Moving Day: What You Should Expect

The big moving day is right around the corner -- what now? If you've never moved before, you'll have no idea. This article takes you through the move day step by step, and helps you set up a planning process to ensure all goes well.  

First: You should know well in advance when the moving company will arrive. When they do, your go-to person will often be the driver/van operator: he's the supervisor of the crew and the person you should go to with any questions.

Second. The mover will generally prepare a written inventory of your goods first thing, assessing each item's condition and giving it a number. You should concur with the assessment, particularly for a long-distance move.

The inventory's purpose is to ensure that everything arrives at your destination in the condition in which they started; it's also done so a damage claim cannot be filed on items with previous damage. Make sure you agree with everything before signing.

Third. After the inventory is done, the moving company starts loading the moving van after determining the best order in which to do so. Separate out anything you don't want loaded, like personal goods and high-value items you plan to carry separately.

Fourth. Professional movers have a specific technique for loading your stuff. Each piece is pad wrapped and taken to the truck, with the movers loading the truck from floor to roof in a manner similar to placing pieces in a puzzle.

Fifth. To prevent shifting in the moving van, the movers may bring pieces from different rooms to ensure a snug fit -- if it isn't, items can shift. Don't be alarmed if your items seem mixed up on the truck; you will tell the movers exactly where you want each piece when it arrives at your new home.

Now get out of the way! You hired movers so you didn't have to do all this work, didn't you? Relax and let the movers do all the hard labor. 

Once everything is loaded, the driver presents the bill of lading, which lays out of the conditions of your move, including your estimate and the expected delivery dates. Make sure you're satisfied with everything on this sheet before signing. You will sign the paperwork again at your new home when you receive your items.