Discovering mold or mildew on your belongings is stressful. This guide explains how to identify mold, how to prevent it before you pack, and the official procedures to follow if you suspect it is present in your household goods shipment. 

If you beleive there is mold or mildew in your shipment, your immediate priority is safety. Stop unpacking, isolate the affected items if possible, and contact your local transportation office right away. 

Spotting the signs of mold

Mold isn’t always visible. It's important to know the subtle signs of a moisture problem.

• The smell: A strong, musty, or earthy odor is the most common first indicator.

• Visual cues: Look for powdery residue, fuzzy patches, or dark/discolored spots on vulnerable surfaces like leather, wood, and upholstery.

• Box condition: Pay close attention to the cardboard boxes. If a box is damp, has water stains, or feels soft, there is a high likelihood of moisture inside.

What happens if you find mold?

The steps you take depend on exactly when you discover the mold. Acting quickly and documenting everything is crucial. 

When mold is reported on a shipment in transit or at delivery, the government and the TSP follow a formal process. This process is overseen by a Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector, who is a government official that makes key decisions. 

Inspection and testing

Once you report mold, the TSP will arrange for an inspection. The QA inspector will be present to determine if there is evidence of mold. 
 

• If the QA and TSP agree that mold is present, no testing is needed, and they will move to the next step.

• If the QA and TSP disagree, the QA will authorize formal testing by a qualified business to confirm the presence of mold. 

Delivery of uncontaminated items

While the mold issue is being assessed, you have the right to receive the rest of your shipment. The TSP is responsible for separating the clean, uncontaminated portion of your shipment and arranging for its delivery to you as soon as practical. 

Remediation (cleaning) vs. replacement

The TSP is liable for mold damage that occurs during the move. A professional mold remediation firm will provide an itemized estimate to determine if items can be safely cleaned or if they are unsalvageable. 
 

• Remediation: If an item can be effectively cleaned, the TSP will arrange for it to be professionally remediated at their expense. 

• Replacement: If an item is deemed unsalvageable, or if the cleaning cost is higher than its value, it will be handled as part of your loss/damage claim for its Full Replacement Value (FRV).

Important note: The QA inspector makes the final decision on whether remediation is appropriate. The TSP has the right to attempt remediation. However, you may refuse to accept cleaned items 

Once the truck pulls away, your shipment is officially "in transit." While your belongings are on the road, your role shifts from overseeing the packing to tracking the journey and preparing for delivery.

Retrieving sentimental items

You may be given an opportunity to inspect the contaminated items and retrieve a few irreplaceable items of extreme sentimental value, like photo albums or family heirlooms. The TSP may require you to sign a liability release before handling these items. 

Inspecting cleaned items

After items are professionally cleaned, you must be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect them before they are transported back to your residence.

• If you accept the items, the TSP will schedule final delivery.

• If you reject the cleaning on any item, the TSP will notify the QA and MCO. If the QA determiens the remediation was unacceptable, the item will be handled through the claims process. If the QA determines the remediation was acceptable, you will be advised that further refusal may result in the denial of your claim for that item.

Filing a claim for mold follows the same two-step process in DPS as any other loss or damage claim. You must still submit a Notice of Loss or Damage within 180 days of delivery, followed by your itemized claim. You have nine months to file this claim for shipments picked up on or before May 14, 2026, while the deadline is extended to 12 months for shipments picked up on or after May 15, 2026. Please note that if you file after your respective deadline, you will only be eligible to receive the item’s depreciated value rather than its full replacement value.
 

• For a complete walkthrough of the claims process, see our Understanding Moving Claims guide. 

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