What to Do Immediately if Your Belongings Are Damaged During the Moving Process

Moving can be stressful enough without the added frustration of discovering a damaged piece of furniture, a broken TV, or a missing box. Even with professional movers, accidents can happen — and knowing what steps to take immediately can make the difference between a quick resolution and a costly loss.

At The Move Place, we handle every item with care and precision, but we also believe in empowering our customers to understand their rights and next steps if something ever goes wrong.

Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to do if your belongings are damaged during the moving process — including how to file a claim, how compensation works, and how to avoid damage in the future.

1. Stay Calm and Inspect Everything Carefully

The first and most important thing to do is not panic. Damage can be upsetting, but acting calmly and methodically ensures a faster, more effective resolution.

Once your movers finish unloading:

• Inspect each item as it comes off the truck.
• Focus on furniture, appliances, and fragile boxes first.
• Take photos or videos of any visible damage immediately.

Tip: If possible, make notes directly on your Bill of Lading (the move contract) before signing it — this creates a formal record of the issue on moving day.

At The Move Place, we encourage customers to conduct a walkthrough inspection with our team leader to ensure all items arrive safely and in proper condition.

2. Document the Damage Thoroughly

Accurate documentation is your strongest protection when filing a claim.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Take clear, dated photos of the damage from multiple angles.
2. Include the item’s condition before the move, if you have any previous photos or purchase receipts.
3. Keep all paperwork, such as your moving contract, inventory list, and payment receipt.
4. Note the specific items that are missing, scratched, dented, or broken.

Pro Tip:
Use your smartphone’s “Notes” app or a checklist to keep a record of what was damaged and where it was packed.

The Move Place maintains digital inventories for every move — this helps both our team and clients resolve claims efficiently.

3. Check Your Moving Insurance Coverage

All licensed moving companies in Plano, TX (and nationwide) are required to provide valuation coverage, which is not full insurance but offers basic protection.

Here are the two most common types:

a) Released Value Protection (Basic Coverage)

• Included automatically in most moves at no extra cost.
• Covers up to $0.60 per pound per item.
• Example: A 100-pound dresser would be covered for $60 if damaged.

b) Full-Value Protection (Upgraded Coverage)

• Optional, but highly recommended for valuable items.
• The mover must repair, replace, or reimburse the item’s full value.
• Costs a small premium but provides far greater security.

The Move Place Policy:
We clearly outline all valuation options in writing before your move begins — ensuring you understand exactly how your belongings are protected.

4. Notify the Moving Company Immediately

Once you’ve identified any damage, contact your moving company as soon as possible.

Explain:

• What items were damaged
• When and how you discovered it
• Whether you’ve already taken photos and documented everything

Most companies, including The Move Place, require written notice to start the claims process.

Pro Tip:
Act quickly — under federal law (FMCSA guidelines), customers typically have up to 9 months to file a claim for damaged or lost items. However, the sooner you file, the faster your issue can be resolved.

5. File a Formal Damage Claim

Every professional moving company has a specific process for handling damage claims.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Ask your mover for a claims form or written procedure.
2. Provide:
   • Your name and contact information
   • Move date and contract number
   • Detailed description of each damaged item
   • Supporting photos or videos
   • Repair or replacement cost estimates (if applicable)

At The Move Place, we respond to claims quickly, often resolving issues within 7–10 business days once documentation is complete.

We believe in fair, transparent handling of all customer concerns — no runarounds or hidden terms.

6. Understand Your Rights as a Customer

If you hired a licensed and insured moving company, you have specific protections under federal and state law.

In Texas, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) regulates movers and provides recourse for disputes.

You have the right to:

• Receive a written estimate of charges before the move
• Get an itemized receipt
• File a claim for loss or damage within the legal timeframe
• Request arbitration if the claim isn’t resolved

The Move Place Advantage:
We go beyond compliance — our customer support team assists clients personally throughout any claim or repair process.

7. Seek Repair or Replacement Solutions

Once your claim is filed, the mover will assess the damage and may:

• Repair the item professionally
• Replace it with a comparable product
• Reimburse the current market value or insured amount

Tip:
If the damage is minor, request repair over replacement to preserve sentimental or high-value items.

The Move Place partners with trusted furniture and electronics repair specialists in Plano to help restore damaged items quickly and affordably.

8. Prevent Damage in Future Moves

While accidents can happen, most moving damage is preventable.

To minimize risk next time:

• Use professional packing services for fragile or high-value items.
• Request extra padding or crating for delicate furniture or art.
• Label boxes clearly and group fragile items together.
• Communicate openly with your movers about special handling needs.

At The Move Place, we train our movers extensively on safe lifting, packing, and loading techniques, ensuring every move is handled with expert care.

9. Consider Supplemental Insurance for High-Value Items

If you own rare artwork, antiques, or expensive electronics, consider purchasing third-party moving insurance for additional coverage.

Companies like Baker International and MovingInsurance.com specialize in full replacement protection beyond what movers offer.

Why It Matters:
Peace of mind is priceless when moving irreplaceable belongings.

10. The Move Place Commitment: Your Belongings, Our Responsibility

Plano residents trust The Move Place because of our commitment to care, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

Here’s how we keep your belongings safe:

• Highly trained, background-checked movers
• Transparent contracts with clear coverage terms
• Professional packing and labeling services
• Clean, well-equipped moving trucks
• Responsive customer service before, during, and after your move

Whether you’re moving across Plano or across Texas, our team ensures your belongings are treated with the utmost respect and attention.

Conclusion: Resolve Quickly, Move Confidently

So, what steps should you take if your belongings are damaged during a move?
Stay calm, document everything, contact your mover promptly, and file a claim through the proper channels.

When you choose The Move Place, you’re choosing accountability and reliability. We stand behind our work and help you through every step — from packing to resolution.

Call or Text (469) 777-6683 for assistance or a free quote today. We’ll make sure your next move is safe, smooth, and stress-free.

Contact Information

Address: 2661 Midway Rd Suite 200 – Office 18, Carrollton, TX 75006
Call/Text: (469) 777-6683
Email: info@themoveplace.com
Hours: Sunday–Saturday, 7 AM–7 PM
Online Booking: Open 24/7