How to protect floors and photograph the house before movers
To protect floors on moving day, film every room, floor and doorframe before anything comes off the truck, then cover the main path with runners and pad the door frames. Check the mover's inventory as items arrive, and write any damage on the paperwork before you sign. A note alone isn't a claim.
Why to protect floors on moving day and keep a record
Moving day is hard on a clean house. Dollies, grit on boots and a dresser taking a corner too fast can leave marks that nobody will remember making. Without a dated record, it's your word against the crew's about whether that gouge was already there.
The paperwork matters as much as the floor covering, and many people learn this too late. Here is how the federal rules work for interstate moves, as moving guides summarize them:
| Topic | What applies on an interstate move |
|---|---|
| Written claim deadline | 9 months from delivery, or from the expected delivery date if goods never arrived. Sooner is better |
| Mover's reply | Acknowledges your claim in writing within 30 days, then pays, denies or makes an offer within 120 days, or explains the delay |
| Full value protection | Must be offered, and it's the default unless you waive it in writing. The mover repairs, replaces or pays current market value |
| Released value | No more than 60 cents per pound, per article. A 28-pound TV would get $16.80 |
In-state and local moves follow state rules, which vary. In California, for example, the 60-cent rate is the starting point unless you declare a higher value in writing. Check your contract or ask your state's moving regulator. These rules are about your belongings. If you're worried about damage to the house itself, ask the mover before moving day how those claims work and whether it carries insurance for that, and get the answer in writing.
How to protect floors on moving day, in three parts
Your floor plan for moving day has three parts.
The record comes first. Shoot a slow video with your phone before the truck is opened, while saying the date out loud. Get every room, the main path, the stairs, door frames and any existing scratches. Take close photos of anything already damaged. Then photograph high-value belongings as they're unwrapped, including serial numbers. The NAIC recommends a home inventory with photos or video for insurance, so you can reuse these files.
Protection comes next. Focus on the route the crew will use most:
- Clean the floors first, since grit under a runner can scratch.
- Cover the path from the front door to each main room, including landings.
- Pad door frames, stair corners and railings at the height of a dolly or dresser.
- Tape down edges so nobody trips. Test the tape in a hidden spot on hardwood or fresh paint first.
- Ask if your mover brings its own floor runners and door pads, and confirm before moving day.
Delivery paperwork is the last part. Walk the numbered list as items come off the truck. Write any damage or missing pieces on the delivery papers before you sign. Don't sign a receipt that releases the mover from liability. Remember that a note on the receipt is not a filed claim. A claim is a later written notice that identifies the shipment, says the carrier is liable and gives an amount.
How to document the house before movers and protect floors
- Film before you unload
Walk every room, floor and doorframe with your phone before the first box comes in. Say the date on camera.
- Close up on old damage
Photograph existing scratches, chips and stains so they can't be confused with anything new.
- Clean, then cover the path
Sweep the route and lay runners from the door to each main room, including stair landings.
- Pad the pinch points
Protect door frames, railings and tight corners, and tape down edges so runners can't slide.
- Label room doors
Tape room names on the doors to match your box labels, so crews make fewer trips and fewer wrong turns.
- Check items off as they arrive
Follow the mover's numbered inventory and photograph anything that looks damaged, along with its packing.
- Note damage before you sign
Write problems on the delivery papers and keep your copy. Cross out any language that releases the mover from liability.
- File a written claim soon
Send it to the mover with your photos and repair or replacement costs. On interstate moves, the deadline is 9 months, but don't wait.
Floor protection for movers when kids and pets are home
Moving day is the worst day for kids and pets to be underfoot. Runners shift, doors stand open and people can't see over what they carry. If a relative can take the kids for a few hours, that's the simplest fix. If not, give them a room or a job away from the main path.
Keep pets in a quiet room with the door shut, or at a friend's house, as the ASPCA advises. Put a sign on that door, and tell the crew leader. Pick up any tape, staples or bits of plastic when the protection comes off, since pets and small children may try to eat them.
What homeowners say about protecting floors when moving
Photograph every room and wall while the house is empty, not just the moving path. Owners use these photos months later to check whether a crack has grown. They also say they enjoy the before shots once they've changed the place. (Reddit)
Moving damage claim questions
How long do I have to file a moving damage claim?
On interstate moves, you have 9 months from delivery to file a written claim. In-state moves follow state rules that vary, so check your contract or state regulator, and file as soon as you can.
Is writing damage on the delivery receipt enough?
No. It's a useful record, but you still need to send a written claim that identifies the shipment, says the carrier is liable and gives an amount.
What does 60 cents per pound mean?
It's the released value option, where the mover owes no more than 60 cents per pound per article. A 28-pound TV would get $16.80, whatever you paid for it, so read your paperwork before you waive full value protection.
Sources: siliconvalleymoving.com, nationmoving.com, NAIC, ASPCA
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.