Local Moving Timelines: What to Expect on Moving Day

Moving day can feel overwhelming—but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. At Bailey’s Moving and Storage, one of the most important pieces of your move is having a move coordinator guiding the process. Whether you’re moving across town or just a few neighborhoods over, understanding local moving timelines and what to expect makes all the difference.

We spoke with Barb Azeltine, our Customer Service Manager with over four years of experience at Bailey’s Moving, to walk you through what happens before, during, and after your local move.

What Is a Move Coordinator—and Why Are They So Important?

When you book a move with Bailey’s Moving, your journey doesn’t end with signing the paperwork. That’s when the real planning begins—and your dedicated move coordinator takes the lead.

“Every single move is handed off to a move coordinator within 24 hours,” Barb explains. “Our team of four coordinators reaches out quickly to introduce themselves, go over the details, and make sure our customers know exactly what to expect.”

That first call is more than just logistics. It’s about understanding your specific needs—whether that’s family heirlooms or a tricky item like a piano, safe, or gym equipment. “We make special notes for the crew, and we make sure those concerns are repeated, remembered, and respected,” Barb adds.

Countdown to Moving Day: Communication Is Key

The local moving timeline begins long before the truck shows up. Here's what to expect:

• Intro Call (Within 24 Hours of Booking): Your move coordinator will go over your move plan, timeline, and answer questions like “Do I need to pack my dresser drawers?” (Tip: Yes, if they’re overpacked—but tape them closed if it’s just clothes.)

• 72-Hour Check-In: Three days before the first service day (usually packing or loading), we check in. “We want to make sure you’re ready—do you have everything packed? Need any last-minute supplies? Is everything still on schedule?” says Barb.

• Driver Contact: On the day of the move, you’ll get a call from the driver when they’re leaving the warehouse. “It’s usually a 30-45 minute heads-up,” Barb notes. “And we always aim to start around 8 to 10 a.m.”

Pro tip: Check out our moving day checklist for everything you need to ensure your home is ready to go. Reviewing this checklist before moving day will help you save time and ensure everything goes smoothly when your movers arrive.  

Moving Day: Here’s How It Unfolds

Local moves generally follow a clear rhythm. Your move coordinator is your behind-the-scenes support from start to finish:

1. Morning Start (8–10 a.m.): Movers arrive within the scheduled window and begin loading.

2. Communication Window: Your coordinator may check in depending on your move’s complexity.

3. Final Check-In (2–4 p.m.): “We do a last check-in to see how the day went,” Barb says. “Did everything get loaded? Were there any concerns? This is when we remind customers: during your final walk-through, be thorough—the truck won’t turn around!”

Common Questions (And Helpful Answers)

Barb and her team field a lot of questions, especially on moving day. Here are a few they hear regularly:

• “Do I have to pack things in the dresser drawers?”
  Soft items like clothing can stay if drawers aren’t overstuffed—but tape them shut.

• “What if it’s a big move over two days?”
  “We usually save the essentials for the final day,” Barb explains. “Things like beds, toiletries, and the coffee maker!”

• “When will my movers arrive again? When will my stuff be dropped off?”
  “It’s easy to forget some details in moving day chaos,” Barb says. “We understand. That’s why we call drivers three days before delivery to confirm the date, and our dispatcher, Gerardo, calls the day before with a tighter time window.”

Behind the Scenes: Coordination You Don’t See

What clients don’t see is just how much work goes into scheduling and dispatching behind the scenes. Once the move coordinator finalizes your details, they hand the job off to Gerardo, our seasoned dispatcher.

“He reviews every file, manages the schedule, and ensures we’ve got the right crew assigned,” Barb explains. “Gerardo will call with the specific arrival window about 24 hours before your move.” If any issues arise, our sales team may step in, but usually, once your file hits the coordination stage, you’re in great hands with Barb’s team.

At Bailey’s Moving and Storage, we believe a smooth local move is all about communication, planning, and attention to detail. With a move coordinator by your side, you’ll never feel like you’re in the dark. As Barb puts it:

“Our job is to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible—by answering every question, watching every detail, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.”

Let Bailey’s Handle Your Local Move

From your first phone call to your final walk-through, your local moving timeline is backed by real people who care about your experience.

Ready to plan your move? Contact us today to get started. Our expert team at Bailey’s Moving and Storage is here to guide you every step of the way.