--- title: What Is a Punch List? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/punch-list/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Punch list # What is a punch list? A punch list is the written list of items still to be fixed, found missing or noted as damaged when a delivery or installation is done. Under 49 CFR 375.503(d), you have the right to note missing articles and damage in writing at delivery and to receive a copy. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) At the end of a move, the truck is empty and everyone is tired, and that is exactly when the punch list gets skipped. It is the most useful single page you can produce on delivery day, because it records, in writing and with a date, anything that is not as it should be. ## Two meanings, one habit In construction and installation, a punch list is the final list of small tasks before a project is accepted: a hinge to adjust, a scuff to touch up, a unit to level. In residential moving it works like the exceptions line on the inventory. O'Brien's installs furnishings for hotels, dormitories, senior living and model rooms, and for interior designers, so both meanings come up. See [FF&E receiving and installation](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/commercial-moving/ffe/). ## What the federal rule gives you Section 375.503(d) requires the mover, on delivery, to give you the opportunity to observe and verify that the same articles are being delivered and the condition of those articles. You must be able to note in writing any missing articles and the condition of any damaged or destroyed articles, and the mover must give you a copy of all such notations. The inventory you signed at pickup, with its numbered stickers, is the checklist you hold the delivery against. ## How to run one on delivery day Missing cartons are noted the same way. A short list written on the spot is far easier to act on than a long memory a week later. - Keep the signed inventory and bill of lading in hand before the first carton comes off the truck. - As pieces come in, check the numbered tag against the inventory and tick it off. - Look at each large piece in good light before the crew leaves the room. - Write each problem on the inventory or a separate page: the item, the number, the damage, the room. - Take a photograph of the damage and of the page. - Have the crew lead sign or acknowledge the page and keep a copy for yourself. ## What happens next The punch list supports a claim but does not start one. A claim is filed in writing with the mover, and the federal booklet describes the nine-month period for filing a loss or damage claim on an interstate move. The [how to file a moving claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) guide walks through the steps. The remedy depends on the valuation level you chose, covered in [valuation coverage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/). ## A caution about signing Read what you sign. A receipt that says everything arrived in good order, signed while boxes are still being carried in, can make a later claim harder. Sign after you have looked, and add your exceptions above your signature. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.503 inventory](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR678dd6dec294449/section-375.503) - [eCFR, 49 CFR part 370 claims](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-370) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) - [FF&E receiving, storage, delivery and installation](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/commercial-moving/ffe/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Debris removal](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/debris-removal/) - [Appliance service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/appliance-service/) - [Valuation deductible](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/) - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) - [Linehaul](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/linehaul/) - [White glove service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/white-glove-service/) - [Binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/binding-estimate/) - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I need a punch list if nothing looks wrong? Check anyway. Concealed damage is often found later, and a signed note that you inspected is useful. ### Can I add to the list after the crew leaves? Yes, but send it to the mover in writing promptly. A claim must be filed in writing within the period the federal rules set. ### Does a punch list apply to installations? Yes. After furniture is placed for a hotel, dormitory or model room, the same list records anything left to adjust or replace. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) N Nadine K. May 15, 2025 The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again! ### Owner's reply Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success. G Greg S. January 22, 2025 3 O'Brien movers came down from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to assist our company moving a lot of big furniture out of a large warehouse. They showed up on-time, were friendly, and were professional and got the job done quickly and diligently. Will definitely use them again. ### Owner's reply Thanks for the great review Greg! We really appreciate you taking the time to do that for us. We look forward to working with you again! B Bruce E. December 25, 2024 My family moved exclusively with Bekins when I was young and O'Brien's made it a pleasure to return to this fine local company. I would be pleased to have any members of O'Brien's as friends and highly recommend O'Brien's to anyone needing the services they provide! ### Owner's reply Bruce thank you so much for taking the time to review our company. It was an extreme pleasure to work for you, please do not hesitate to call us for any help you need in the future. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070