some items require special handling due to their size, value, or sensitivity.
Examples of Specialty Items:
- Pianos and organs
- Pool tables
- Artwork and sculptures
- Gun safes
- Large appliances
Delaney’s Moving & Storage offers specialty moving services for exactly these types of items. Our trained team has the equipment and expertise to move even the most difficult possessions safely.
10. Consider Storage Options If Needed
Sometimes, your new home isn’t move-in ready, or you need extra time to get organized. In those cases, short-term or long-term storage can bridge the gap.
Benefits of Professional Storage:
- Climate-controlled facilities
- 24/7 security
- Flexible access
- Ideal for staging homes for sale or temporary downsizing
Delaney’s provides secure storage options as part of our full-service moving offerings, whether for a few weeks or several months.
11. Insure Your Move
Even with the most experienced movers, accidents can happen. Protect your belongings by reviewing insurance options.
Types of Coverage:
- Basic Coverage: Often included at no extra cost, but with minimal reimbursement rates
- Full Value Protection: Covers the replacement or repair of damaged or lost items
- Third-Party Insurance: Optional coverage for high-value items
Ask your moving company to explain coverage details and make sure everything is documented in your contract.
12. Keep Essentials Handy
There’s nothing worse than reaching your new home only to find the essentials are buried under a mountain of boxes.
Pack a Personal Essentials Box:
- Important documents (ID, lease, insurance)
- Chargers and electronics
- Medications and first aid
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries and towels
- Change of clothes
Keep this box with you during the move so it’s always accessible.
13. Supervise Moving Day
On moving day, stay engaged and coordinate with the moving team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Your Role on Moving Day:
- Walk through the home with the movers
- Provide instructions for handling fragile or valuable items
- Ensure children and pets are safe and out of the way
- Do a final walkthrough before the truck leaves
Having a point person on-site ensures that the movers can ask questions and you can spot-check the process.
14. Take Time to Unpack Methodically
Unpacking a full house takes time. Don’t rush the process—focus on setting up essentials first.
Unpack in This Order:
- Kitchen
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Living areas
- Storage spaces
Make it enjoyable by playing music or having family help out. If needed, ask your moving company if they offer unpacking services.
Choose Delaney’s Moving & Storage for Your Next Move
With nearly 25 years of experience, Delaney’s Moving & Storage is your trusted partner for full house relocations. Our expert furniture movers specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, and government moves across Alabama and Georgia.
We don’t just transport your belongings—we treat your home and property with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you need help with packing, moving, specialty items, or storage, Delaney’s has the equipment, expertise, and dedication to make your move smooth from start to finish.
Contact Us Today
Don’t waste your time or risk damage with lesser moving companies. Delaney’s Moving & Storage is the premier choice in the Southeast for full-service, stress-free relocations.
Call today for a free, no-obligation quote!