Guide to understanding moving contract specifics

Your moving to-do list probably seems like it has no end and therefore it tends to be pretty overwhelming. That’s why many people decide to hire professional assistance and make moving easier. But there’s something you should keep in mind when you’re working with a Monterey moving company. Namely, when you’re hiring moving professionals, you have to sign a moving contract. As with all contracts, you should read through it and see what it entails. However, if you have no experience with moving contracts, this can be a bit confusing and you might not know what to look at. Don’t worry, though. That is exactly why we’re here to give you some tips for understanding moving contract specifics before signing it.

The description of moving services

First and foremost, your moving contract should include a list of all the services you’re getting from the moving company. Usually, this is the first thing you’ll see on the contract. When you’re reading the moving contract and making sure everything is in order, you should pay attention to this section of the contract. Make sure that the movers have included all the moving services you’ve agreed upon and none of the services you didn’t ask for. Obviously, the services you’re getting contributions to the moving expenses, so make sure you’re not paying for something you didn’t ask for. Here are some of the common moving services people get:

• residential or commercial moving services
• packing services and moving boxes Monterey CA
• local, long-distance or interstate moving services
• storage services
• furniture moving services.

The scope of services

Other than the list of moving services, you can find a section with the scope of the services in the contract. To understand the moving contract, you should know what this means. Basically, this section of the moving contract is sort of like a timeline of the services. The scope of services often comes in the form of a numbered list and it covers everything from making an inventory to loading and unloading the truck. Sometimes, this section even includes some additional information. For example, it might be stated here that your things must be packed up and ready to go once the movers arrive.

One of the most important sections for understanding moving contract: payment terms

One of the things that’s most important for many people when it comes to moving is the price of their relocation. It’s always best to calculate moving expenses in advance and create a moving budget. If you’re working with professional movers, you can always ask them for free moving estimates. When it comes to signing the moving contract, you should pay extra attention to the section that covers the payment of your expenses.

This section of the moving contract explains how much you’re supposed to pay for the services, when you should pay and what happens if you don’t pay the services by the set date. Here, the movers often describe the pricing structure i.e. if you’re paying an hourly rate or a fixed rate. When you’re reading the mover contract, you need to pay close attention to the payment section. Once you sign the contract, you’ve legally agreed to pay what’s stated in the contract, so be careful. Go over this section and voice your concerns and issues if there are any.

Pay attention to additional charges to fully understand mover contract

While we’re on the topic of payment, there is one more section to keep in mind. Namely, the moving contract might include a sub-section that states certain accessorial charges. In this part of the moving contract, you’ll find some additional moving fees that you might be charged. For instance, if the movers have to pack some of your things that aren’t ready on moving day or if they have to navigate the moving truck in areas that aren’t easy to access with large vehicles. So, when reading the moving contract, check out this section to see all the things you’re paying for. 

Bill of lading: one of the most important documents when moving

When moving day arrives and your residential movers show up to relocate your household, they should give you a bill of lading. The movers aren’t allowed to move your items without this document. The bill of lading is a document that states all the things we mentioned above: the moving fees, the services you’re getting, the pickup and delivery dates, the insurance coverage…

You need to read this document carefully before signing it. Make sure the fees match the ones that you had agreed upon and that the bill of lading includes the same terms you had agreed on earlier. If something seems off and the document doesn’t match the moving contract, talk to your movers. In case everything is okay, both you and the mover need to sign this document. You should keep the bill of lading as it serves as the receipt of service. When it comes to understanding moving contract and other paperwork, this might be the most important document to understand and read thoroughly.

Take note of the inventory sheet when understanding moving contract

Other than the bill of lading, the movers should also give you an inventory sheet on moving day. This is exactly what you think it is – a list of all your belongings. The movers will fill out the inventory list while they’re removing items from your home. They tag each item and write the number on the inventory list. You should be present while they’re filling out the inventory sheet to make sure they don’t skip anything.

This is an important document as it guarantees that all of your things have been loaded onto the truck. You’ll also use this sheet to ensure that everything has arrived at the destination. Once the movers unload the truck, you should use the inventory list to see if there’s anything missing or if there are any damages. This step is what will help you if you’re filing an insurance claim. So, don’t just skim through this sheet, read it carefully instead.

Read the entire contract before signing it

The last tip we’re going to give you is to read the entire contract carefully. Understanding moving contract specifics and making sure that everything is in order is crucial when you’re working with a moving company. Carefully going through the paperwork will make sure nothing goes wrong and you don’t get scammed. So, take your time and ask the movers about anything you don’t understand.