Planning Timeline
8 weeks before
8 weeks before
- Research moving companies
- Get estimates (at least 3)
- Create inventory of belongings
- Determine what to keep, sell, donate, discard
- Start decluttering
- Research schools and services at destination
6 weeks before
6 weeks before
- Book moving company
- Confirm estimate in writing
- Arrange time off work
- Begin collecting packing supplies
- Notify landlord if renting
- Start packing non-essentials
4 weeks before
4 weeks before
- Continue packing
- Notify important contacts of address change
- Transfer or establish utilities
- Arrange school records transfer
- Schedule disconnection of appliances if needed
- Plan travel arrangements
2 weeks before
2 weeks before
- Confirm move details with company
- Continue packing (aim for mostly done)
- Arrange mail forwarding
- Refill prescriptions
- Arrange pet and plant transport
- Notify banks, insurance, subscriptions
1 week before
1 week before
- Finish packing
- Confirm arrival time with movers
- Prepare payment
- Pack essentials bag for moving day
- Clean and prepare home
- Take photos of electronics setup
- Dispose of items movers won’t take
Day before
Day before
- Final packing
- Defrost freezer
- Disconnect appliances
- Prepare snacks and water for crew
- Charge devices
- Set aside items going with you (not on truck)
- Get cash for tips
Packing
Self-packing tips
Self-packing tips
General principles:
- Use quality boxes in good condition
- Don’t overfill boxes (should be liftable)
- Fill empty space to prevent shifting
- Label all boxes on top and sides
- Keep similar items together
- Pack room by room
- Wrap individually in paper or bubble wrap
- Use dish pack boxes for kitchenware
- Stand plates vertically
- Fill all gaps
- Mark “FRAGILE” clearly
What movers won't pack or move
What movers won't pack or move
Most movers refuse:
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane)
- Flammables (gasoline, lighter fluid)
- Explosives (ammunition, fireworks)
- Perishable food
- Plants (long-distance)
- Pets
- Personal documents and valuables (recommended not to ship)
Professional packing services
Professional packing services
Full packing service includes:
- Movers bring all supplies
- Pack everything in home
- Usually done day before loading
- Adds 25-40% to move cost
Packing supplies needed
Packing supplies needed
For self-packing:
- Various box sizes
- Packing paper (newsprint without ink)
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape and dispenser
- Markers for labeling
- Stretch wrap for furniture
- Mattress bags
- Wardrobe boxes (optional)
Items you pack yourself may have less claim protection than items packed by movers. If an item you packed is damaged, proving it wasn’t packed improperly can be difficult.
Moving Day: Loading
Before crew arrives
Before crew arrives
- Have everything packed and ready
- Clear pathways
- Protect floors if needed
- Set aside items not going on truck
- Have payment and paperwork ready
- Park cars away from loading area
- Secure pets
When crew arrives
When crew arrives
- Verify company and crew identities
- Review paperwork before signing
- Walk through home pointing out special items
- Identify fragile items
- Show items not being moved
- Agree on placement of items on truck
During loading
During loading
- Be available for questions
- Monitor handling of belongings
- Watch for damage to home or items
- Note any concerns immediately
- Keep valuable items with you
- Supervise but don’t interfere
Inventory process
Inventory process
For interstate moves, crew creates inventory listing each item with condition.
- Watch condition notes (scratches, dents noted)
- Disagree with inaccurate notes before signing
- Get copy of inventory
- Count items loaded
- Take photos for your records
Before truck leaves
Before truck leaves
- Walk through entire home
- Check closets, attic, basement, garage
- Verify nothing left behind
- Review and sign paperwork
- Get copy of bill of lading
- Confirm delivery details
- Get driver contact information
Transit
Local moves
Local moves
Same-day delivery. Crew drives directly to destination and unloads.You typically travel separately and meet at destination.
Long-distance moves
Long-distance moves
Multi-day transit period:Exclusive (direct) shipment:
- Your items only on truck
- Faster delivery
- More expensive
- Multiple shipments on same truck
- Longer delivery window
- More affordable
- Items may be transferred between trucks
Tracking shipment
Tracking shipment
Ask mover about tracking options:
- Online tracking portal
- Phone updates
- Estimated arrival updates
- Driver contact information
Storage in transit
Storage in transit
If needed, items can be stored:
- Short-term (days to weeks)
- Long-term (months)
- Additional fees apply
- Items should remain on inventory
- Verify storage facility security
Delivery
Before delivery
Before delivery
- Confirm delivery date/window
- Ensure someone will be present
- Prepare payment
- Clear pathways at destination
- Know where furniture goes
- Have utilities on
- Protect floors if needed
When truck arrives
When truck arrives
- Verify it’s the right company and shipment
- Review paperwork
- Note truck condition and seal number (if sealed)
- Prepare to direct placement
During unloading
During unloading
- Direct furniture placement
- Check items as they come off
- Note damage on inventory before signing
- Open boxes with visible damage immediately
- Keep track of item count
- Document any damage with photos
Before signing
Before signing
Critical: Review everything before signing delivery receipt.
- Verify item count matches inventory
- Note any missing items
- Note any damage
- Write exceptions on paperwork
- Keep copies of all documents
Payment
Payment
For interstate moves:
- Can only be required to pay estimate (binding) or 110% of estimate (non-binding)
- Must accept payment by credit card, money order, certified check, or cashier’s check
- Cannot demand cash only
After the Move
Unpacking
Unpacking
Priorities for unpacking:
- Essentials (medications, toiletries, basic kitchen)
- Bedrooms (good sleep matters)
- Kitchen (functionality)
- Bathrooms (functionality)
- Living areas
- Storage and extras
Inspecting belongings
Inspecting belongings
In the days after delivery:
- Unpack boxes systematically
- Inspect items for damage
- Test electronics and appliances
- Check furniture for scratches, breaks
- Document any damage discovered
- Note any missing items
Filing claims
Filing claims
If items are damaged or missing:
- Document with photos
- Note on delivery receipt if discovered at delivery
- Contact mover’s claims department
- File written claim within time limit
- Keep all documentation
- Be patient (process takes time)
Tipping
Tipping
Tipping movers is customary but not required.Typical tips:
- Local move: $20 - $40 per mover
- Long-distance move: $40 - $100+ per mover
- Based on difficulty and quality of service
- Cash preferred
- Give directly to each mover or to foreman to distribute
Common Problems and Solutions
Crew arrives late
Crew arrives late
- Call company immediately
- Ask for revised timeline
- Document delay
- Request compensation if significant
- Have backup plan for extreme delays
Items don't fit
Items don't fit
- Mover should disassemble if possible
- May need to leave item
- Specialty movers for difficult items
- Document decisions made
Damage during move
Damage during move
- Document immediately with photos
- Note on inventory/delivery receipt
- Don’t refuse delivery of shipment
- File claim promptly
Delivery is late
Delivery is late
- Contact company for updates
- Document all communications
- Understand your rights (delay compensation may apply)
- Keep receipts for additional expenses caused by delay
Price increases on moving day
Price increases on moving day
- If binding estimate: Price cannot increase without added services
- If non-binding: At delivery, pay no more than 110% of estimate
- Don’t pay inflated amounts under pressure
- Document everything
- File complaint if needed