When moving day is finally over and the last box has been carried into your new home, it’s a relief to take a deep breath and start settling in. But what if you realize something’s missing? Maybe a lamp, a box of books, or even a piece of furniture that never made it off the truck. It happens more often than you might think—and fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to handle the situation. Here’s a guide on how to follow up with your moving company if something was forgotten or lost during your move.

Double-Check Before You Call

Before reaching out to the moving company, take a moment to make sure the item is truly missing. Check every room, closet, and storage space—both in your old and new homes. It’s surprisingly common for a box to end up in the wrong corner or behind a stack of furniture.

Make a list of what’s missing and note where you last saw each item. The more specific you can be about the item’s description and location, the easier it will be for the moving company to help you track it down.

Contact the Moving Company Right Away

Once you’re sure something is missing, contact your moving company as soon as possible. Most companies have procedures for handling lost or misplaced items, and the sooner you report the issue, the better your chances of resolving it quickly.

Send an email or call the company and clearly explain the situation:

• The date of your move
• The items that are missing
• Where you last saw them
• Any photos or detailed descriptions that could help identify them

Keep a record of all communication—emails, call logs, and any written responses. This documentation can be important if you need to escalate the issue later.

Review Your Contract and Insurance Coverage

Take a look at your moving contract. Most agreements include terms about how loss or damage is handled. Some companies offer limited liability coverage by default, while others require you to purchase additional insurance for full-value protection.

If you purchased moving insurance or have homeowners or renters insurance, contact your insurer to see if your policy covers lost items during a move. In many cases, your insurance may help cover the cost of replacement, especially if the moving company’s liability is limited.

Stay Calm and Cooperative

It’s understandable to feel frustrated when something goes missing, but maintaining a calm and cooperative tone will help you get better results. Ask the company to check their truck, warehouse, or any other recent deliveries that might have been mixed up.

If your belongings were accidentally delivered to another customer, it may take a little time to locate them. Be patient, but follow up regularly to ensure your case stays on their radar.

If the Issue Isn’t Resolved

If the moving company doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied with their handling of the situation, you have options. Start by sending a formal written complaint summarizing what happened and attaching your documentation.

If the company is a member of the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or another professional organization, you can file a complaint through their consumer protection programs. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to report the issue.

For interstate moves, you can file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees moving companies that operate across state lines. Their website provides an online complaint form and additional consumer resources.

Prevent Problems Next Time

While accidents can happen, a few simple precautions can reduce the risk of lost items during your next move:

• Create a detailed inventory and label each box with a number and contents.
• Take photos of your belongings before the move begins.
• Do a final walkthrough of your old home with the movers before they leave.
• Inspect the truck once it’s unloaded to make sure nothing was left behind.

Good preparation and clear communication are your best safeguards against misunderstandings and misplaced items.

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Moving Forward with Peace of Mind

Discovering that something is missing after a move can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to turn into a major conflict. With a systematic approach, prompt follow-up, and open communication with your moving company, most issues can be resolved smoothly. And the next time you move, you’ll be even better prepared to keep track of every last box and belonging.