May 19, 2025
National Moving Month: Moving Checklist
Planning: Before You Move | |
|---|---|
| ☐ Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and relatives regarding the mover and broker. | |
| ☐ Obtain estimates from at least three movers or brokers and compare cost and all other services to be provided by the companies. | |
| ☐ Check to determine whether the interstate mover and broker is registered with FMCSA and has a U.S. DOT number. | |
| ☐ Check with the Better Business Bureau regarding the mover and broker. | |
| ☐ Obtain the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move from the mover and broker. | |
| ☐ Find out what the mover's responsibilities are for damages that may occur to your belongings. | |
| ☐ Ask if the mover and broker have a dispute settlement program. | |
| ☐ Find out how and when pickup and delivery of your household goods will occur. | |
| ☐ Ask the mover and broker how they can be contacted before the move, during the move, and after the move. | |
| ☐ Adequately insure your belongings. |
Moving Day
☐ Carefully read the information on the estimate, bill of lading, inventory, and all other completed documents before you sign them. | |
| ☐ Accompany the movers as they inventory your household goods and resolve any questions regarding the condition of materials being moved. | |
☐ Inform the driver and the moving company of how you can be reached during the move. | |
| ☐ Be present to answer questions and give directions to the movers. Stay until they finish. | |
| ☐ Give the driver directions to your new house. | |
| ☐ Before the moving van leaves, take one final look throughout the house to make certain nothing has been left behind. | |
| ☐ Keep the bill of lading until your goods are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled. |
Delivery Day
☐ Pay the driver, according to the terms of your written binding or non- binding estimate, before your goods are unloaded. | |
| ☐ Be present to answer any questions and give directions. | |
| ☐ Supervise unloading and unpacking of your goods. | |
| ☐ Note on the inventory list all boxes or items that are damaged or missing before you sign any documents. |
*Article by FMCSA at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/moving-checklist