Moving Checklist

Are you ready for your move? Our moving essentials checklist covers all the basics, from preparation top tips to moving day breakdown, to ensure a smooth, organized, and efficient move.

Before You Move: How To Choose a Mover

  • Ask for moving company recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
  • Obtain estimates from at least 3 moving companies and compare costs and services provided.
  • Check the California Public Utilities Commission to ensure that the moving companies are licensed to move Household Goods in the state of California.
  • Read online reviews of the moving companies on sites such as Yelp, Angie’s List, Google, etc.
  • Check the moving companies’ standing with the Better Business Bureau
  • Call the companies and ask any questions you may have such as their responsibilities for damaged items, how and when pickup and delivery of your household goods will occur and how the company can be contacted before, during and after the move date.
  • Obtain the booklet, “Important Information For Persons Moving Household Goods” from the moving company 
  • Adequately insure your items through your homeowner’s policy or a 3rd party moving insurance company. 
  • Request an Insurance Certificate, if needed

Preparing for Moving Day

  • All furniture must be entirely empty of its contents inside and on top. If not, additional labor time will be incurred. Moving insurance does not cover furniture that is not empty of its contents. Estimates do not include time for clearing off your furniture on move day or unhooking electronics.
  • All electronics and small kitchen appliances must be boxed to be insured. Reliable Delivery will not uninstall or reinstall any appliances and hold no liability for this.
  • Plants, ammunition, gas, propane, liquids, flammable or not, are not allowed to be transported on Reliable Delivery trucks or handled by movers due to liability and state regulations. Any fines for moving these without our written consent are the responsibility of the shipper.
  • Under no circumstances will Reliable Delivery move any items of extraordinary value such as but not limited to jewelry, money, furs or important papers such as birth certificate, passport, etc. Customer is responsible for moving these items on their own.
  • For any overweight item requiring additional crew members; additional labor and drive time charges will be incurred.
  • Furniture requiring tight placement in stairs, doors or hallway, etc. with less than 2 inches clearance on all sides will not be covered by insurance.
  • If required and requested, raising/lowering furniture out balconies/windows will incur an additional charge.
  • Set aside any unwanted, non-perishable food items and Reliable Delivery will deliver them to the San Diego Food Bank through the Move for Hunger Program.

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A person sealing a cardboard box with packing tape while another person is in the background.

What Happens on Moving Day with Reliable Delivery

  • Reliable Delivery will contact you 30 minutes prior to arrival on the phone number listed on your contract.
  • Move all cars out of the driveway and garage to allow the movers to properly place the moving truck for efficiency of loading. Any movement of moving truck(s) after arrival will add labor time to your move.
  • Everything other than furniture must be packed in real moving boxes (not amazon boxes), sealed, not open on top and ready for loading on moving day. Packing of small loose items, lamps, lampshades, art, small accessories and bedding will be at additional labor time + materials costs.
  • If you fall behind or need help packing, please notify the Reliable Delivery office a few days in advance of your appointment date so we can schedule a small pack crew before your appointment at a discounted rate. This will save money versus doing it on move day.
  • Carefully read the information on the estimate, bill of lading, inventory, and all other documents prior to signing.
  • Accompany the movers as they take an inventory of your items and answer any questions they may have about the items being packed/moved. 
  • Plan to be present for the entirety of the move day. 
  • Before the movers leave the pick-up location do a walk-through to ensure nothing has been left behind.
  • Note any items that are missing or damaged on the inventory report.
  • Pay the foreman according to the terms of your Agreement for Moving Services upon completion of move.
  • If you have any questions or concerns regarding your move, contact the moving office as soon as possible. 
  • Share your positive experience with others via a review site such as Yelp, Angie’s List or Google.

With this moving essentials checklist and Reliable Delivery, you can enjoy a streamlined and hassle-free move. Contact us today for a quote!

Cardboard box labeled "moving day" on a white background.