Moving is a complicated process and should not be taken lightly at any cost. Its different if you are moving only a few blocks or a few miles away and doing everything yourself and renting a uhaul truck. But in the case where you are moving long distance or hiring a full service moving company to relocate you, you will have to make sure you have all the proper paperwork to protect you and your prized possessions.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a document that is issued from the residential mover or auto shipper you select to ship your belongings. It’s a contract that acknowledges that the carrier received your goods. Having this document in your possession ensures that the mover has your cargo and also holds them responsible for the safe transport of all your items.
Inventory List
As the name suggests, an inventory list is simply a list of all your items that the mover will be transporting for you. Make sure you put down every item you put in the truck on this list and have both yourself and the mover sign off on it.
Moving Insurance
Your belongings are precious and you’ve worked hard everyday to collect them. Its heart-breaking if any such item is damaged or broken in transit and to make matters worse if you are not covered properly, you could end up not being compensated for the damage either. Each moving company offers a short-term insurance that you can purchase in case there’s any damage done to your cargo. Protect yourself, buy the moving insurance.
Moving Estimates
Your mover will provide you with estimate of the cost for your move. These are usually on their individual contracts. Make sure you keep a copy of this. Whether you get a non-binding estimate, binding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate, have everything written on the contract and keep a copy of it.
If you are planning a move or looking for moving quotes, our network of licensed and professional movers will provide you with absolutely free quotes for moving.
