Moving and Planning Guide

At Destination

Working With the Mover

  • Contact the destination agent whose name appears on the Bill of Lading. Do this as soon as possible, and indicate where and how you can be reached. Give the agent the phone number and make final arrangements to accept delivery of your household goods. You may also want to notify the booking agent of your whereabouts.

  • Make certain the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives.

  • MoverBe on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Your representative will be asked to note any change in condition in the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery. If any articles of extraordinary value are included in the shipment, you representative will be required to acknowledge receipt of these items. Inform the agent of the name of the person you have authorized to act as your representative. The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for the unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.

  • On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at residence if he or she is unable to reach you. If you are unable to be contacted by phone, leave a note on your residence door indicating where you can be reached. If neither you nor your representative appears to receive the shipment within the free waiting time, your household goods will be placed in storage. You will be responsible for all additional charges related to the storage and redelivery of your goods. One hour of free time is allowed at destination if the shipment is traveling less than 200 miles; two hours of free time are allowed if the shipment is traveling 200 miles or more. (No free waiting time is allowed at origin.)

  • Pay charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash or by traveler’s check, money order or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.

    Payment can also be make by The American Express Card, Discover Card, Visa or MasterCard. If you choose to use a credit card you must make this arrangement with your origin agent because authorization is required prior to loading. Credit cards are accepted only for interstate household goods moves in the continental United States.

  • Check you household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition if the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and/or missing items on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the United Van Lines agent at destination immediately. If there is no nearby agent, please call (800) 325-9970 or write United Van Lines, Claims Department, One United Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, to request a claim form.

    You must file the claim yourself; the van operator cannot do it or you. Claims must be received by United or its agent within nine months from the date of delivery, using United Van Lines’ claim forms which our local agent can furnish. For faster service, always refer to the order number of your shipment.

  • When unloading, each piece of furniture will be places as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up of the box springs, mattresses and bed frames. However, appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At you request and at an additional charge, our agent will arrange for this service and for the refilling of water beds mattresses.

    Note: To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

  • You may want to place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance which the movers will use. Show on it where each piece of furniture should go.

  • If you have paid for unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking service and removal of cartons. If you decide to unpack at your convenience after having ordered unpacking service, remember to annotate the Bill of Lading accordingly.

The Family

Allow the children to help. Let them feel needed. Assign them light but important duties such as arranging their own toys and possessions.

Make the beds early, so you can get a good night’s rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow.

Take a few minutes to relax. Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on "moving-in" day. If you do go out, leave a light on or take other precautions against burglary


Important Details

If you have not yet done so get in touch with the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Inquire if any of them provide appliance connection service without charge.

Make arrangements for re-installation of appliances.