The first hour is not a race to put the first item on the truck. It is the point where the booked scope meets the real home. A clear handoff helps the crew work with fewer interruptions throughout the day. The exact sequence depends on the job and the team leader's assessment.
Have one decision-maker ready
Choose the person who can answer questions and authorize changes under the agreement. Make sure they have the quote, access information and contact details. If that person must leave, identify an agreed representative and a reliable way to obtain approvals.
A dedicated JEM coordinator can provide on-site customer representation through the agreed move, but the service must be requested and confirmed. Do not assume the team leader and a separately booked coordinator have identical roles.
Walk the scope before loading
Point out the moving inventory, excluded items, unfinished packing and any change since the quote. Show unusual pieces and discuss concerns before they are handled. Keep customer essentials and documents separate from the shipment.
Agree how extra work will be recorded and priced. If there are more cartons or another stop, resolve that scope with the office rather than expecting the crew to absorb an unrecorded change.
Confirm access and household safety
Show the permitted parking location, loading access, stairs and elevator arrangements. Give the crew the relevant gate or management instructions through an appropriate channel. Keep pathways clear and arrange for pets and children to remain outside the work area.
Let the team leader determine safe handling methods. Helpful preparation is different from unexpectedly stepping into a carry or directing a heavy item through a route the crew has not assessed.
Set the destination plan now
Share room names and the main furniture locations before the load leaves. Confirm who will open the destination and provide placement instructions. If someone else is receiving, send them the room list and make sure they understand the agreed role.
Mark first-night supplies clearly, while recognizing that safe loading determines what can be accessed at each stage. Keep personal necessities with you rather than depending on truck access.
Understand the day's records
Ask how hourly time, authorized changes, payment stages and walkthroughs will be documented. Review relevant paperwork when required and ask about anything unclear. Keep a usable contact route to the office if a question cannot be resolved on site.
Use the team-leader question list alongside the carton-label system. For larger or high-end moves, review the $750 coordinator option in your JEM plan before moving day.
