What do I need to know about all the moving paperwork?

What Do I Need to Know About All the Moving Paperwork?

Besides boxes and packing materials, moving also involves a lot of paperwork. The many forms you must fill out for each job a professional moving services company performs can get confusing. However, all the commercial moving contracts you receive during the relocation process ensure you pay the right amount for the requested services. They also help you safeguard all your belongings during transport. 

To make your move easier, take a few minutes to learn about the various types of moving company paperwork and the reasons why they are so important:

1. Service Estimate

The first document you should get from any moving company, including those in Mullica Hill, NJ, is a service estimate. Your estimate is a summary of moving costs based on the items you need to have relocated, the destination of your move, any packing or storage services required and other specifics. This paperwork should include insurance information, the estimated cost of moving, extra services offered and other details you’ll need to know about your service.

Your service estimate will either be:

  • A revised written estimate: This document is subject to change depending on the actual weight of the move, so if your items weigh more than estimated, you’ll have to pay more money at the end of the service.
  • A binding estimate: This document offers a fixed price based on the estimated weight of your inventory, so you’ll pay what the company originally quoted you, no matter what your shipment costs.
  • A binding not-to-exceed estimate: With this estimate, the moving company provides an estimated cost based on the inventory’s projected weight. If it ends up weighing more, you won’t pay extra, but if it weighs less, you’ll only pay the shipping cost.

If you’re confused about any of the numbers the moving company puts on your moving agreement form, you should ask questions before you sign the commercial moving contract. You should understand what you agree to pay and what the moving company agrees to do for you, even if you need to ask the same question again.

This moving agreement form will help you figure out if you can see yourself working with your chosen company. You can request an estimate from another company when moving to locations like Mt. Laurel, NJ, if you don’t like the estimate or their communication style.

2. Order for Moving Service

Once you have chosen a moving company and agree to the terms of their estimate, they will issue you an Order for Service. This moving company release form outlines the agreement you have with the company. It permits them to handle your items as described in the contract. You must sign this Order for Service and pay a deposit to confirm your service reservation.

The Order for Service includes:

  • The type of moving vehicle.
  • The date they agree to pick up your belongings.
  • All accessorial services required to finish your residential move.
  • The approximate date they agree to deliver your items.
  • Any cancellation policies they may have.
  • The total price, which should be the same as what they gave you in the estimate.
  • Optional insurance you can add to your moving services.
  • Other items you may have negotiated with the moving company during the estimate process.

3. Inventory List

On moving day, the moving company will begin to pack and load your belongings. During this process, the supervisor will create an inventory list of every box they load onto the truck. The inventory list will include notes about the condition of the items before loading as well as any other relevant details.

You should also make an inventory list so you can cross-check their documents and make sure all your items are where they need to be. Consider taking a picture of each of your belongings to prove any damage done after the move. Your inventory list should have as much information about the items as possible, such as:

  • A thorough description.
  • The item’s condition.
  • The box in which you put it.
  • The item’s serial number.
  • The amount you paid for it.

Each of your belongings will receive a numbered sticker, which the moving company will record on the inventory sheet. These stickers ensure you receive every item on the truck at the final destination. The stickers and the list can identify missing goods.

After the moving services company packs the truck and completes the inventory list, they’ll provide you with a copy of this list along with a Bill of Lading. Look over the inventory list carefully and make any disputes before the truck leaves. You should also personally check the items themselves for any damage done while loading the truck. Any changes you want to make to your inventory list will require your and the supervisor’s signature.

4. High-Value Inventory List

If you want to ship high-value items, the moving company should include them on a separate inventory list and specifically label them for easy identification. Most moving companies want to pack them to prevent any issues. The value of your expensive items will be recorded on the inventory list as well. It might be best for you to get additional insurance for items worth more than a hundred dollars for extra protection.

5. Bill of Lading

Once your items are packed, inventoried and loaded onto the truck, you will receive a Bill of Lading. This final moving company contract should state the following information:

  • The name, address and contact information of the company.
  • Your name, current address and contact information.
  • The delivery address.
  • The date of loading and estimated delivery.
  • A list of all services provided and service rates.
  • Your method of payment.
  • The insurance information.
  • Any dispute settlement information.
  • A valuation addendum of the method you have chosen to value your property.

You are required to sign the Bill of Lading before the truck leaves the property with your items. You should review everything carefully and resolve any disputes at this time since the Bill of Lading releases your belongings to the moving company.

Combine your copy of the Bill of Lading with your copy of both inventory lists, the Order for Service and the original service estimate in an envelope. Keep those documents with you. You will need them when your items are delivered to ensure that everything arrives safely and you receive the agreed service.

Moving Soon? Transtar Moving Systems Will Help

Moving services must follow strict rules regarding how they charge for their services, insure your items and transport your property to a new location. These important moving agreement forms track your service from beginning to end, spelling out everything for both you and the moving company. If any problems arise, this paperwork will be invaluable for resolving moving disputes. Keep them safely with you during and after your relocation until your move comes to a successful conclusion!

Transtar Moving Systems specializes in relocation services in the Philadelphia and South Jersey areas, including Cherry Hill, Delran, Hamilton and Springfield. We’ll explain all the paperwork you need and treat your high-value belongings with the utmost care. If you need assistance with a local or long-distance move from or to South Jersey or Philadelphia, contact Transtar Moving Systems today for your free in-home moving estimate. For more information about our services, contact us online or call 855-720-7833.

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