Documents You Should Have Before Moving

. November 01, 2018

Top 5 Documents to Ensure a Smooth Move

Hiring a professional moving company for your move is one of the easiest and stress-free means of moving. Not only do they help you plan and organize your entire move, but they also help you offload them to your new home, taking away all the stress of heavy lifting. However, although professional movers are great, several things may go wrong when they help you pack. Thus, it is important that you have the necessary documents that can protect you and your belongings during your move, in case any unforeseen scenario arises.

Situations such as missing items, accidents, wrong arrival time of moving trucks, etc. may occur when moving, and if you do not have certain documents in place, you may fall at a loss. Therefore, it is important to have certain moving documents, especially the ones we have outlined below, to protect you from moving woes.

1. Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is an important legally binding document to have when moving, and you should have your moving service send it to you. It contains information such as all the items included in your shipment, as well as your preferred payment method, moving rate, origin and destination, and your insurer’s information. It will come in handy if unfortunate scenarios, such as missing items, occur during the course of your move.

2. Moving Estimate

As soon as your possessions have been surveyed by the moving company, you should receive a moving estimate. It should contain the charges for your move, including transportation, labor, packing services, storage charges, etc. It is important to go through this document thoroughly to ensure that all the charges are specified and to your satisfaction, before agreeing to it.

3. Inventory Documentation

This document should be given to you by the driver and should contain a form which describes all the inventory loaded onto the moving truck. The driver will also note the condition of your possessions at the time of loading them and indicate which items you packed yourself. Ensure to review this document thoroughly before you move from the site of origin.

4. Rights and Responsibility Copy

Another document to have when moving, especially from one state to another is a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibility.” You should also get a copy of the “Ready to Move Brochure,” provided by the FMCSA. These two documents provide detailed information on how to choose a reputable goods carrier and also instructions regarding complaints and questions. Be wary of home movers who do not provide these documents to you, as they may be rogue movers.

5. Liability Options

Although the various levels of liability are explained in “Your Rights and Responsibility” copy, your home mover should still provide you with an extra explanation of your liability options. If your mover operates locally, they are subject only to state transportation laws and may have multiple liability options for you. Interstate movers are required by Federal law to offer two liability options to you, so make sure to request for a full explanation of them before you choose a plan.

While moving services may make mistakes during your move, and you should protect yourself with these moving documents, it is also important that you pack your belongings with quality moving supplies, such as plastic moving boxes, to ensure adequate safety. Place an Order at A-Smart-Move today, or call us on 858-790-8349 for more information.

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