Moving includes much more than just the physical work. There are a lot of legal issues and documents. Many people end up being victims of fraud due to a lack of understanding of the documents related to the moving. Therefore, it’s crucial to read and understand every single detail in moving contracts. That’s especially the case with complicated issues such as cargo export. The first general advice is to read carefully every line before signing. For the rest, we’ve come up with a useful guide to help you understand moving contracts and paperwork. Here it is.

The terms you need to know to fully understand moving contracts and paperwork

One of the first subjects we think it’s important for you to know is moving contract terminology. If you plan on moving to Japan, pay special attention.

Quotes and estimates- one of the elements of the moving contracts and paperwork

Sending a quotation request to the moving company is the beginning of the moving process. After sending a quotation request, the moving company will send you an assessment. Above all, read it carefully. Furthermore, pay attention to every single detail, especially when it comes to the sorts of moving estimates.

• Binding estimates

A binding estimate guarantees a total cost of moving, with no extra fees attached. This kind of estimate depends on the services the moving company provides. Take our advice and hire a local company, because local companies conduct home inspections. Therefore, after the home inspection, they will give you a written assessment. Because estimates by email or phone are never reliable and accurate.

•  Non-binding estimates

A non-binding estimate is not as accurate as of the binding estimate. It’s just an assumption of the final moving cost. The real final cost will depend on the services you requested. Finally, the moving company in question could require 10 percent more than the original estimate. Therefore, be careful with this kind of estimate.

Before you sign the moving contract, make an inventory list of your belongings

First of all, you must understand moving contracts and paperwork related before sealing the deal. Making an inventory list of your belongings is one of the actions you should do. First, mark the status of your items and mark them correctly. If you don’t do it, you won’t be able to prove that the carrier damaged your items during the move. Furthermore, check the inventory list on the moving day and the day of delivery. Ask the mover to provide you with a separate cost for moving your high-value items. Also, the items must be properly tagged. There’s a possibility the mover will insist on packing high-value items. Even though you’ve already packed them. They have to take proper measures to preserve their value.

The most important part for understanding moving contracts and paperwork is a bill of lading

When it comes to movings, this document is maybe the most important one. You will receive it from your mover on the day of your moving. A bill of lading is a contract between a client and the moving company. It arranges all the details concerning your relocation. You have to be very careful when it comes to provisions. Also, pay attention to the right of the movers to limit their liability.

Here are the main information the bill of lading has to include

• Contact information of the moving company and licenses

The name, office address, and telephone number are obligatory. The bill of lading should have the MC number and the USDOT number. Make sure the MC number is the same on the truck as in the bill of lading. If this is not the case, maybe you’re dealing with a fraudulent moving company.

• Contact information of the client

The bill of lading should include a full name and telephone number of the client. Make sure you entered all the data correctly.

• Destinations of origin and the shipment

Write both of the addresses correctly. Any mistake could cost you paying more due to your negligence.

• Cost of services and method of payment as a crucial part of moving contracts and paperwork

The bill of lading should include all the services the company offers you, with appropriate rates. Any additional services the moving company provides you have to be stated. Also, when it comes to payment methods, you can pay with cash, debit and credit card. Some of the moving companies ask for a non-refundable deposit. Concerning the deposit, it must not exceed 10 percent of the final cost of your relocation.

• The time and date for pickup and delivery of your belongings

The bill of lading must include a specific date and time for pickup and delivery. Also, you can arrange a time frame. If this is the case, and the professional movers cannot complete the agreement, ask for compensation.

Other paperwork related to property

The bill of lading isn’t the only document you’re going to need. Also, there are other property-related documents related to purchase, rental or sale. You should keep them alongside the other moving paperwork. Furthermore, keep the guarantees and receipts related to expensive purchases.

A resume for understanding moving contracts and paperwork

Hence, we present you with a few extra tips to help you to fully understand this topic.

•  Don’t hesitate to ask your mover for any clarification.
•  Study the paperwork before the moving day comes. Also, do a thorough research of the moving company.
• If you don’t know how to check all the paperwork, ask a friend or a family member to do that for you.

Finally, we hope that this guide has helped you to clarify the topic of understanding moving contracts and paperwork. Essentially, the key is to read, read and read. Follow these simple rules and there’s no doubt your relocation will be stress-free. Good luck!