Do I need to be home during the move?
It does not have to be you, but someone who can make decisions should be present from start to finish. The crew needs a person to meet them, answer questions about what goes where, and sign off and pay at the end.
The longer answer
Moments that need a person on site
| When | Why |
|---|---|
| Before arrival | The crew calls about 30 minutes ahead. Give us the number of whoever will be there. |
| Start of the job | Walk the foreman through what moves, what stays and anything fragile. |
| Appliances | Someone from your side must be present while we disconnect a washer, fridge or anything on water or gas lines. |
| Reassembly | A crib or a bed in a child's room should be checked by a parent once it is rebuilt. |
| End | Final walkthrough of both homes and the truck, and payment. |
Sending someone in your place
Having a decision-maker there also saves money. A crew that stops to call someone about a bookcase is still on the clock.
If you are flying out early or stuck at work, a family member, friend or agent can stand in. Tell us their name and phone number ahead of time. Make sure they know your plan for each room, can open both homes, and can pay or have your card authorized. Payment on a local move is due at the end, by cash, money order, Visa or Mastercard.
Timing with other people coming in
- Book cleaners for after the crew is out, not during loading
- Ask painters and floor installers to finish before move-in day
- Have kids and pets looked after somewhere quiet; our moving with kids and pets guide has ideas
The moving checklist covers the week before.
Move-day questions
More questions people ask
Can I leave once the truck is loaded?
You can head to the new home ahead of the truck. Someone still needs to be at the drop-off to direct furniture and pay.
What if nobody is at the new place when the truck arrives?
The crew waits, and waiting counts as job time. Plan for someone to be there before the truck pulls up.
Can the movers let themselves in with a lockbox?
Someone should meet the team in person, since they will have questions about what goes and what stays.
Who should get the 30-minute call?
Whoever will open the door. Give us that person's number when you book or at confirmation.