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Moving Tips

How to Save Time (and Money) on Moving Day

When you pay movers by the hour, prep is how you save money. Have every box packed, taped and labeled before the crew arrives, take apart furniture ahead of time, clear hallways and reserve elevators and parking, group boxes by room, and do a five-minute walkthrough with your crew lead.

Butter Brothers mascot holding a stopwatch

At Butter Brothers Moving Company, we know that when you're paying by the hour, every minute counts. Our crew hustles hard to get your move done quickly and safely—but there's a lot you can do ahead of time to keep things smooth, efficient, and budget-friendly.

Here are the top ways to speed up your move and reduce your final invoice:

Be Fully Packed Before We Arrive

This is the number one time-saver. Every open box, loose item, or bag we see when we walk in slows the process. To get the most out of your move:

  • Make sure all boxes are packed, taped, and sealed.
  • Avoid using trash bags, laundry baskets, or oversized containers that are awkward to stack.
  • Label every box with both the room and contents (e.g., "Kitchen – Pots and Pans").

If everything's boxed and labeled, we can load the truck faster and know exactly where each item goes at your new place.

Disassemble Furniture in Advance

Yes, we can break down your bed frame and dining table—but if you do it before we arrive, that's time (and money) saved.

Here's how to prep:

  • Remove table legs, headboards, and other detachable parts.
  • Keep screws and hardware in small labeled plastic bags.
  • Tape those bags directly to the furniture or place them in a designated bin.

Pro move: unplug electronics and secure cords so they're ready to go.

Clear the Path

A cluttered home makes for a slower move. Before we get there:

  • Move small furniture and rugs out of high-traffic zones.
  • Clear hallways and entryways.
  • If you're in an apartment or condo, reserve the elevator and loading dock.
  • Save a parking spot close to your entrance so we can load directly from the door.

Every obstacle we avoid adds up to real time saved.

Group by Room

If possible, group boxes and items by room before moving day. It might feel like extra effort now, but it makes loading—and especially unloading—much more efficient.

We recommend:

  • Keeping all kitchen boxes together.
  • Stacking bedroom items in one area.
  • Grouping living room pieces in a corner.

This helps us load smart, unpack faster, and avoid the dreaded game of "where does this go?"

Decide What's Staying or Going

If you're still sorting through donations or debating what to toss, try to wrap that up before the move starts.

  • Set aside anything you're not taking in a clearly marked "Do Not Move" zone.
  • If there are items still up in the air, label them accordingly or move them to a different room.

This eliminates confusion and keeps the crew focused.

Do a Quick Walkthrough

Spend five minutes with your crew lead at the start of the move. Show us:

  • Fragile or high-value items
  • Anything that's already disassembled
  • Items that need special handling or extra care

The more we know upfront, the fewer surprises there are later.

Bottom Line

A little prep goes a long way. At Butter Brothers, we pride ourselves on working fast—but when customers are organized and ready, it takes our efficiency to another level. You'll get out of your old place faster, into your new place smoother, and you'll likely shave hours off the clock.

Let's move smooth—together.

FAQ

Quick answers

What's the biggest time-saver on moving day?

Being fully packed before the movers arrive: every box packed, taped, sealed and labeled with the room and contents.

Should I take apart furniture before the movers come?

Movers can do it, but doing it yourself saves time and money. Remove table legs and headboards, and keep screws in labeled bags taped to the furniture.

What should I show my movers when they arrive?

Fragile or high-value items, anything already taken apart, and items that need special handling or extra care.

Butter Brothers mascot waving hello

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