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Relocating across the country isn’t easy. Even if you’re staying within the U.S., a long-distance move comes with a laundry list of logistics, high costs, and endless chances for something to go wrong.
According to the 2024 Current Population Survey, 8.3% of U.S. households—about 10.9 million—reported moving over the past year.
Whether it’s for a job, cheaper housing, or just a change of scenery, moving is a major life event. But in some cases, the move itself becomes a source of the crisis.
That’s exactly what happened to one woman who says a moving company ruined every piece of furniture she owned.
Everything Got Off The Truck Ruined
In a TikTok video that’s been viewed more than 34,700 times, creator Mallory Byrd (@mrsmallorybyrd) cries as she explains what happened. “Be careful who you hire to move you across country,” she writes on the screen.
“We just got our furniture. And everything has water damage and is ruined and molded,” she explains. “I don’t know what to do.”
She then shows footage of the damage. A white cabinet is covered in black mold. A blanket looks soaked and discolored. Several wood pieces, possibly kitchen shelves, are clearly discolored. Cardboard boxes are mangled and damp. Byrd, visibly shaken, tries to explain what’s happening as she walks away from the truck.
“We just worked so hard moving here,” she says, her voice breaking. “It was a lot of money. And now I’ve got to replace all my furniture.”
She steps outside while the movers continue unloading. “Everything they’re getting off is ruined,” she continues.
Then, she explains why this situation is especially dangerous for her. “Because of my health condition and my medical history, I’m very susceptible to mold,” she explains. “So I can’t have any of that in my house. Everything basically has to go.”
She ends the video in disbelief. “I’m just like. I’m lost for words now.”
What Can You Actually Do If This Happens To You?
By law, the movers you hire are responsible for the belongings under their care.
If your belongings arrive damaged after a move, like in Byrd’s case, you may be able to file a claim with the moving company’s insurance provider. Many moving companies offer cargo coverage, which can help recover part—or sometimes all—of the loss.
Experts recommend taking immediate photos and videos of all the damage before touching anything. Then, write a detailed inventory list, save all communication with the company, and begin the claim process right away.
If the moving company won’t cooperate, a lawyer may be your next best step—especially if there’s significant financial loss or a health risk involved.
She Says The Damage Happened During Storage And Transport
In a follow-up video, Byrd shared more details. Her family moved from Mississippi to Florida using a brokerage service, which she declined to name “for legal reasons.”
She says their belongings were kept in storage for a month and that they paid for that service. She believes the damage likely happened in the moving truck itself, claiming there was a hole in the ceiling that may have let in moisture during transport. Byrd also shares that she has an immunodeficiency that prevents her body from fighting fungal infections, making mold exposure dangerous.
“It’s very, very scary,” she says.
In a third update, Byrd says they filed a claim and that the company is “working with [them]” and “trying to make this right.”
Commenters Were Shocked—And Offered Advice
In the comments, concerned viewers advised Byrd on her next actions.
“Moving companies have cargo coverage. Turn in a claim with their insurance company,” one person said.
“Demand to get completely reimbursed first, no exception,” another advised. ”Email them all the photos/videos of the damage. If they don’t work with you, sue them!!! Get a $ number together of how much you’re at a loss because of this. This is not okay!! Stay strong.”
Someone else warned, “Don’t bring a single piece in your house with all that mold. Oh gosh. So sorry.”
BroBible reached out to Byrd via TikTok and Instagram direct message.
Content shared from brobible.com.