When a move runs long, the cause is almost always waiting — for boxes to be sealed, for a parking spot, for someone to decide whether the bookshelf is coming. Preparation is the cheapest way to shorten a move.
Finish packing before the truck arrives
Every open carton is a pause. Anything not going in the truck loose — lamps, cables, pantry items, bathroom shelves — should be boxed and taped shut before the crew walks in.
Leave furniture assembled. Crews carry the right tools and disassemble faster than most people expect, and partially dismantled beds with missing hardware slow things down more than intact ones.
Clear the path
The route from the furthest room to the truck should be free of rugs, plants, pet bowls and shoes. Prop open interior doors that swing shut.
Reserve the closest legal parking to the entrance. Every extra metre is repeated dozens of times over the course of the day.
Separate what is not moving
Group items staying behind in one room and tape a clear note on the door. Ambiguity is expensive: a crew that has to ask about each item loses minutes repeatedly.
Set aside items you will transport yourself — documents, jewellery, laptops, keys — in your vehicle before the crew arrives.
Be reachable and decisive
Someone who can make decisions should be present at both addresses. If that is not possible, tell the crew in advance who to call.
Confirm elevator time slots the morning of, especially at the destination building. A missed window can stall an otherwise smooth day.