What’s Included in my Moving Contract?

What's included in my moving contract? Blog header image, ADSI Moving Systems

There are a lot of things you have to figure out as you’re preparing to move, but your moving contract shouldn’t be one of them. We’re breaking down the key components of our contracts and what they mean for you as you look towards your upcoming relocation. 

Moving Estimate

Moving estimates must be in writing and can be binding or non-binding. Assuming the weight values calculated are accurate, with binding estimates you are not required to pay anything higher than the estimate. With non-binding estimates, you could be required to pay up to 110% of the estimated cost.

Expert Tip: Whether in person or virtually, the assessment period is the time to inform your movers of any items that require special attention and to ask any questions you may have about the estimated cost of your relocation. 

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is a receipt that includes your moving contract and states that the moving company has taken possession of your belongings for transit. It defines where and how your items will be transported and it should be read carefully before signing. It also defines their payment requirements and their level of liability should anything happen during your move. 

Expert Tip: Keep a copy of the Bill of Lading on hand until you have received all your items and you have inspected them all. 

Inventory Sheet

Inventory sheets are lists of everything the movers are transporting. The moving company will use this to keep track of your items as they enter and exit the moving vehicle. As a customer, you can use these to make sure everything is loaded and unloaded during your move. 

Expert Tip: Color code the spaces in your home and use the color coding on your boxes and items to make it easier to track and sort boxes as they enter and exit the truck on moving day.

What is the High-Value Inventory Sheet?

Separate inventory sheets may be created for high-value items. Any significant items that are valued at more than $100/pound in your shipment should be declared on your high-value inventory form. These items may have additional costs to pack and ship, but will also be better protected.

Items to consider including on your High-Value Inventory Sheet include

  • Antiques
  • Family Heirlooms
  • Paintings and Sculptures
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather Clocks
  • High-end Elextronics
  • And other valuable items

Expert Tip: Carry any small, high-value items with you on moving day, if possible. This keeps them from being lost or damaged during transit and ensures you always know where they are. 

Your Liability and Protection Options 

ADSI Moving Systems offers full-value protection and standard protection options (60-cents/lb, per article), in addition to high-value inventory declarations. Full value protection is recommended to all customers and is included in your move estimate by calculating $6 x the weight of your shipment. This price can be customized to include a higher level of protection for certain items if needed. The standard 60-cents/lb, per article protection, is a budget-friendly option that includes lower level protection within your moving contract. 

Wondering which protection option is best for you? Read more here

Rights and Responsibilities Document

Your moving company should always present you with the “Rights and Responsibilities When Moving” document that defines the rights and responsibilities of both you, the customer, and the moving company and more information about your move. 

The rights and responsibilities document outlines your rights as a client. This can include having your shipment weighed again if you are not confident it is correct, or to request any complaint information about the company you are working with to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy. Some of these regulations only apply to moves that cross state lines. 

Expert Tip: Be sure to confirm whether you are in contact with a moving company or a household goods broker. A household goods broker is not responsible for any loss or damages incurred during the move.

Ready to get moving? ADSI Moving Systems can help. Contact our team today to schedule your virtual or in-home estimate for your upcoming relocation.