Moving Day Survival Guide for Rochester, NY

The Day Before: Final Preparations

The 24 hours before your move are critical for ensuring moving day success. Complete these final tasks to set yourself up for a smoother tomorrow:

Final Walkthrough Strategy

Conduct a methodical room-by-room check to ensure nothing is overlooked:

• Attic/Basement: These areas commonly contain forgotten items. Check crawl spaces, storage nooks, and utility areas.
• Closets: Examine top shelves, floor corners, and hooks on doors.
• Cabinets/Drawers: Open and check each one, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Appliances: Check inside oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator.
• Outdoor Areas: Inspect garages, sheds, under decks, and garden storage areas.

Essential Overnight Bag

Pack a separate overnight bag with personal items you'll need immediately:

• Change of clothes for 1-2 days
• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, medications)
• Phone chargers and electronics
• Important documents and valuables
• Basic first aid supplies
• Bedding and pillows for first night
• Towels and shower curtain
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Essential medications
• Snacks and water bottles

Moving Day Timeline: Hour by Hour

Following a structured timeline helps keep your moving day on track. This typical Rochester moving day schedule can be adjusted based on your specific circumstances:

Managing the Movers: Etiquette and Expectations

Working Effectively with Your Moving Team

A positive relationship with your movers leads to better results:

• Clear Communication: Provide a quick home tour highlighting items needing special care and which items aren't being moved.
• Accessible Presence: Remain available to answer questions without hovering. Designate one decision-maker if multiple family members are present.
• Provide Amenities: Offer access to a bathroom, cold water, and indicate if you're comfortable with them using your refrigerator.
• Maintain Clearance: Keep pathways clear as loading progresses. Remove obstacles that might create safety hazards.
• Special Instructions: Use colored stickers or clear labeling to indicate where items should go in your new home.

Tipping Guidelines

While never required, tipping is appreciated for exceptional service:

• Standard Rate: $20-25 per mover for a full day's work is typical in Rochester.
• Factors to Consider: Complexity of the move, exceptional care with difficult items, working through challenging weather, and overall professionalism.
• Alternative Appreciation: Providing lunch, snacks, or cold drinks is always appreciated, especially during hot summer moves.
• Timing: Tips are typically provided at the end of the move when service is complete.
• Distribution: You can give the tip to the crew leader to distribute or tip each mover individually.

Problem Resolution

Addressing concerns effectively if issues arise:

• Communicate concerns privately with the crew leader rather than individual movers
• Document any damages with photos and notes
• For Move It Along customers, contact our dispatch office directly at (585) 555-1234 for immediate assistance
• Remain professional and solution-oriented even if frustrated
• Complete the post-move evaluation form to provide feedback

Rochester-Specific Moving Day Resources

Seasonal Moving Day Considerations

Rochester's distinct seasons create unique moving day challenges:

• Winter (December-February): Clear snow and ice before movers arrive. Have salt/sand available. Place plastic runners or drop cloths inside doorways to protect floors from salt and slush. Darkness falls early (4:30-5:00 PM), so schedule accordingly.
• Spring (March-May): Be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Have tarps available for sudden rain showers. Mud can be an issue, especially for homes with dirt driveways or unpaved areas.
• Summer (June-August): Start early to avoid peak heat. Provide cold water and consider fans at both locations. Protect heat-sensitive items during transport. Summer construction may affect routes.
• Fall (September-November): Clear fallen leaves from walkways to prevent slipping hazards. Check leaf collection schedules that might affect street parking. November moves may encounter early winter conditions.

First Night Essentials

Setting Up for Comfort

Focus on establishing these key areas for your first night:

• Sleeping Spaces: Assemble beds first. If time is limited, at minimum set up mattresses with sheets, pillows, and blankets.
• Bathroom Functionality: Install shower curtain, place towels, toilet paper, and toiletries in accessible locations.
• Basic Kitchen: Set up coffee maker, unpack essential dishes, utensils, and pantry items for a simple breakfast.
• Electronics: Connect essential electronics like phone chargers, lamps, and perhaps a TV for relaxation.
• Safety Items: Verify smoke detectors are functional. Have flashlights accessible in case of power issues.

First Morning Preparedness

Set yourself up for a smooth start the next day:

• Locate and unpack the coffee maker and breakfast essentials
• Set an alarm, as sleeping in a new place might affect your normal wake-up patterns
• Prepare clean towels and toiletries for morning showers
• Know the location of items you'll need for work or school if applicable
• Have a basic unpacking plan for the following day, prioritizing essential spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my new Rochester home isn't ready when expected?

Delays in closing or property availability happen occasionally. If you discover on moving day that your new home isn't ready, contact Move It Along immediately at (585) 555-1234. We offer several contingency options, including temporary storage of your belongings in our secure Rochester facility and recommendations for emergency accommodations. Local options include extended stay hotels like Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, and Staybridge Suites, all with Rochester locations. We can adjust delivery to your new home as soon as it becomes available.

How should I handle parking restrictions in Rochester neighborhoods?

Many Rochester neighborhoods, particularly in the city, have parking restrictions that can impact moving trucks. For city moves, contact Rochester Parking Violations Bureau (585-428-7482) at least 3 days before your move to arrange temporary "No Parking" signs for moving vehicles. In winter, be aware of alternate side parking rules. For apartment buildings, reserve freight elevators and loading docks at least a week in advance. Some historic neighborhoods like East Avenue and Park Avenue have limited truck access; Move It Along can coordinate with smaller vehicles when necessary.

What if the weather is severe on my moving day?

Rochester's weather can be unpredictable. Move It Along monitors forecasts closely and will proactively contact you if severe weather is predicted for your moving day. For winter storms, significant thunderstorms, or other dangerous conditions, we offer flexible rescheduling options. For less severe conditions, our teams come prepared with equipment to protect your belongings, including water-resistant covers, floor runners for wet or snowy conditions, and climate-controlled vehicles for extreme temperatures. We'll work with you to determine the safest approach.

Should I tip my Rochester movers, and if so, how much?

Tipping is never required but is appreciated for excellent service. In Rochester, the standard tipping range is $20-25 per mover for a full day's work. Factors that might influence tipping include exceptional care with difficult items, navigating challenging physical environments (many stairs, tight spaces), working through difficult weather conditions, and overall professionalism and attitude. You can either give the tip to the crew leader to distribute or tip each mover individually. Cash is preferred. Some customers prefer to provide lunch or snacks instead of or in addition to monetary tips.