I moved from an apartment to my house about 2 miles away.

We closed and spent about a month working on the house prior to moving in. During that time, I brought each cat over with us (one at a time) and let them roam while we were working. Most stayed for a few hours. (we returned to the apartment for lunch.)

We moved lots of stuff ourselves, and put most everything in the home office ahead of schedule. The morning the movers were coming, I took all the cats over with their "stuff" and they went into the office and stayed there with the door closed. When I finally opened the door about 10 hours later, all the big stuff was in place and they just poked about.

If you move them AFTER, I would say put them in their carriers for the day. When I lived int he apartment, I can't tell you how many people moved out and couldn't find the cat(s) when they were done and ready to leave! As things clear out, they find the oddest, tiniest places to squeeze in to get away from all the commotion!

Best wishes!