Moving-day timeline
Move day goes wrong in predictable places. The rules below decide the two moments people are least prepared for: paying before unloading, and documenting damage before the crew leaves.
The day before
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission tells customers to give the mover the correct destination address, detailed directions, and complete contact names and phone numbers.
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission says payment is expected at delivery and to confirm the accepted form of payment before the move.
When the crew arrives
- Washington — Washington movers must record time spent on the move, and breaks and interruptions, on the bill of lading.
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission suggests walking through with the crew leader and pointing out items not to pack, high-value, fragile, first-off, and appliance items.
Before the truck leaves
- Washington — Washington's commission says to check the inventory, note disagreements before signing, and make sure notes appear on the mover's copy.
- Washington — In Washington, you sign the bill of lading before the truck leaves and again on delivery, and the driver signs it as a receipt.
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission suggests a walkthrough with the driver after loading, checking closets, attics, basements, cabinets, and outbuildings.
At the new home
- Washington — Washington's commission says to be present for packing, loading, and delivery, or appoint someone to act for you.
- Washington — Washington's commission says to inspect items against the inventory before signing delivery papers and record damage on both copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
- North Carolina — In North Carolina, walk through the new home with the driver; the crew reassembles items it took apart but not items others disassembled.
Paying and signing
- Washington — In Washington, the mover must release your goods on payment of 110% of the final estimate and give 30 days for any remaining balance.
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission says to check the bill of lading lists all services and charges, not to sign blank forms, and to keep copies of the bill of lading, addendum, and inventory.
- North Carolina — In North Carolina, on a non-binding estimate you may pay 110% at delivery and the balance within 30 days.
After the move
- Washington — Washington's commission says to set damaged goods aside and call the mover right away.
- Washington — Washington claims are filed in writing within nine months of delivery, and commission staff can help with negotiations.
- North Carolina — North Carolina's commission says to keep damaged items and their packing materials as proof of damage.
- North Carolina — North Carolina claims should be filed no later than nine months after delivery, and the Public Staff can assist if the claim isn't resolved.
Where these rules come from
- North Carolina Utilities Commission
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Tariff 15-C (household goods)
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission consumer guide to moving
Each rule above applies inside the state named beside it. Other states regulate intrastate moves differently, so confirm the rule where you are moving before you rely on it.