Your Moving Delivery Day Checklist

Hiring a professional moving company is a real help when it comes to packing and loading your belongings into a moving truck. But if you’re still worried about what to expect on delivery day, you’re not alone. Delivery can be just as stressful as packing and loading, so the best way to avoid a headache is to be prepared.

Here are some ways you can make the most of the time before, during, and after your moving day to ensure the day goes more smoothly.

1. Decide on your floor plan in advance. Knowing exactly where you want furniture and moving boxes to go in advance will help the crews unload more efficiently. That means you might need to take some accurate measurements. It’s also a good idea to clear all rooms and hallways of boxes or debris to make a clear path for delivery crews.
2. Alert your neighbors or the rental office in advance. Your moving truck may block entrances, parking, or high-traffic areas, so make sure you let neighbors and rental office management know so they can make arrangements. Also, check with your landlord, property manager, or homeowners' association to see if your area requires a moving permit to secure parking for a moving truck.
3. Contact your driver to confirm your delivery date. Your moving coordinator should be able to provide you with your delivery driver's contact information. From there, you’ll be able to confirm which day the driver plans to deliver and make plans accordingly.
4. Let your coordinator know if someone else will accept your delivery. If you aren’t able to accept the delivery yourself, someone else (who is at least 18 years old) can do it on your behalf. Just make sure to let your coordinator know in advance so they can give the delivery crew a heads up before delivery day.

5. Keep your phone close. Sometimes crews can run late from a previous job or may get lost trying to find your home, so they might try to contact you. And as frustrating as it can be, missing updates from your moving crew could cost you—especially if the crew has to return to the warehouse and attempt another delivery at a later date. So make sure to keep your phone handy with the ringer turned all the way up!
6. Check off the inventory yourself. Once the delivery begins, you can ask the driver or crew lead to call off the inventory numbers on each box and piece of furniture, so you can note the item and its condition as it enters your home. That way, if there are any damages to an item, you can be sure to make a note of them right away for claims purposes.
7. Inspect your belongings carefully. Prioritize checking boxes that contain high-value items first. Again, you should note any damage that you see on the inventory. But keep in mind that this is not the same as filing a claim. You will still need to contact your coordinator to get the information you’ll need to file a claim.
8. Stay cool. Delivery is a long, arduous process; we hear you, but rushing your moving crew doesn’t make the move go any smoother. Keep calm and carry on—your crew will appreciate it!
9. Take breaks. It’s okay to plan time for rest throughout the day so everyone has a chance to recoup and get a snack. It’s never a bad idea to provide pizza and bottled water for your delivery crew (especially during the hot months), which some may appreciate more than a tip! Tipping is still appreciated, though, especially if you feel you received really good service.
10. Make sure all furniture is reassembled. If there was any furniture that was disassembled at your old home, the delivery crew is responsible for reassembling those items in your new home. This includes beds!
11. Be diligent about debris. Professional movers should take all moving debris (or trash) with them, including boxes, bubble wrap, and floor protection. If you choose to unpack your items yourself, you can sometimes request debris removal later. Make sure to confirm with your coordinator.
12. Do a final walkthrough with the crew. People often forget about this step. Make sure to walk through each room with your driver or crew lead to confirm they addressed all damaged or missing items with you, removed any debris left over from the move, and went through all paperwork that needs to be signed. Don’t wait until the crew leaves to do this!

13. Contact your mover about missing or damaged items. Ideally, you’ll want to contact your coordinator on moving day, as soon as you see any damage. However, you should also follow up with your moving coordinator to start the claims process for any item that is missing or damaged after you’ve finished unpacking.
14. Hang on to signed paperwork and correspondence. It’s a good idea to keep track of any paperwork or correspondence with your moving company for at least 60 days after your move, in case you need any of it to help support a claim.
15. Settle into your new home. Once everything has been accounted for, it’s time to make your new house a home. Get groceries, set up your internet services, leave a review about your moving day for your moving company, or even plan a housewarming party. Either way, you can take a deep breath. . . . You did it!