Do I Need To Be Present During My Move?
Here’s the quick answer: You don’t have to be present for movers, but you or an adult you trust should be there at pickup and delivery. On an interstate move, federal rules require you and your mover to sign and date the bill of lading at origin and destination. This guide covers how to prepare, what to sign, how to delegate, and what to do if something goes wrong, whether you hire a local crew or one of the best moving companies for a long-distance move.
Still deciding who to hire? Use our moving cost calculator, built on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, to compare vetted movers for your move.
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get up to $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
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- Portion to charity
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Do you need to be present when movers come?
You or an adult representative should be present at pickup and delivery, even though no law requires you personally to stay for the whole move. Federal guidance for interstate moves says customers should be available when their shipment is picked up and delivered, and should appoint a representative to act for them if they can’t be. Local moves follow the mover’s contract, and most crews need someone on site to unlock the home, answer questions, and sign paperwork.
Being there helps in three ways:
- The crew needs direction: You can tell movers where each box and piece of furniture goes, which saves time and moving it twice later.
- Questions come up fast: You know your belongings best, so you can decide on the spot whether that dresser comes apart or that box goes on the truck.
- Someone has to sign: The bill of lading and inventory need a signature at both ends, and signing without checking them can weaken a damage claim later.
Some movers offer low-contact moves, but those take extra planning. If you can’t be there, skip to how to delegate.
Want to know what your move should cost before the crew shows up? Get free estimates from vetted movers.
Why does being there matter on moving day?
Being present on moving day lets you catch problems while the crew is still there to fix them. When you’re on site, you can point out fragile items, answer questions about tight hallways or building rules, check the inventory as items are loaded and unloaded, and note damage before you sign. Problems you spot after the truck leaves are harder to prove, since your claim may depend on what was written on the paperwork at delivery.
You can guide the crew in real time
Movers are pros, but they can’t read your mind. Your input matters for questions about fragile items, furniture placement, tight hallways, and building rules.
You can make sure special requests are followed
Antiques, collectibles, and artwork often need extra care. When you’re there, you can confirm the crew handles them the way you agreed.
One person at delivery can be stretched thin
Margaret’s October 2025 move from Seattle to Palm Springs, California, shows why a second adult at delivery helps. Her husband was still wrapping up work in Seattle, so she handled the United Van Lines unloading alone, checking off a numbered inventory sheet as each item came off the truck. About 20 items had no numbered sticker, so she had to write each one down, and she couldn’t move around enough to direct where things went in the garage.
She told moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project the delivery still went smoothly, but it felt frantic. If you can, bring a second person to delivery: one checks the inventory while the other directs the crew.
Planning a long-distance move with a narrow delivery window? Compare long-distance movers before you book.
How should you prepare before movers arrive?
Prepare for movers by finishing your packing, setting aside anything that isn’t going on the truck, and clearing the way for the crew before the arrival window starts. A crew that walks into a ready home finishes faster, which matters most on a local move billed by the hour. Building logistics like elevator reservations and parking permits also need to be sorted out days ahead.
- Declutter first: Donate, sell, or toss what you don’t want moved before you pack. Fewer items means a smaller load and a shorter moving day.
- Organize and label: Mark every box with its destination room and contents, and flag anything fragile. Our guide to labeling moving boxes shows a simple system.
- Set aside valuables: Move cash, jewelry, passports, vehicle titles, and hard drives yourself. Keep them in a bag or car the crew knows not to touch.
- Prep appliances and furniture: Unplug, defrost, and drain appliances, and remove loose shelves. Take beds apart ahead of time unless you paid the mover to do it.
- Handle building logistics: Reserve elevators or loading docks, and get a certificate of insurance from your mover if your building requires one. Arrange parking or a permit for the truck so the crew isn’t carrying items down the block.
Expert tip: moveBuddha founder Ryan Carrigan recommends giving your mover your new address when you book and asking them to check the street on Google Maps. Low power lines, a tight turn, or HOA rules can keep a full-size truck from reaching your door, so get any shuttle fee quoted ahead of time. See the legitimate ways movers can increase your final cost.
For more help, see our guide on how to pack for a move.
Not sure whether to pack yourself or pay for help? See what packing services add to a move like yours.
What do movers expect from you on moving day?
