So now you’ve finally arrived at the big day of the move. He is our list of suggestions for things to remember on this most hectic of days. Be prepared for your movers as soon as they arrive on the day of the move. If you're not able to be present while the movers are there, designate someone in your family or friends to help out and make important decisions in your absence. Make sure that the mover or van line knows who this person is an advance. Be aware that this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to various moving charges.
About to Leave Your Old Home
Clean your house as much as you can before the moving van arrives. Search every room, closet and around the house the night before the move. Try to leave your home in the condition that you would want to move into it.
Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home. Have your phone connected a day before move-in day, but leave your old phone service on for the duration of your moving day.
Review all of the paperwork and details when the mover arrives. Accompany the mover who is in charge of inspecting each piece of your furniture and sticking them with numbered identification tags. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory sheet, a copy of which you will be given. Be certain to check the mover’s inventory and make sure you agree with any notation about the condition of your furnishings. If necessary, take pictures. You might want to buy a disposable camera specifically for this a few days before.
Stay home until the last item is packed. Make a final inspection before the van operator leaves. Check the mover's inventory and make sure you agree with any notations about the condition of your furnishings. Again, be sure to take pictures as necessary. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded. After the movers leave, pack your phone in one of your suitcases for easy access when you arrive at your new home.
Provide the driver with clear directions to your new home, as well as your cell phone number or the telephone number of where you are moving.
If you are involved in a multi-day move, be sure to provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while your shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
Moving into Your New Home
Get a baby sitter for your kids during the loading and unloading process.
Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the movers.
The driver will contact you or the destination agent at least 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows enough time to locate you and begin preparation for unloading. It is your responsibility to contact the destination agent if you cannot be reached.
Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading. Stay to help direct them or in case they have any questions.
If you cannot be at your new home while the van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your representative’s name. Your representative will be asked to examine for any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.
By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed. Immediately make known and document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the van line agent at destination. Make sure you have your reference number when calling the van line agent for questions or concerns. You will also be asked to sign the bill of lading and the pack/unpack certificate.
If you wish to have your goods unpacked you need to order this service in advance. Limited unpacking and removal of cartons may be requested on move-in day.
Payment is required upon delivery of your home's contents either in cash, a cashier’s check, or credit cards. Personal checks are generally not accepted by the majority of moving companies. Unless other arrangements were made in advance you are required by federal regulation to pay upon delivery for interstate or interprovincial moves.
