Howdy! 🤠 The smoothest moves we see are the ones where the last few days were planned as carefully as the first few weeks. Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company in Buda, TX, and this is the same move-day prep we talk through with families in Austin, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio. Get these details right and move day goes the way it should: calm, careful, and on schedule. We Can Handle It.
Parking: Save Room Close to the Door
The closer the crew can park to your door, the smoother the move. A short, clear path means less carrying and more care on every piece.
- Clear the driveway the night before. Move your cars to the street or a neighbor’s spot.
- Think about the street. Are there cars that are always parked in front? A quick heads-up to neighbors helps.
- Low branches and wires. If trees hang low over the driveway, let us know ahead of time.
- Apartments, condos, and HOA communities often have rules about where movers can park and for how long. See our apartment and HOA moving guide.
- Do this at both homes. The new place needs the same clear space for unloading.
Access: Gates, Codes, Keys, and Elevators
Nothing slows a move like a locked gate or a missing key. Before move day:
- Share gate codes and lockbox details with us privately (by phone or text), not in public posts.
- Confirm when you get keys to the new home. If you are closing the same day, ask your realtor about timing.
- Reserve elevators or loading docks if your building has them.
- Unlock side gates and back doors that the crew may use.
- Make sure the new home’s power and water are on, so the crew has lights and you have working bathrooms.
Prep the House
The week before
- Finish packing everything except the essentials.
- Take apart anything you want to handle yourself, or leave it for the crew. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags taped to the piece.
- Empty, defrost, and dry the refrigerator and freezer if they are moving.
- Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment. Movers cannot load fuel, propane, paint thinners, or other flammables.
The night before
- Strip the beds and pack the sheets in your open-first box.
- Unplug electronics and photograph the cables.
- Clear walkways, stairs, and hallways of rugs, toys, and small items.
- Label anything that is not moving with a bright sign: “STAYS” or “DO NOT MOVE.”
- Charge your phone and get a good night’s sleep.
What to Set Aside (Keep It Out of the Moving Boxes)
Choose one spot, like a cleared bathroom, a closet with a sign, or your own car, and put these things there before the crew arrives:
Ride with you
- Wallet, IDs, keys, and phone chargers
- Medications for the whole family, including pets
- Important papers: lease or closing documents, passports, birth certificates
- Jewelry, cash, and small valuables
- Laptops and work devices
Open-first box
- Sheets, pillows, and towels
- Toilet paper, soap, and a shower curtain
- Basic tools, box cutter, and trash bags
- Paper plates, cups, a few utensils, snacks, and water
- Phone chargers and a power strip
Comfort items
- A change of clothes for each person
- A favorite toy or blanket for each child
- Pet food, bowls, leash, and litter (see our moving with kids and pets guide)
When the Crew Arrives
- Walk-through with the foreman. Show the crew every room, point out fragile and high-value pieces, and show them what stays.
- We protect your home first. Our crew lays floor runners and pads door frames before the first piece goes out.
- Furniture is padded and wrapped. Our guide to protecting furniture and floors explains how.
- Stay reachable. You do not need to hover, but stay close by for questions.
- Final walk-through. Check every closet, cabinet, drawer, attic, garage, and the backyard before the crew leaves.
At the New Home
- Walk in first and tell the foreman which room is which. A sticky note on each door helps.
- Point out where the big pieces go so they are placed once, not twice.
- Make beds first, then bathrooms, then the kitchen.
- Keep an eye on the open-first box so you can find it fast.
Texas Weather Tips for Move Day
- Heat: In summer, start early, keep water and sports drinks handy, and set the thermostat at the new home so it is cool when you arrive.
- Rain: Lay old towels at the doors, and keep boxes off wet ground.
- Cold snaps: If the forecast turns icy, call us early so we can talk through your options.
Moving Day Prep FAQs
Do I need to be home the whole time?
Someone who can make decisions should be there at the start for the walk-through and at the end for the final check. Stay reachable in between.
Should I empty my dresser drawers?
Take out anything heavy, breakable, liquid, or valuable. Ask the foreman about the rest; it depends on the piece.
What if I am not finished packing?
Tell us as soon as you know. Our crew can help pack what is left. See our packing services.
Will you take apart my bed and table?
Yes. Our crew takes apart beds, tables, and other pieces that come apart, keeps the hardware together, and puts them back together at your new home.
Ready for a Calm Move Day?
From local moving in Buda, Kyle, and Austin to long distance moving, our family is ready to help. Start with our 8-week moving checklist, then let us handle the heavy lifting. We Can Handle It.
Get Your Free Quote or call (512) 358-7827 (toll-free (855) 358-7827).