Troubleshooting
Import problems
Fix the messages you get when importing orders from a file — the file can't be read, columns not matched, rows with problems, rows that failed — and when importing an inventory spreadsheet.
- 3 min read
- Checked against MoveBoard
- For owners & admins
On this page
Importing orders runs in steps on Settings › Sales & orders › Import orders: upload, match columns, check the rows, preview, import. Each step has its own messages.
The file won't upload
- That file could not be read. — it isn't a real .csv or .xlsx, or it's damaged. Open it in Excel or Google Sheets and save it again as .csv or .xlsx.
- Old Excel (.xls) files cannot be read here. Open it in Excel or Google Sheets and save it as .xlsx or .csv, then upload that.
- That file is too large to import at once. — split it into smaller files (for example one per year) and import each.
The column headings must be in the first row.
Columns not matched
- Still to match: lists required fields with no column yet — every order needs a move date and the customer's primary phone. Pick the column for each on Map Columns. A full-name column can stand in for first and last name.
- No column is matched to Cubic Feet or Lbs: every order would come in at 10 cu ft and 70 lbs. Pick the column that holds it below. — match your volume or weight column, or the orders all come in tiny.
Rows with problems (Validate Data)
Each problem names the row and the column. Type the fix straight into the cell and press Re-validate, or fix the file and upload it again. Download problems gives the whole list.
| Message | Fix |
|---|---|
| … cannot be empty | Fill in the cell (the move date and phone are required). |
| Invalid date/time format. Supported: MM-DD-YYYY, MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM AM/PM, YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM, "Day, Month D, YYYY", or Excel serial dates | Use one of those date shapes. |
| Invalid time format. Expected HH:MM AM/PM | For example 08:00 AM. |
| Invalid email format | Fix or empty the email. |
| Invalid postal code. Use US format (5 digits) or Canadian format (A1A 1A1, 6 characters with space). | Fix the ZIP or postal code. |
| Invalid order status. Valid values: … | Use a listed status. Words from other software such as Confirmed, Booked, Cancelled or Lost are understood. |
| Invalid service type. Valid values: … | Use a listed service. Moving, Long Distance, Loading Help and Packing Day are understood. |
| … must be a valid number · … must be a positive number | Numbers only, no text or units. |
| … must be a boolean value (true/false, yes/no, 1/0) | Use yes or no. |
Rows that failed during the import
The Import history card shows Completed with errors with Imported and Failed counts. Press Errors CSV for the failed rows and why. An error occurred while converting data received by import means a number or date in that row couldn't be read — fix the row in the Errors CSV and import just those rows again.
Old moves and messages
Don't send any emails or texts for these orders is ticked to start with. Leave it ticked when you bring in finished moves — untick it and reminders can go to customers whose moves are long done.
Inventory spreadsheets
In an order's inventory (Create with AI) or the customer's inventory page, a spreadsheet of items can be imported into a room:
- Add a room first, then import the sheet into it.
- That spreadsheet could not be read. — save it again as .xlsx or .csv.
- Could not find an item name column. Name the first column Name or Item.
Related guides
- SettingsImport orders from a fileBring orders in from your previous software's export — upload the file, match its columns, fix problems, preview, and import.
- Switching to MoveBoardImport your orders from a fileBring your jobs into MoveBoard from a .csv or .xlsx export — prepare the file, match its columns, fix problem rows, preview and import — and what each imported order carries.
- Switching to MoveBoardSwitching to MoveBoard from another softwareA plan for moving your company to MoveBoard from other moving software or spreadsheets — what to set up first, what comes over, and a cut-over checklist for the day you switch.
- TroubleshootingEvery message MoveBoard can showThe messages MoveBoard shows when it can't do something — grouped by area, each with why it happens and what to do, with a link to the full article.
Still stuck? A person will help.
Open a ticket from Support inside MoveBoard, or email us — we usually reply within one business day.