Movers expect you to be packed, reachable, and ready to sign when they arrive. Unless you bought packing services, every box should be sealed and labeled, walkways should be clear, and someone should be on hand to make decisions. Anything that isn’t ready when the crew arrives costs you time, and on an hourly move, time is money.
- Be ready: Have everything packed and labeled before the crew’s arrival window. Movers who have to pack for you will charge for the labor and materials.
- Clear pathways: Remove tripping hazards inside and outside your home. Prop doors open if you can do it safely.
- Point out priorities: Show the crew your “Open First” boxes, fragile items, and any rooms or items that aren’t moving.
- Stay reachable: Stay close enough to answer questions, but give the crew room to work. Hovering slows them down.
- Keep paperwork handy: Have your ID, payment method, estimate, and bill of lading ready so signing doesn’t hold up the truck.
Expert tip: “Extra time equals extra money,” says moveBuddha founder Ryan Carrigan. If boxes are still unpacked, sheets are still on the bed, or furniture you agreed to take apart is still assembled, a local mover bills the extra hours. Start early by emptying drawers and closets, then donate, trash, or sell what you won’t move before packing. See our moving day tips.
moveBuddha’s calculator weighs your distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so the range you get reflects your actual move. Estimate your move by home size and distance.
What paperwork do you or your representative have to sign?
On an interstate move, you or your representative sign the bill of lading at pickup and delivery, sign each page of the inventory, and confirm the valuation coverage on your shipment. Federal rules require the bill of lading to be signed and dated by you and your mover at origin and destination. Don’t sign the delivery paperwork until missing or damaged items are noted on it, since your claim may depend on those notes. Local moves use the mover’s own contract, but the same habits apply.
- Estimate and order for service: Confirm the services, dates, and rates in writing before work begins. Compare it with your quote and ask about anything that changed.
- Bill of lading: This is your contract with the mover, signed at pickup and again at delivery. Keep a copy until your move and any claims are settled.
- Inventory: The mover lists each item and its condition at loading, and you sign each page. At delivery, write down any new damage or missing items before you sign.
- Valuation: Interstate movers transport your shipment under Full Value Protection unless you sign to choose Released Value, which covers no more than 60 cents per pound per article. Read our moving insurance guide before you choose.
- Add-on charges: Approve extra services like stair carries, long carries, or a shuttle in writing. Get the price before the work is done, not after.
The FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet explains each document in plain language.
Know a fair price before you sign anything. Check typical costs for your move first.
How should you treat your movers on moving day?
Treat your movers the way you’d want to be treated at a physical job: explain what you need once, then let them work. Good moving day etiquette includes clear instructions, water and restroom access, and a tip if the crew does good work. Tipping is optional, but it’s appreciated, and the right amount depends on the size and difficulty of the job.
- Be courteous: Walk the crew through your expectations at the start. After that, trust them to do the job unless you see a real problem.
- Offer basic hospitality: Water and restroom access go a long way on a long day. Snacks are a nice extra, not a requirement.
- Plan your tip: Tips aren’t required, but crews notice them. Our movers tipping guide helps you land on the right amount.
A good crew starts with a good company. Get matched with vetted movers in minutes.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
What if you can’t be present for your move?
If you can’t be present for your move, appoint an adult representative who can make decisions and sign the paperwork for you. Federal guidance for interstate moves says customers who can’t be available at pickup or delivery should appoint someone to act on their behalf. Tell your mover who your representative is before moving day, and give that person everything they need to check the inventory, not just a key.
- Pick the right person: Choose an organized, decisive adult who can stay for the whole job. They’ll be answering questions for hours.
- Write a one-page brief: Include room labels, “Open First” boxes, high-value items, and building rules. Add your phone number and when you’re reachable.
- Share the paperwork: Give them your estimate, bill of lading, valuation choice, and inventory. They can’t catch a missing item if they don’t know what’s supposed to be there.
- Schedule video check-ins: Plan short FaceTime or Zoom calls at the start, the midpoint, and before the crew leaves. A quick walk-through on video lets you spot problems yourself.
- Arrange keys and access: Use a lockbox or building front desk for the handoff. Confirm door and gate codes ahead of time.
