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
- 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.
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.
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.
