It may seem simple but this is the best way to prepare your entry access for a move in or a move out. Doors are best left open when actively moving in and out. (Yes you will lose heat in the winter and cold in the summer. But you will save time.1)
- Prepare a parking area for the moving truck. (see related post)
- Remember to secure any pets and have young children looked after!
- Prepare access to the main door, Shovel snow / clear ice in Winter. Turn off automatic sprinklers in Summer. Sweep leaves in Autumn. 2
- Remove interior and/or exterior welcome floor mats / rugs
- Place rubber floor mats or carpet mask to protect floors and rugs (PRO mover)
- Remove any boxes or furniture that may be in the way
- Prepare screen door to remain open – remove the pin from the piston and place back so you do not lose it (no need to unscrew any screws. If it sticks close the door to relieve any pressure when you remove or try the pin located at the frame)
- Prop the screen door open. An old school moving rubber band works well tied to a railing, or lean a dolly against it or heavy door mat. Screen door are usually too high to be held in place by a door chuck.
- Use a door chuck to hold open the main door.
- Protect door jamb edges with specially designed pads. (PRO mover)
How not to move. Removing screen door piston
“Professional” movers unscrewed the bracket holding the piston. In the process they stripped the screws. Plus it took longer and caused a damage.
Apartment buildings often have service entrances with doorchucks or hooks to secure doors. For the DIY mover you probably don’t have a moving rubber band or rubber mats. You may buy carpet mask/carpet shield from your local home improvement center, Lowes, or Home Depot to protect that brand new white carpet. If you are really worried about dirt getting tracked in, you can request the company use booties to cover their shoes. This only works if some of the crew stays inside the home with booties on their shoes while the rest of the crew places the furniture and boxes at the entryway. This in inefficient and will add time and cost to the move.