Kathy’s January 2023 move from Washington, D.C., to St. Louis shows why your representative needs an accurate inventory. Her belongings were in a storage unit she hadn’t seen in two years, so a friend signed off on the pickup while Kathy relied on an inventory she’d built from memory. About seven household items turned up that weren’t on her list, and with $422 in packing materials, her final American Van Lines bill came to $4,074.99, more than she was quoted.
She told moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project the higher cost wasn’t a surprise, given the guesswork. If someone else handles your pickup, have them walk the space and confirm the inventory with the mover before loading starts.
Expert tip: “Just because you’ve booked with a carrier does not necessarily mean that is going to be the company that shows up on move day,” says moveBuddha founder Ryan Carrigan. Long-distance carriers often work through networks of partner movers, and the carrier you booked stays responsible for your move. Warn your representative so a different name on the truck doesn’t cause a panic, and learn more in our guide to moving brokers vs. carriers.
Can’t be there in person? Start with a mover you can trust. Find vetted movers for your route.
What should be on your moving day checklist?
A moving day checklist covers three stages: confirming details before the crew arrives, staying available while they work, and checking everything before they leave. Confirm the arrival window and the crew lead’s phone number the day before, since that’s the number you’ll call if anything changes.
Before movers arrive
- Confirm the details: Check the arrival window and save the crew lead’s phone number. Ask how they’ll contact you on the day.
- Pack an essentials bag: Put medications, chargers, toiletries, documents, basic tools, and snacks in a moving essentials box that rides with you.
- Stage your boxes: Double-check labels and group fragile items together. Keep “Open First” boxes near the door so they’re loaded last.
- Secure kids and pets: Set up a safe, quiet room or arrange a sitter. Open doors and heavy furniture don’t mix with small kids or pets.
- Photograph your valuables: Take photos of high-value items and any existing damage. Those pictures help if you need to file a claim.
During the move
- Do a walk-through: Show the crew every room and explain any special instructions. Point out what isn’t moving.
- Stay available: Be ready to approve decisions, but keep out of doorways and paths. The crew moves faster with clear lanes.
- Spot-check the work: Watch loading and unloading for problems. Speak up right away if something looks wrong.
- Offer water breaks: Moving is hard physical work. A rested crew is a careful crew.
After the move
- Reconcile the inventory: Check every numbered item against the list before the truck leaves. Note anything missing.
- Write down damage before signing: Record any loss or damage on the delivery paperwork. Your claim may depend on those notes.
- Pay as agreed: Pay the balance the way your contract says and keep every receipt.
- Tip if you’re happy: A tip is a thank-you for a job done well, not an obligation.
Pro tip: Print our moving checklist and keep it on a clipboard with your paperwork, so you or your representative can check off each step on moving day.
Getting quotes early gives you room to negotiate. Start comparing movers today.
What can’t movers take on the truck?
Movers won’t take hazardous materials, and most won’t take perishables, pets, or high-value items like cash and important documents. Your mover’s contract has the full list, so ask for the list of items movers won’t move before you start packing. Anything on it has to go with you, go another way, or stay behind.
Here’s how to handle the most common restricted items:
| Item | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Paint, gas, propane & chemicals | Dispose of them safely |
| Food & plants | Use up, give away, or drive them |
| Cash, jewelry & documents | Keep them with you |
| Firearms & ammunition | Check the laws, then move them yourself |
| Pets | Travel with them |
See our full guide to items movers will not move for more.
Fewer items on the truck can mean a lower bill. See typical costs for your move in minutes.
How do you protect your belongings during the move?
Protect your belongings by documenting their condition before the move, tracking the inventory, choosing the right valuation coverage, and carrying your most valuable items yourself. Photos taken before loading are your best evidence if an item arrives damaged. On an interstate move, Released Value covers no more than 60 cents per pound per article, so a light but expensive item is barely covered unless you keep Full Value Protection.
- Document condition: Photograph or video your furniture and high-value pieces before the crew arrives. Get close-ups of any existing scratches.
- Track the inventory: Use the mover’s inventory or your own spreadsheet, and check items off at delivery. Margaret’s experience shows that’s easier with two people.
- Understand your coverage: Learn what your valuation level pays before moving day. Our guide to moving insurance explains the options.
- Carry irreplaceable items: Keep heirlooms, sensitive documents, and devices with personal data in your own car. No coverage can replace them.
