How to understand your moving contract

Moving is a difficult task for one to undertake. Not only you have to relocate your whole life to another address, but you also need to find a good moving company. However, the stress of the move does not end here. If you plan to hire a moving company, you will need to sign a moving contract. Furthermore, most people do not read them or even understand everything listed there. It is extremely important to understand what are you paying for since it is not in your interest to lose money. For this reason, let’s break down the moving contract and see what it contains.

Why you should hire a moving company

You might want to avoid all the hassle with a moving contract, and just do it on your own. However, that might not be the best idea. Unless you have the previous experience and you are competent enough to handle the move, you should leave the job to the professionals. For example, if you are planning to move to Hawaii, then you should consider hiring the Maui Moving Company. They will provide the best service for the reasonable rates. They will take care of almost everything, all you need to sign the moving contract. Therefore, you should be able to understand it. Every moving contract consists of the following elements: •    Mover Estimate •    Order for Service •    Bill of Lading •    Inventory Sheet •    High-value Inventory Sheet

Mover Estimate

Once you decide which company will be responsible for the move, they will come for a visit. As the title suggests, the movers will do the estimate of your house and your belongings. Afterward, they will give you a copy of the moving estimate. It can be binding or non-binding, but in any case, it will tell the final amount. For this reason, it is important to find a decent moving company in order to avoid possible frauds. Additionally, this is the time when you should specify if you have any items that require special handling. This will affect the estimate since any additional service increases the price.

Non-Binding Estimate

When movers come to your house, they will assess your things. Afterward, they will give you the mover estimate as mentioned above. However, non-binding one gives you the approximate weight of your household belongings. They will include everything in the estimate, such as all the heavy furniture, stairs, the distance to the parking spot, and so on. Furthermore, this is not a moving contract. The movers will only give the maximum price, which can be changed if you add more things. Additionally, the non-binding estimate must be written, and to describe accurately the shipments and all the fees included. Most importantly, do not accept the bill of landing without the accurate estimate in order to avoid a moving scam.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is less used when compared to a non-binding estimate. Unlike non-binding estimate, you have to pay the fees written on the binding estimate. If you add more things, you will be billed separately. Similarly, the binding estimate should also be in writing and attach to the bill of landing. Once the movers deliver your goods, you need to pay. If you do not, they will put your things in storage, which you will have to pay. Whichever option you choose, just make sure you have everything in writing, signed and sealed.

Order of service

Once you agree to the estimate with the movers, you will get the order of service. This represents the official moving contract between you and the moving company. Here they will specify all the service they will provide for you. This includes the date of pick-up, the time of delivery, the estimated fees, insurance coverage, terms of the contract, and everything else you need to know about your move. Additionally, it might include the types of items mover will not move, cancellation policy, the details about the moving truck, and any additional fees you might have. Furthermore, if you do not agree with everything listed, you should speak with the person in charge. This is your chance to change certain details.

Bill of Lading

The most important part of the moving contract is the bill of lading. The mover will give it to you on your moving day. The mover cannot move your things without this document. You will need to sign this bill of lading but first read it very carefully. The terms listed here should be the same as you already agreed upon. You should pay special attention to the fees written here. If they do not match with the previous ones, you should discuss it with the movers. Furthermore, the movers need to sign the same document, and you should keep it with you. This will be your receipt of service. If you are moving to Kihei, then you should bring the bill of lading with you.

Inventory Sheet

The moving contract also consists of an inventory sheet. It lists all your items that movers will relocate. The movers will fill out the inventory sheet as they start removing your things. They will tag each item and write the number on the sheet. However, just because the movers are responsible for inventory, it does not mean you should let them do it alone. You should be an active participant in order to make sure they record every item properly. Additionally, once they deliver your items, see if something is damaged or if it is missing. Immediately notify the movers in order to claim insurance easily. If you forget something, you can always find a cheap way to ship heavy items.

High-value Inventory Sheet

Lastly, the mover will give you a separate list of high-value items, and their fees. Just like with inventory sheet, make sure that the movers tag everything properly. Sometimes, you will need to measure and pack them. Furthermore, you have to inspect the items once they reach your new house in order to see if they lost something or damage it.

Understanding moving contract

In conclusion, it is not that hard to understand the moving contract. Just make sure you have everything in writing, and keep the document with you.