Moving Day Timeline: Hour-by-Hour Guide

Your Moving Day Timeline: An Hour-by-Hour Guide

Moving day is finally here. Having a clear timeline keeps everything on track and reduces stress. Here's your hour-by-hour guide for a smooth moving day in Minneapolis.

The Night Before (Preparation)

• Charge your phone — you'll need it all day
• Pack your essentials bag — toiletries, phone charger, snacks, water, medications, important documents
• Confirm with your movers — time, address, and any special instructions
• Get a good night's sleep — tomorrow is a marathon, not a sprint
• Set multiple alarms — don't oversleep on the big day

6:00 AM — Wake Up and Prep

• Shower and get dressed in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes
• Eat a solid breakfast — you'll be busy and may forget to eat later
• Do a quick walkthrough of your home
• Put essentials bag in your car (not the moving truck)

7:00 AM — Final Packing

• Pack bedding and pillows (last items to pack)
• Take apart the bed frame
• Empty and defrost the fridge (wipe it down)
• Take out trash and recycling
• Sweep or vacuum empty rooms

8:00 AM — Movers Arrive

• Meet the crew leader and do a walkthrough together
• Point out fragile items and anything that needs special handling
• Show them which items go and which stay
• Confirm the delivery address and any access codes
• Clear a path for the movers — open doors, move obstacles

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Loading

While movers load the truck:

• Stay available for questions but stay out of the way
• Do a room-by-room check — closets, cabinets, drawers, garage, attic
• Handle utilities — call to transfer or cancel services
• Clean as rooms empty — quick wipe-downs go a long way for your deposit
• Keep kids and pets in a safe, supervised area

12:00 PM — Lunch Break

• Offer your movers water and snacks (greatly appreciated!)
• Eat something yourself
• Check your phone for any messages from your new building or landlord

12:30 PM — Final Walkthrough

• Check every room, closet, and cabinet
• Look behind doors and in laundry areas
• Check the garage, basement, and outdoor areas
• Take photos of the empty apartment for your security deposit
• Lock all windows and doors
• Turn off all lights
• Turn in your keys

1:00 PM — Head to Your New Home

• Arrive before the movers if possible
• Verify parking and access for the moving truck
• Lay down floor protection at the entrance
• Have your floor plan ready — tell movers where each item goes

1:30 – 5:00 PM — Unloading

• Direct traffic — stand at the door and point movers to the right rooms
• Prioritize bed setup — you'll want to sleep tonight
• Check items off your inventory as they come in
• Note any damage immediately and document with photos

5:00 PM — Movers Finish

• Do a final walkthrough of the truck — make sure it's completely empty
• Sign paperwork and note any issues
• Tip your movers — $20–$40 per mover is standard for good service
• Thank your crew!

6:00 PM — Settle In

• Set up your bed — this is priority number one
• Unpack the essentials box — toiletries, phone charger, change of clothes
• Order dinner — you've earned it (find your new favorite spot!)
• Test locks, lights, and water
• Relax — you did it!

Blue Dolly's crews follow a proven process that keeps your moving day efficient and stress-free. We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in.

Ready to plan your perfect moving day? Get a free quote today!