Moving-Day Documents Checklist

Private move-day checklist

Before pickup: build one document pack

Put the written estimate and the inventory used to prepare it together. Add any email or signed revision that changes services, dates, the shipment, valuation, or charges. A headline total is useful only when the documents describe the same move.

FMCSA says an interstate mover must give you a written estimate of transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. Its consumer guidance distinguishes a rate quote from a written estimate and advises consumers to compare written terms.

At pickup: read the estimate, inventory, and bill of lading

Read the completed documents before signing. The estimate explains projected charges and services. The inventory records the goods and their condition. The bill of lading is the transportation document and receipt for the shipment.

FMCSA's moving checklist advises consumers to accompany the inventory, resolve questions about item condition, and keep the bill of lading until delivery, payment, and any claims are settled.

Check these lines before signing

• Company: confirm the legal or trade name, contact details, and interstate identifiers shown on the paperwork.
• Shipment: compare the inventory, origin, destination, dates, and listed services with the written estimate.
• Estimate type and payment: identify whether the estimate is binding or non-binding and which payment forms are stated.
• Added services: ask for a written description, trigger, amount, and reason for any new charge or service.
• Valuation: confirm the selected liability option and its terms. It is not the transportation price.
• Copies: retain the completed, dated documents you sign.

If a term changes before loading

Pause and compare the new language with your earlier documents. Ask what changed, why it changed, which service or item it covers, and how the price is calculated. Keep the revised document with the original estimate.

FMCSA's blank-document warning advises consumers to sign a revised written estimate or rescission only when both parties agree to amend an estimate, and to avoid blank or incomplete paperwork.

At delivery: preserve the evidence

Keep the bill of lading, inventory, payment receipt, and any written change together after delivery. Be present for unloading when possible and note questions about missing or damaged items on the inventory before signing a delivery document.

For a covered interstate move, federal rules and timing can matter. Use the written estimate and the applicable official guidance for the move type rather than assuming a local rule applies nationwide.

Use the documents to ask precise questions

1. Which written document controls this service, date, or charge?
2. Does the inventory still describe every item and service being moved?
3. Is the new charge included in the total, or is it additional?
4. What is the written valuation selection for this shipment?
5. Can I have a completed, dated copy before I sign?

Frequently asked questions

What documents should I have on moving day?

Keep the written estimate, inventory, bill of lading, valuation selection, payment records, and every written change together. Compare the company name, shipment, services, dates, and amounts before signing.

Should I sign a blank moving document?

Do not sign a blank or incomplete document. Ask the mover to complete the material terms or mark them not applicable, then retain the dated copy you signed.

What if the mover changes the price or services before loading?

Ask for the change in writing before agreeing. Compare the changed terms with the earlier estimate, especially the inventory, services, estimate type, valuation choice, and total.

Does this checklist apply to local moves?

The document habits are useful for any move, but the federal sources here concern interstate household-goods moves. State and local rules can differ.