Full Household Goods Move - What to Expect on Moving Day

Packing:

• When the movers come to do the packing, simply stand back and let them do it. They are professionally trained on how to pack every possible household item. A good idea is to designate an area of a room or a closet and mark on the door "do not pack". Place everything you would not want packed in that area.
• Remember the packers will not try to decide for you what should be packed and what should not. This includes garage door openers and keys!
• Movers will generally not pack anything that is physically attached to the home, such as paper towel holders, light fixtures, and drape tracks. Take these down and leave out for the crew. Chemical or flammable items cannot be packed, so leave them where they are.
• The movers will leave what they cannot pack. When they are finished you can go through the house and make your own arrangements for these.

Taking Inventory:

• The driver will make a written inventory and record condition of items. These inventory sheets will be used if you need to make a claim, so it is imperative that everything is listed.
• If you do not agree with the movers assessment of the condition of an item, note your exceptions on the original inventory form. The driver will provide you with a copy.

Final Walk-Through:

• You will be asked to sign a Bill Of Lading releasing your belongings. Carefully review and keep a copy. This document outlines the moving company's limitations and liability, so do not hesitate to ask the driver any questions!
• Before signing the Bill of Lading, take a walk around to make sure nothing has been overlooked.
• Give the driver contact numbers of where you will be in transit and at the destination.
• The driver will give you scheduled arrival date and time. Often it is a range of dates, so you must be available during that entire time. If you are not present when the truck arrives at destination, your goods may end up in storage at your cost.

Delivery Day:

• The driver will give you the inventory sheets, as each box is carried into the house, the workers will call out the box numbers so you can check them off. When finished, you will sign that inventory form, so review it carefully.
• Do not sign anything until all boxes have been checked. By signing this, you acknowledge that you received everything and that you agree with the driver as to the condition of your belongings. Make a note on the form of missing boxes or damage.
• If you suffer property damage, or auto damage, note on inventory sheet and call the moving company immediately.

Unpacking:

• If you have requested and paid for unpacking, (check your relocation policy to see if this is covered, it may not be) it will be done by the driver the day of unloading or the day after. Movers unpack by emptying boxes and placing the items on counters or floors, in the rooms designated by you ahead of time on each box. Having movers unpack is mainly to dispose of packing materials. If you must unpack yourself, request a "debris pick-up" from your moving agent. They will only come once to pick up the crushed boxes, so be sure to schedule it once you are 100% unpacked.
• Special insurance is needed since your homeowners' policy rarely covers goods in transit. Even when it does, there may be limitations on mileage and other restrictions. As a benefit to you, your employer has made arrangements with your mover to cover approximately $50,000 - $75,000 value of your household goods. Please refer to your corporate relocation policy for the exact coverage you will automatically receive.
• Items that you packed yourself cannot be included in the special insurance coverage. If you have items in boxes already, have the movers repack them.
• Even the special insurance has limitations, some are listed in your relocation policy, and some are listed here: For example, antiques, furs may not be covered. Only external appliance damage is covered. Malfunctions that cannot be traced to mishandling are not covered. Again, be sure to keep the damaged items, even if they are of no use to you any longer. If items are not available for inspection, the mover can decline liability.
• Obtain a written appraisal of any antique or unique items to verify value.

Insurance Claims:

• If damage occurs, call the mover immediately and they will mail you the necessary forms.
• Keep the damaged items; they usually must be available for inspection by the claims adjuster.
• You must file only one claim, and do so within a certain number of days after the delivery date, depending on each company. This is why you must unpack everything before filing a claim. If some items are in storage or you just put them in closets, please speak with the moving company about how long you have to unpack them and file the claim.

Useful Tips:

• Do not wax or oil wood furniture before moving, as it may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
• Pianos/organs must be prepared for the move by a technician, and adjusted once delivered. Discuss this with your mover BEFORE moving day. This will be an extra cost to you.
• Do not ship diskettes on the moving truck, send via insured mail or carry yourself.
• Unplug electronics 24 hours in advance of moving so they will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving equipment with internal heat retained can cause damage. Upon delivery, wait again until items are room temperature before turning them back on.
• Pets are family, but cannot be sent along on the moving truck! You can transport them yourself in an auto or put them in proper carriers and ship on an airline, or arrange for delivery with a per carrier service. Consider these when deciding:
  • Length of trip
  • Pet's age and temperament (road trips thrill some and terrify others!)
  • Some states have laws concerning entry. Contact the State Veterinarian or Animal Health Division before you move.
  • If you choose the airline, they have strict instructions on carriers, blackout periods during summer months, etc. Be sure to call each airline for their policies.