Moving day checklist

Moving day itself is largely about being available, organized, and responsive — the planning work is mostly done by now; today is about execution and catching anything that needs a quick decision.

Before the crew arrives

  • Set aside your first-day box and anything you're transporting personally, clearly separated from what's being loaded
  • Have your paperwork (contract, inventory list, ID) and payment method ready and accessible
  • Do a final check of closets, cabinets, and storage spaces for anything left behind
  • Confirm parking and loading access at the property if there are any restrictions

During loading

  • Stay available — answer questions and point out fragile or special-handling items directly to the crew
  • Speak up immediately if something looks wrong, rather than waiting until after the fact
  • Keep pets and young children in a safe, contained area away from the loading process
  • Do a walkthrough of each room as it's cleared to confirm nothing's missed

Before the truck leaves

  • Confirm the inventory list matches what was actually loaded
  • Note any pre-existing damage on furniture before it's on the truck, not after delivery
  • Get a copy of all paperwork, including the final bill of lading
  • Confirm delivery timing and contact information for the driver or dispatch

After the crew leaves

Do a final walkthrough of the completely empty home, check that utilities are handled per your utility transfer checklist, and keep your moving paperwork somewhere accessible until delivery — you'll need it to verify the inventory when your things arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first thing on moving day?

Do a final walkthrough of the empty (or nearly empty) home before movers arrive, confirm your first-day box and personal-transport items are set aside separately, and have your paperwork and payment method ready.

Should I stay at the home the entire time movers are loading?

Yes — being available to answer questions, point out fragile or special-handling items, and do a final walkthrough before the truck leaves is important, not just a courtesy.

What should I check before signing off after loading?

Confirm the inventory list matches what was loaded, check for any pre-existing damage notes on furniture, and make sure you have a copy of all paperwork before the crew leaves.

What if something looks wrong during loading?

Speak up immediately, not after the fact — if you have concerns about how something's being handled or packed, address it with the crew lead in the moment while it can still be corrected.