Posted on November 17th, 2025

 

Preparing for a move often brings attention to the obvious things — furniture, electronics, kitchenware — yet the real time-drainers on moving day are usually the small, awkward, and easy-to-forget items scattered throughout the home. These items slow the crew down, create unnecessary back-and-forth trips, and lead to longer labor times. They also interrupt the natural rhythm of the loading process, forcing movers to stop and reorganize more often than expected. 

 

 

Preparing Miscellaneous Items Before the Crew Arrives

 

Miscellaneous household items may not seem like a major factor during a move, but failing to prepare them is one of the biggest reasons moving schedules slow down. These small objects require more trips, more effort, and more time than large pieces of furniture. A single bedroom can contain dozens of items that become time-consuming if they’re left loose or spread across multiple areas. Children’s toys, shoes, baskets, and mini appliances are often overlooked until the final hour, leading to rushed packing and higher stress.

 

When these items are grouped or contained properly, movers can move faster, safer, and more strategically. This reduces the number of trips they need to take and preserves their energy so the job stays on track. Crew fatigue often spikes when they spend time chasing loose objects instead of moving ready-to-load items. Proper preparation helps prevent that, ultimately saving you labor time and money.

 

 

Crafting a Smooth Moving Experience by Grouping Items the Right Way

 

Grouping similar items gives movers the ability to load everything together instead of making repeated trips. This is one of the most effective ways to save time during a move. When items are organized into categories, movers can grab them in clusters rather than picking up one item at a time.

 

Here are helpful ways grouping makes your move more efficient:

 

• Place like items in specific piles or bins. Keep toys with toys, lamps with lamps, and décor with décor so movers can quickly load categories together.
• Use totes or boxes for non-fragile items. Even items that won’t break should still be contained to avoid scattered clutter.
• Separate garage odds and ends. Group sports gear, outdoor tools, brooms, and mops so they’re not mixed with household items.
• Create staging zones on the main floor. Organized piles reduce stair trips and shorten the carrying distance for the crew.

 

These strategies remove time-consuming guesswork from the move. When a moving crew sees clear groupings instead of random items spread throughout the home, they can plan their loading sequence quickly.

 

 

Modern Moving Prep With Proper Packing and Containment

 

Packing miscellaneous items doesn’t always require traditional boxes. Bags, bins, and other simple containers work well for non-fragile items. What matters most is keeping everything contained so nothing is loose or scattered. Loose items create clutter that slows down the crew and causes repeated back-and-forth trips.

 

Here are practical ways to prepare and contain loose household items:

 

• Use bags, totes, or sturdy boxes. Even when something won’t break, keeping it contained speeds up the job.
• Break down lamps or toys when possible. Remove bulbs, shades, or detachable parts so movers can carry items safely.
• Empty flower pots or planters. Lightweight pots can be packed easily, but soil adds unnecessary weight and mess.
• Bundle brooms, mops, curtain rods, or yard tools. Tie them together so they’re carried in a single trip instead of several.
• Prepare awkward-shaped items before the crew arrives. Place them near the door or in a central zone so movers don’t have to search for them.

 

These steps lighten the physical load for the movers while eliminating time wasted on loose, scattered items. Proper packing also reduces the risk of damage, even for non-fragile belongings. When items are contained well, movers can stack them safely and efficiently inside the truck. 

 

 

Preparing Awkward or Bulky Miscellaneous Items

 

Many homes contain bulky or unusually shaped miscellaneous items that require special preparation. These items often slow down moving crews because they don’t fit neatly into boxes and usually remain in various corners of the home. Items such as standing floor lamps, oversized toys, sports equipment, and large décor pieces can become major obstacles on moving day if not staged properly.

 

Preparing these items is straightforward when approached intentionally. Start by gathering them on the main floor so movers aren’t making repetitive stair trips. Then place them near the entryway or a centralized staging area. This reduces walking time and helps movers identify the pieces that need special placement in the truck.

 

It’s also helpful to disassemble items that have removable parts. Lamps can be separated from their shades and bulbs. Children’s toys with detachable pieces can be broken down for safer transport. Standing décor pieces, such as tall vases or floor decorations, can be wrapped and staged in a visible location for quicker loading.

 

 

Moving Techniques That Reduce Stress 

 

Moving becomes significantly easier when all miscellaneous items are handled before the crew arrives. Preparing these items reduces stress for both the homeowner and the movers. When items are not ready, movers must take extra time organizing, gathering, and planning. This slows the job and increases fatigue, which can lead to longer working hours and higher customer costs.

 

To help clients help themselves, these final preparation tips are key:

 

• Have all miscellaneous items on the main level. Limiting stair trips gives movers more energy for heavy lifting.
• Stage items near the doorway or a main passage. This shortens the distance movers need to walk back and forth.
• Plan ahead to avoid last-minute scrambling. Preparing a day or two ahead cuts down on stressful, rushed decisions.
• Keep pathways clear. A clean hall or entryway saves time and supports safe movement for the crew.

 

These steps may seem small, but together they create a highly efficient moving experience. When everything is prepped, grouped, and ready to go, the crew can move quickly, safely, and with minimal effort lost to unnecessary backtracking. 

 

 

Related: Avoiding Moving Mistakes: Top Tips for a Smooth Day

 

 

Conclusion

 

Preparing the small and often forgotten items in your home can dramatically reshape the flow of your moving day. By taking simple steps such as grouping categories, using containers, removing dirt from planters, and staging awkward items where movers can reach them easily, you reduce delays and keep the process moving with clarity. 

 

At B&M Moving and Cleaning Services LLC, we know how much smoother a move becomes when the small details are handled the right way. Save time, reduce stress, and protect every last miscellaneous item by letting the experts handle the packing for you with premium packing and wrapping services — explore the full service here to make your move smoother, faster, and completely worry-free.

 

Reach out anytime at (610) 299-1403 or email [email protected] to prepare for a faster, safer, and more efficient moving day.