Tips when signing a moving contract

Choosing a moving company to organize and execute your next relocation is a decision that should be based need on reliable and honest information. Your chosen company should practice full-disclosure with its clients. Due to the stress that comes with packing and moving, choosing the right professionals and signing a moving contract may be a little overwhelming. With so many moving companies on the market, how do you find the right one for you? Well, you are in the right place. We are going to present you with all the necessary information that you should pay close attention to when signing a moving contract. So read on and you shouldn’t have any problems on moving day.

Before signing a moving contract, see if your movers have license and insurance

Before you hire a moving company and even consider signing a moving contract, you need to check if they have a license and insurance for this. Since your Park Slope moving company will be responsible for safely transporting your whole life (in most cases), they will be also responsible for any damage your items might have suffered. But they cannot be held accountable if they are not insured. If they are not even licensed you’ll have to deal with that problem separately by involving yourself in lengthy litigation. Remember, always investigate your top choices in moving companies. They need to have both the license and insurance. Otherwise, it can be very costly for you if you choose a company that is not secure in that way.

Reputation is everything in the moving business

Ask friends, colleagues, and local real estate agents which companies they would recommend. Do not go straight for the loudest advertisements or pretty flyers. This is one of those industries where recommendations make or break companies. It will be crucial to the success of your move to do your homework. The smartest move you could make is to ask around about the company’s reputation before signing a moving contract. The best way to get facts is to talk to real customers. Getting positive feedback will give you much more peace of mind when deciding on your trusted moving company. Just as well, if you find out about incidents or see bad reviews, that can help you avoid some potentially dangerous mishaps or even scams.

Signing a moving contract – what to pay attention to

Now that you have chosen the perfect, reliable and reputable moving company, you can start learning about what information you should pay attention to when signing a moving contract. First and foremost, there are three parts to a moving contract. These are the three most important aspects of this document:

• An accurate moving estimate
• Bill of landing
• The full inventory list

A moving estimate

We need to point this out right at the beginning: a reliable moving company should provide you with free moving quotes Brooklyn. If you are looking at a moving company that has not offered to do that, you need to steer clear of them.

It is your right to know exactly how much your long distance move is going to cost you. The company is obliged to provide you with a precise estimate with no hidden costs and only then can you agree to sign a moving contract. Secondly, hold back from signing a moving contract before meeting up with the mover. How is the company supposed to quote you the right price if they haven’t completed an inventory sheet with your household or office belongings? Therefore, choose a company that gives you a free moving quote, that can be binding or non-binding. Then you may continue with the rest of the procedure.

How much is it going to cost?

Make sure you show the mover visiting your home all the rooms and all the items that you want to move. That way they will be able to give you an accurate estimate. Estimates are formed by calculating the amount of time it takes to move. That’s why it is important to show your mover everything from attics, wardrobes, basements to sheds.

If you are moving out of the state, ask if the company would give you a written statement of their assessment. Even better, ask if they can provide you with a mandatory estimate – one that cannot exceed the estimate. In any of these two cases, you will put a limit on what you are willing to pay. If there is no binding contract, you can expect to find additional costs on your final bill.

What are the terms you need to know before signing a moving contract?

1. Non-binding estimates are mere assumptions of what the moving cost will be. It is created using the estimated weight of your items and the additional services you requested. Final payments will be based on the properly measured weight of your shipment. The mover may request an additional 10 percent over the original estimate.
2. Binding estimates guarantee a total cost in advance with no hidden costs or additional fees afterward. In order to do so, your movers need to organize a survey at your home and calculate what the move will require. When they finish, they will give you a written assessment.
3. Bill of lading is a mandatory part of any moving contract. It serves as a contract between the movers and their customers. You should pay attention to the fine print that gives the movers the right to limit their liability.

Make sure your bill of lading includes the following before signing a moving contract:

• Contact details and license number of your moving company
• Your contact information
• Origin and destination of the shipment
• Pick up and delivery dates previously agreed between you and the company
• Cost of services and method of payment
• Dispute resolution information
• The detailed inventory list

Why is it so important to understand everything before signing a moving contract?

Reading and signing so many papers is tiring for many people. But, it is crucial for the safety of your belongings that you completely understand everything that is in them. If you are not familiar with some of the terms in your contracts, you are vulnerable to moving scams. So, in order to save your nerves and your money, investigate the fine print before signing a moving contract.