Knowing is half the battle. So when it comes to moving, knowledge and understanding moving terms is power. (Check out part 1 if you missed it!) Empower yourself, equipped with some moving terms under your belt will make your moving company search a lot easier! Along with researching, understanding just what you’re paying for makes moving easier. Often times, if you ask your moving associate will try to explain to you what the moving terms means, but sometimes it just doesn’t stick or make sense. (I know the Client Loyalty Team at NorthStar Moving® will be more than willing to help and explain moving terms to you!)
So you’ve called up a great moving company, and the estimate has got you sold, but what do they cover exactly? Carrier’s liability is the amount of financial coverage that the moving company assumes for your items. It’s basically the amount the moving company will pay for your items should anything happen to them. The exact amount depends on which moving company you’re using, but I’ve got you covered and listed the three main types that moving companies provide.
Did you know this moving term fact? Moving companies will automatically provide “valuation” not insurance. This means that the value of your items is determined by whatever type is stated in your contract.When looking for moving companies, find out exactly what kind and how much liability coverage they provide.
- Declared Valuation: The value of your possessions is based on the total weight of the shipment multiplied by a specific amount per pound. Basically, this means your things are valued according to how much they weigh at a rate. The valuation in California is $.60. which means your items will be valued at how much they weigh times 60¢.
- Full Value Protection: This kind of coverage covers lost, damaged, or destroyed property of all kinds.
So what does moving insurance mean? Moving insurance refers to insurance purchased outside of the moving company that can further protect and cover amounts beyond in liability. If the valuation coverage that your moving company does not seem like it’d be good enough, look into purchasing some insurance outside of your moving company. I recommend this site, movinginsurance.com.
One of the most important moving terms to know is the Bill of Lading which is the contract between you and your mover for all the work for at the agreed price. It’s very important that you understand and agree with all the statements and moving terms, because this is a binding contract. You can almost think of it as a receipt accepting that the work has been done. Along with the bill of lading, watch out for the Bill of Lading Number, because it allows you to track the movers or refer to your order and move.
Be aware and be prepared by knowing these moving terms! The actual cost of your move might be different from the estimate if there are extra moving charges. A low ball estimate for your move might sound nice, but with hidden charges, your initial price might go way up! Watch out for the signs of a moving scam! Here’s a short list of some charges that moving companies might charge. It’s important to read through your papers and moving terms to see if these apply to your move.
- Elevator Carry: Some moving companies tack on a fee for moving your belongings in an elevator at either location. Be sure to tell your movers, if you do have an elevator.
- Flight Charge: Another extra charge is for carrying itmes up or down flights of stairs at either location. It’s important to tell your movers if you have stairs and how many flights.
- Fuel Charges: If you’re moving a longer distance, moving companies might tack on an extra fee called the fuel charge. This can be a flat rate surcharge or a fee per mile/kilometer.
- Third Party Charges: This refers to fees that are charged by a company or service outside of your moving company.
- Pickup and Delivery Charges: If your items need to be stored before you move, your moving company might charge for the pick-up at the storage facility and delivery to your new home.
- Moving Supplies Cost: Items used like packing tape, packing paper, eco-bubble, and shrink wrap used for packing and protecting furniture, a charge will be added on depending on how much is used if provided by the moving company.
Not all of these charges may apply, and for all you know, there might be more or less which is why it’s important to check with your movers about extra charges. Being informed of moving terms can really save you some cash if you know where to look.
If for some reason, something wrong happens and one of your items is damaged, missing, or broken, contact your moving company and file a claim. By filing a claim, your moving company can help you deal with your problem swiftly. That’s also where moving valuation and your moving insurance comes into play. How’s that for saving the day by knowing some great moving terms?
Moving terms can be quite hard to understand, but it’s super important to know what they mean if you want to make the most of your move. Now the only that’s left to do is pack up and your things, and get ready to move! Or you could leave it to the pros. Now that you know your moving terms, you can make an educated decision.