Move day is the day everything you have planned actually happens. Done well, it is smooth, on-schedule, and oddly anticlimactic. Done badly, it is the start of a six-week ordeal.
This checklist walks through the day before, the morning of, the loading process, transit, and delivery, with everything you need to track at each step.
The day before move day
Most stress on move day comes from things that should have been done the day before. Use this checklist:
The morning of move day
The crew typically arrives 8 AM–10 AM. Use the morning to do a final walkthrough.
During loading
Stay accessible but out of the way. The crew chief is your point of contact for any questions.
While in transit
Most cross-state hauls run 2–10 days depending on distance. Stay in touch with your coordinator.
On delivery day
The crew calls 24 hours before delivery to confirm timing. Use the delivery walkthrough to verify the inventory.
Your printable checklist
The day before move day
- Confirm pickup time with your senior coordinator
- Confirm building paperwork (COI, freight elevator, parking permits)
- Pack the first-night box (toiletries, sheets, change of clothes, charger)
- Defrost the freezer if you are taking it
- Drain gas from lawn equipment (hazmat, cannot ship with fuel)
- Take photos of electronics before disconnecting
- Set aside items the crew should not pack (passports, jewelry, medication, photos)
- Charge phones and have a backup battery on hand
- Have cash for crew tips ($30–$60 per crew member is customary)
The morning of move day
- Be home and ready by 7:30 AM (crew typically arrives 8–10 AM)
- Walk the home with the crew chief, confirm what is going and what is not
- Verify the inventory list with the crew before loading begins
- Confirm parking, building access, freight elevator timing
- Park personal vehicles outside the truck route
- Lock pets in a closed room or arrange off-site care
- Have a pen for signing the bill of lading
During loading
- Stay reachable but give the crew room to work
- Note any items going to storage vs. destination
- Photograph any pre-existing damage to walls, floors, doorways
- Confirm specialty items (piano, art) are flagged for special handling
- Sign the bill of lading and inventory only after walking with the crew chief
- Verify the destination address and delivery window on the paperwork
- Tip the crew at the end of loading
While in transit
- Save your bill of lading and inventory list (you will need them)
- Keep your senior coordinator on speed-dial
- Get status updates from your coordinator while the truck is in transit
- Confirm delivery date 48 hours in advance
- Confirm destination building paperwork (COI, freight elevator)
- Plan your first-night logistics (food, beds, essentials)
On delivery day
- Be home and ready 30 minutes before the delivery window starts
- Walk the home with the crew chief before unloading
- Verify the inventory as items come off the truck
- Note any visible damage on the bill of lading immediately
- Photograph any damage before signing the delivery receipt
- Confirm specialty items (piano, art) are placed where you want them
- Tip the destination crew
- File any claim through your coordinator within 9 months of delivery
If anything is unclear or you want to talk through your specific move day in more detail, call 855-967-0102, a senior coordinator can walk you through your move down to the hour.