Moving into or out of an apartment in Plano, TX can be exciting — but without proper preparation, it can quickly turn chaotic. Tight hallways, parking restrictions, elevator bookings, and unorganized packing can all cause delays or added costs on moving day.
The good news? With a little planning and organization, you can avoid last-minute complications and ensure that your movers — like the team at The Move Place — can work efficiently and safely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to prepare your apartment for movers, saving time, money, and unnecessary stress.
1. Declutter and Organize Before Moving Day
Before packing a single box, take the time to declutter your apartment. The less you move, the faster and cheaper your relocation will be.
How to Declutter Efficiently:
- Sort by category: Separate items into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “discard.”
- Donate items to local Plano charities or thrift stores.
- Sell or recycle old electronics and furniture you no longer use.
- Dispose of hazardous items like paint, aerosols, or chemicals properly — movers can’t transport these.
The Move Place Tip:
Decluttering before your move not only simplifies packing but also helps lower your moving costs since fewer boxes mean less time and weight to transport.
2. Create a Detailed Moving Checklist
A moving checklist keeps you on track and ensures nothing is overlooked.
Include These Key Steps:
- Reserve your move date with your movers early.
- Notify your landlord or property manager.
- Transfer or cancel utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.).
- Update your address with USPS, banks, and employers.
- Set aside essentials (clothes, medication, documents) for immediate access after moving.
You can download The Move Place’s free moving checklist to stay organized from start to finish.
3. Pack Smart and Label Clearly
Packing well is one of the best ways to help movers work faster and avoid damage.
Best Packing Practices:
- Use sturdy boxes and professional packing tape.
- Label each box by room and contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates/Glasses”).
- Place heavy items in small boxes, light items in large ones.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Seal liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks.
Pro Tip:
Avoid overstuffing boxes — movers may need to re-tape or re-box heavy loads, wasting valuable time.
At The Move Place, we offer packing and unpacking services to help you save time and protect your belongings professionally.
4. Measure Doorways, Hallways, and Elevators
One of the most common moving day complications is discovering that furniture doesn’t fit through doors or hallways.
Before your movers arrive:
- Measure all large furniture (beds, sofas, tables).
- Check door and hallway widths in both your old and new apartments.
- Reserve elevators or stair access if needed.
If you’re unsure whether something fits, tell your movers ahead of time. The Move Place offers furniture disassembly and reassembly services to handle tight spaces safely.
5. Reserve Parking for the Moving Truck
Plano apartment complexes often have strict parking regulations.
Steps to Avoid Fines or Delays:
- Contact your property manager to reserve a loading zone or parking area.
- If street parking is needed, check local city permits.
- Clear the path for movers to load and unload efficiently.
A 30-foot clearance is ideal for a standard moving truck.
By arranging parking early, you prevent wasted time and potential fines on moving day.
6. Protect Floors, Walls, and Corners
Apartments with narrow spaces are prone to scuffs, dents, and scratches during moves.
To protect your property and avoid damage fees:
- Cover floors with moving blankets or plastic sheeting.
- Use corner guards on walls.
- Wrap furniture with moving pads or bubble wrap.
The Move Place provides floor and wall protection during every job to ensure both your belongings and your apartment stay in perfect condition.
7. Disconnect Appliances and Electronics
If you’re taking appliances or electronics with you:
- Unplug and clean them at least 24 hours before the move.
- Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
- Remove batteries and pack cords separately in labeled bags.
Take photos of cable setups (TVs, Wi-Fi routers, etc.) to make reinstallation easier.
Our movers can help with basic appliance disconnection and setup assistance upon request.
8. Prepare Pets and Children
Moving day can be hectic — and pets or small children can easily become overwhelmed or injured in the chaos.
To keep everyone safe:
- Arrange for someone to watch your pets or kids on moving day.
- Keep pets in a closed room or at a friend’s house during loading.
- Pack favorite toys or comfort items to keep children calm.
The Move Place Tip:
Plan a pet-friendly travel bag with food, leashes, and water to make their transition smoother.
9. Confirm Details with Your Moving Company
A few days before moving day, reconfirm all the important details with your movers:
- Date and arrival time
- Contact information for your moving coordinator
- List of large or fragile items
- Payment method and total estimate
At The Move Place, we confirm every detail in writing before your move and send text/email reminders to keep you updated.
This final confirmation ensures both you and your movers are on the same page.
10. Prepare an “Essentials” Box
On moving day, you’ll want quick access to necessities without digging through boxes.
Pack a clearly labeled “essentials” box with:
- Toiletries and medications
- Towels and a change of clothes
- Basic kitchen supplies (cups, utensils, snacks)
- Important documents
- Phone chargers and cleaning supplies
Keep this box with you — not on the truck — for immediate access at your new apartment.
11. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before your movers leave, take one last look around your old apartment.
Check For:
- Forgotten items in closets, drawers, or cabinets
- Lights and faucets turned off
- Windows and doors locked
- Keys or access cards returned to management
This ensures a smooth handover and helps you avoid any post-move headaches or charges.
12. How The Move Place Simplifies Your Moving Day
When you prepare properly and partner with a professional company like The Move Place, moving doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here’s how we help Plano residents move smarter:
- Licensed and insured movers (TxDMV & USDOT certified)
- Packing/unpacking services
- Furniture assembly/disassembly
- Secure temporary storage
- Floor and wall protection
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
- Flexible scheduling, 7 days a week
Our team is dedicated to providing a seamless moving experience that saves you time, money, and effort.
Conclusion: Be Prepared — Move with Confidence
So, how do you properly prepare your apartment for movers to avoid complications?
By decluttering, packing smart, measuring access points, and coordinating with your moving team early.
These steps ensure a smooth, organized move — and help your movers work efficiently while keeping your belongings safe.
Call or Text (469) 777-6683 today to schedule your move with The Move Place — Plano’s trusted experts for apartment, home, and office relocations.
Contact Information
Address: 2661 Midway Rd Suite 200 – Office 18, Carrollton, TX 75006
Phone/Text: (469) 777-6683
Email: info@themoveplace.com
Hours: Sunday–Saturday, 7 AM–7 PM
Online Booking: Open 24/7
