The day before
Confirm elevator and loading bookings at both buildings. Set aside a bag with keys, documents, medication, chargers and a change of clothes. Empty and defrost the refrigerator. Take apart anything small you are comfortable with, and put screws in labeled bags taped to the piece.
Arrival and walk-through
The crew lead walks through the home with you, confirms what is moving, notes anything fragile or special and agrees the plan for the day. This is the time to point out items that are not moving, heirlooms and anything that needs extra care.
Protection
Runners go on floors along the walking path, pads go on door frames and banisters, and furniture is wrapped in moving blankets. Mattresses go into covers. Protection goes in before the first piece moves.
Loading
Heavy furniture and appliances usually load first, boxes in stable tiers, and fragile pieces secured where they cannot shift. Beds and tables are taken apart, and their hardware is bagged and kept with them.
The drive and unloading
The same crew drives to your new home. When they arrive, they protect the floors and doorways there too. Furniture goes where you point, boxes go to the labeled rooms, and beds and tables are put back together.
Final walk-through
Before the crew leaves, walk through every room together and check that the truck is empty. Then do a last check of the old home: closets, cabinets, the garage and any outdoor spaces.
Breaks and timing
Moving is physical work, and crews take short breaks during a long day. On hot days in the South Bay, that includes water breaks in the shade. A well-planned day builds this in, so the total time in the estimate still holds.
If something is damaged
Point out any damage to the crew lead as soon as you see it, take photos and note it on the paperwork before the crew leaves. It makes the next steps much simpler. See our claims page for how reports are handled.
Tipping
Tipping is a personal choice and never required. Some people offer cold drinks or lunch on a long day instead. Either way, the crew appreciates a clear plan and a home that is ready when they arrive.
After the crew leaves
Start with the bed, the bathroom and the kitchen basics, and leave the rest for the following morning. Flatten boxes as you empty them so they do not take over the new home.
Moving day paperwork
At the start of the day, the crew lead reviews the paperwork with you: the rate basis, the services and the valuation option you chose. At the end, you review it again and sign. Ask about anything that is unclear before you sign.
If the day runs long
Sometimes a move takes longer than planned, because of traffic, a delayed elevator or items that were not on the list. The crew lead tells you as soon as it is clear, and you can decide together what to prioritize.
Keys and access
Have keys, garage remotes, gate codes and fobs for both homes ready before the crew arrives, so no time is lost waiting at a locked door at either end.