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Understanding moving contracts and paperwork

There is always more to the process of moving than just the physical work. It also includes a lot of legal issues and documents. Even though reading and signing so many papers can be tiring, it’s essential to understand every single detail in them. Many people don't pay attention to the details, so they end up being victims of fraud. That's why understanding all the documents of a moving company is crucial. Besides, all those contracts are necessary to determine the rules of your move. That is also the case if you're moving to Austin. So, we've come up with an excellent guide for understanding moving contracts and paperwork. By following them, you will save your money and nerves. Stay tuned!

Let's begin with the terms needed to understand moving contracts and paperwork

Before we start elaborating on the subject of moving contracts and paperwork, get acquainted with the terms. If you're planning on relocating to Texas, you'll need to know the essentials.

Quotes and estimates as a part of the moving contracts and other paperwork

Crucial part of moving contracts and paperwork аre the costs.
Don't hesitate to ask the moving company about the cost of your moving. That is probably the most crucial part of the moving contracts and paperwork related to moving.
These are the first documents you'll have to study and sign. After you send a quotation request to the moving company, they'll send you an assessment. That is the beginning of the moving contracts and paperwork process. Pay attention to the details because there are two types of moving estimates.
  • Binding estimates This kind of estimate guarantees you a total cost of the relocation. It depends on the services you ask for and the weight of your items. We advise you to work with a local company that conducts home inspections. Ask them to provide you with a written assessment, because estimates by phone or email are never entirely accurate.
  • Non-binding estimates This sort of estimate is just an assumption of the moving cost. The cost depends on the estimated weight of your items and the services you requested. In the end, the moving company may require that you pay 10 percent more than the original estimate.

Bill of lading- a must-know term if you want to understand moving contracts and paperwork genuinely

This document is one of the most important documents you'll receive from your mover. The moving service provider will give it to you on your moving day. It represents a contract between the movers and their customers. But, pay attention to the provisions concerning the right of movers to limit their liability. The bill of lading should include:

Contact information of the moving company and license of the mover

The bill of lading has to contain the name, telephone number, and the office address of the carrier. Also, the MC number must be indicated in the bill of lading, as well as the USDOT number. Check if the MC number on the truck is the same as the number on the bill of lading. Any lack of basic data is a sign that something is wrong with the status of the moving company.

Destination of origin and destination of the shipment

Make sure to write the addresses correctly. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to pay more due to your own mistake.

Your contact information

Your full name and telephone number are obligatory. They also have to be entered correctly.

The exact time and date for pickup and delivery

You and your mover have to specify the date and time of the pickup and delivery. But there is also a possibility to set the time frame. If you set the delivery date frame, but the movers can’t complete the agreement, you should receive compensation.

Last but not least- Cost of services and method of payment as a crucial part of moving contracts and paperwork

The moving company has to include all services with appropriate rates in the bill of lading. The conditions and terms of payment for general moving charges have to be in moving contracts and paperwork. Also, any additional service that the moving company will provide you must be in the bill of lading. Moving companies offer different payment methods, such as cash, certified checks, credit, and debit cards. Some of them ask for a non-refundable deposit. But, be careful, because the deposit must not exceed 10 % of the final cost of your move.
Moving contract is always recommended.
Before signing, make sure you've read and understood every detail in the moving contract.

Property-related paperwork

Besides from the bill of lading, there are other property-related documents. They are related to purchase, rental, sale or lease of your former, current, or new residence. Keep them alongside your other moving documents. Make sure they have the name and the contact information of your landlord or rental company. Also, keep the receipts, guarantees, and other documents related to expensive purchases, such as household appliances.

Make an inventory list before signing the moving contract

First, make an inventory list of all of your belongings. Make sure that the status of your items is correctly marked. Otherwise, in case the item gets damaged during the move, there could be problems. You won’t be able to prove that it was the carrier’s fault. That’s why you have to be careful when checking inventory lists on moving day, and the day of delivery. In case you own high-value items, the mover should provide you with a separate list of items and the cost. The items must be tagged appropriately. Some movers will insist on packing these items or if you’ve packed them, to take proper measures to preserve their value.
Inventory list is an addition to the other paperwork related to your moving.
Before signing a moving contract or other paperwork, make an inventory list.

Final tips to fully understand moving contracts and paperwork

To sum up, here are some useful tips you should have in mind.
  • Ask for clarification wherever you need it.
  • Ask the moving company to give you the paperwork before moving day. Research the moving company beforehand.
  • If you feel overwhelmed with all the paperwork, ask a family member or a trustworthy friend to take care of that instead.

Conclusion

We hope that we’ve managed to give you guidance for understanding moving contracts and paperwork. By following our advice, you will be one step closer to a smooth and easy relocation. No problems attached. Good luck!

Dallas

11884 Greenville Ave #100A, Dallas, TX 75243

PHONE: (682) 651-5505

Fort Worth

3320 Dooling St, Fort Worth, TX 76111

PHONE: (682) 651-5505

San Antonio

11955 Parliament St #1308, San Antonio, TX 78216

PHONE: (210) 944-8858

New Braunfels

1383 Village Inn, New Braunfels, TX 78132

PHONE: (830) 542-8608

Austin

PHONE: (512) 595-3003

Grapevine

120 N Dooley St, Suite 5, Grapevine, TX 76051

PHONE: (682) 651-5505