5 Essential Things NOT to Do Before Your Full-Service Move

A full-service move with United Van Lines means the big pieces are handled for you. Packing, loading, transportation — all of it is taken care of by a trained crew.

That said, your role doesn’t disappear. What you do before movers arrive has a direct impact on how smoothly the day goes. Miss a step, and it shows up quickly — delays, confusion, items packed that shouldn’t be or things left behind.

Mind you, it isn’t about doing more work. It’s about doing the right prep so everything moves without friction.

Here are five things not to do before your move, and what to handle ahead of time to avoid unnecessary problems. 

1. Do NOT Pack Your Essentials and Valuables with General Belongings

This is one of the most common mistakes, and it usually happens with good intentions. 

You’re trying to get everything ready, so it all ends up in boxes. The problem is, not everything should go on the truck.

Anything you might need right away, or anything you can’t replace, should stay with you. Even in a well-coordinated move, there can be gaps between pickup and delivery. You don’t want to be digging through boxes for medication or realizing your passport is somewhere in transit.

Set aside a clear “Do Not Move” area or pack a go-bag you keep with you. 

In short, if not having it for 48 hours will cause stress, don’t pack it for the moving van. 

2. Do NOT Leave Prohibited or Hazardous Items for Movers

There’s a category of items movers simply won’t take, and it’s not flexible. Non-allowables like propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinners, aerosols and ammunition are restricted for a reason. They’re unstable, flammable or dangerous in a closed truck. 

At best, including them slows things down. At worst, it puts people at risk. So, address these items in advance. Drop them off at a local hazardous waste site, use them up or dispose of them properly before moving day. If you’re unsure about something, ask in advance. Waiting until the crew is standing there with it isn’t the moment to figure it out.

3. Do NOT Overlook Home and Appliance Preparation

Movers work fast, but only if space allows it. 

If hallways are tight, floors are cluttered or the driveway is blocked, everything takes longer. It also increases the chance of something getting bumped or damaged. Clear the path — inside and out. It makes a bigger difference than most people expect.

Appliances are another area that gets overlooked.

Movers are not typically authorized to handle gas lines or complicated water connections. If something needs to be disconnected professionally, that needs to happen before they arrive. 

You’ll also want to: 

• Defrost and dry your refrigerator at least 24 hours ahead 
• Empty and wipe down your dishwasher 
• Disconnect hoses where needed

If you skip these steps, you risk leaks, odors or water damage during the move. 

Preparing Large Appliances for Transport

Large appliances need a little extra attention.

Washing machines and dryers should be disconnected properly. For front-load washers, stabilizer bolts need to be in place so the drum doesn’t shift during transit. 

Dryers should be cleaned out, especially lint traps and vents.

While these steps are easy to overlook, they protect appliances from internal damage you may not notice until later.

4. Do NOT Skip Pre-Move Decluttering

Moving things you don’t want any more is something people too soon regret. Every extra item adds weight, time and cost. It also shows up on the other end when you’re unpacking things you already decided you didn’t need.

Keep it simple. Three categories: keep, donate, discard. And don’t leave it all for the last week.

Less volume means a faster, more efficient move. It’s that straightforward. 

5. Do NOT Be Absent or Unprepared for Moving Day Oversight

Even with a full-service move, someone needs to be available. Questions come up. Clarifications happen. Small decisions need to be made in real time. If no one is there, things either pause or move forward without your input. Neither is ideal.

You or a designated representative must be on-site to answer questions and review paperwork. 

There’s also the reality of the environment.

Doors are open, people are moving quickly and large items are being carried through tight spaces. It’s not a great setup for kids or pets to be underfoot. If possible, keep them in a separate area or arrange for them to be off-site. 

Before everything wraps, do a full walkthrough. Closets, cabinets, attic, basement — all of it. This is your last chance to catch anything before you hand off the space.

Start Planning Your Full-Service Move with America’s #1 Mover®

A smooth move starts before the truck shows up. 

When the details are handled ahead of time, everything else moves faster and with fewer issues. The crew can focus on what they do best, and you’re not dealing with last-minute decisions.

If you’re getting ready to move, now’s the time to start planning.

Request a quote for a full-service move and set up your MyUnited Move Portal to keep everything organized in one place.