When you book a moveBuddha Certified mover through moveBuddha, you get up to $1,000 in added move coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong. See how moveBuddha Certified protects your move.
What should you do if something goes wrong on moving day?
If something goes wrong on moving day, tell the crew lead right away, write it on the paperwork, and document it with photos before the crew leaves. For interstate moves, you have nine months from delivery to file a loss or damage claim, according to the FMCSA. Your mover then has 30 days to acknowledge the claim and 120 days to pay, decline, or make a settlement offer.
- Speak up on the spot: Tell the crew lead as soon as something looks wrong. Many problems are easier to fix before the truck leaves.
- Document everything: Take photos and write down the item, the room, and the problem. Detailed notes make a claim go faster.
- Call your coordinator: Most of the best moving companies assign a move coordinator who can fix scheduling and crew issues the same day.
- File a claim in writing: Follow your mover’s claims process and keep copies of everything. Our guide on how to file a damage claim walks through each step.
- Escalate if it stalls: If your mover doesn’t resolve the claim, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA for an interstate move or with the Better Business Bureau.
You have nine months from delivery to file a loss or damage claim with an interstate mover, according to the FMCSA.
A surprise charge on moving day is easier to dispute when you know the going rate. moveBuddha’s calculator runs on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, so you have a real benchmark to measure a bill against. Check typical prices before you book.
What should you do after the movers leave?
After the movers leave, confirm everything arrived, check for damage you missed, and unpack the essentials first. Don’t wait to look for damage, since details fade fast once boxes start getting unpacked and thrown out. A quick review also helps other people choose a mover.
- Confirm every item arrived: Compare what’s in your home with the inventory. Look in closets and the garage before assuming something is missing.
- Inspect your home and belongings: Check furniture, walls, floors, and doorframes for new damage. Photograph anything you find.
- Unpack essentials first: Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedding so you can get through the first few nights.
- File claims promptly: Send any claim in writing as soon as you find a problem. Early claims are easier to support.
- Leave a review: Share what went well and what didn’t. Your experience helps the next person pick a mover.
Moving again someday? Save time next time by comparing quotes in one place.
rating
4.9 / 5
What if someone in your home is sick on moving day?
If someone in your home or on the crew is sick on moving day, call your mover as soon as possible to ask about rescheduling or a low-contact move. Many movers offer virtual estimates, and some can work with fewer people in the home. Check your contract’s rescheduling terms before you need them, since deadlines and fees vary by mover.
- Ask about low-contact options: Request a virtual estimate and ask whether the crew can work while you wait outside or in another room.
- Set up a hand-washing station: Provide soap or sanitizer and a bathroom the crew can use.
- Clean high-touch surfaces: Wipe down doorknobs, railings, and light switches before and after the move.
- Limit visitors: Keep extra helpers and guests away so the crew has room to work.
Need a mover with flexible scheduling? Compare real-time estimates side by side.
FAQ
Can I leave while movers are working?
Yes, but tell the crew lead, stay reachable by phone, and come back for the inventory check and signatures. For a longer absence, appoint an adult representative to stay with the crew.
Do I need to be there when my belongings are delivered?
You or a representative should be there to check the inventory and sign the delivery paperwork. Write down any missing or damaged items before you sign, since your claim may depend on those notes.
Can someone else sign for me on moving day?
Yes, an adult you appoint can sign the bill of lading and inventory for you. Tell your mover who it is ahead of time and give that person copies of your estimate and inventory.
Can I pack my own boxes?
Yes, use sturdy boxes, seal them well, and label every one. Movers may limit their liability for damage inside boxes you packed, so check your contract.
What if I have to cancel or reschedule my move?
Policies vary by mover. Get the cancellation and rescheduling terms in writing when you book, including any deadlines for deposit refunds or change fees.
What do I do if something is damaged or missing?
Note it on the delivery paperwork, take photos, and tell the mover right away. For an interstate move, you have nine months from delivery to file a written claim. See our guide on how to file a damage claim.
Should you be there for your move?
Be there for pickup and delivery if you can, and send a prepared representative if you can’t. The person on site checks the inventory, signs the paperwork, and catches problems while the crew can still fix them.
For more help planning the day, see our guides to moving day tips, moving day etiquette, and how to hire movers.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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