Did you need to schedule moving services? If this is your first move, take a look at what you can expect on the big day.

An On-Time Service

A professional contractor should show up at your home on time. Not only is this a mark of a qualified mover, but it also helps to make the process more efficient. A late start can throw the entire day off, pushing your move back hours or even into the next day.

Before you sign a contract, review the expected arrival time. Ask the mover if the company has a set schedule or use a window. A morning or afternoon window has pros and cons. This method adds flexibility to the move. But it can also make it more of a challenge to keep the day's events on track. If you want to get an early start, ask the mover the schedule a set a.m. arrival time.

An Organized Move

The degree of organization depends on two people (or groups of people)—you and the movers who you've hired. Organize everything before the movers arrive. This includes several steps, such as separating items into categories, packing, and moving boxes to a central location. You may also want to create an inventory of your to-move items. A list or spreadsheet adds to the overall organization of your move.

Along with your part in the move-day organizational strategy, the movers should do everything possible to streamline the process and increase efficiency. A high-quality contractor will have a structure or strategy in mind before the day arrives. They'll put the plan into place and make the day stress-free for you and your family.

A Strain-Free Move

Why should you hire a professional mover? Beyond the contractor's experience, expertise, and ability to organize the day, the mover can lift and transport heavy or awkwardly-sized items for you. Furniture, artwork, and some types of musical instruments (such as pianos) aren't easy to move without help.

The contractor will bring the right equipment to minimize physical strain. You won't have to lift and carry heavy boxes, bins, or anything else on the day of the move. The contractor will carry these items from your old home, into the truck, out of the truck, and into your new space. If needed, the mover can place each box or other item in the new room where it belongs. This eliminates your risk of accidents, injuries, and serious strains.