How to Read a Moving Contract

Full article 11 min read
How to Read a Moving Contract

When you’re moving, there’s a lot of paperwork to deal with. The most important document is the contract between you and the moving company. This document lays out the terms and conditions of your move, and it’s important to read it carefully before signing.

A moving contract is a legal agreement between you and the moving company. It lays out the terms and conditions of your move, including the dates, services, and prices involved. It’s important to read the contract carefully before signing, as it’s a binding agreement.

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Why Reading a Moving Contract Before Signing Is Important?

Here are some reasons why reading a moving contract is so important:

1. You’ll know what’s included in your move.

The contract should list everything included in your move, from the services the movers will provide to the cost of the move. If something isn’t listed, it may not be covered by your moving company.

2. You’ll know what’s expected of you.

The contract should also list your responsibilities as a customer, such as providing a parking spot for the moving truck or helping the movers with heavy items.

Also Read: What to Expect from Full-Service Movers?  

3. You’ll know your rights and responsibilities.

The contract should also spell out your rights and responsibilities as a customer, including what you can expect if something goes wrong during the move.

Also Read: How Do I Make Sure Movers Won’t Steal?

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4. You’ll be able to compare quotes from different moving companies.

When you’re shopping for a moving company, be sure to get quotes from several different firms. The contracts should be fairly similar, but there may be minor differences. By reading the contracts, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Also Read: Where to Find AAA Discounts on Moving Services

5. You’ll know what to do if something goes wrong.

If something goes wrong during your move, the contract should explain what steps you need to resolve the issue. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or arguments later on.

What does Moving Contract include?

When you’re moving, it’s important to understand what’s included in your moving contract. This document lays out the terms and conditions of your move, including the dates, services, and prices involved. It’s a binding agreement, so be sure to read it carefully before signing.

The contract should list everything included in your move, from the services the movers will provide to the cost of the move. If something isn’t listed, it may not be covered by your moving company.

Your responsibilities as a customer should also be listed in the contract, such as providing a parking spot for the moving truck or helping the movers with heavy items.

If something goes wrong during your move, the contract should explain what steps you need to resolve the issue. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or arguments later on.

Remember, it’s important to read a moving contract before signing. This document lays out the terms and conditions of your move, so you’ll know what’s included and what’s expected of you. It’s a binding agreement, so be sure to read it carefully before signing.

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Your agreement may be slightly different, but it should always include the elements listed below:

Description of Services

The contract should list the specific services that the moving company will provide. This may include packing your belongings, loading them onto the truck, transporting them to your new home, and unloading them. Ensure that all of the services you need are included in the contract.

Scope of Services

The contract should also state how many employees the moving company will send to your home on moving day. If you’re not happy with the number of workers, you may be able to get more by paying an additional fee. The scope of the services should also include how many boxes and packing materials the moving company will provide.

The contract should state when the moving company will start and finish working. Be sure to note whether this is a “door to door” move, meaning the movers will transport your belongings from your old home to your new one, or if you’ll need to meet them at the truck.

Payment

The contract should list the cost of the move and any additional fees that may apply. It should also state when payment is due. If you’re financing your move, the contract should include the terms of your loan.

The contract should state whether the moving company is liable for any damage to your belongings. It should also specify what kind of insurance the moving company has.

Term

The terms and conditions in a moving contract can vary, but they typically include the following:

  • The amount of time the contract is valid for.
  • How much notice do you need to give the moving company before canceling your move?
  • The cost of the move and when payment is due.
  • What services are included in the move?
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a customer.
  • What to do if something goes wrong during the move.
  • How to resolve any disputes.
  • The length of time the moving company has to deliver your belongings.
  • What happens if the moving company goes out of business.
  • Whether you can use the services of another moving company if something goes wrong with the first one.

By reading the contract and understanding all of the terms and conditions, you can be sure that you’re making a wise decision when hiring a moving company.

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Confidentiality Notice

The Confidentiality in the moving contract states that the moving company will keep all information regarding the move confidential unless required by law to disclose it. This includes the price of your move and any information about your belongings.

Additional Helpful Terms You Should Know

  • Additional charges. – Additional charges can apply if the movers have to take special measures to transport your belongings, such as packing them in a specific way.
  • Storage. – If you need to store your belongings for some time, the moving company may be able to help. Be sure to ask about the cost and availability of storage services.

Also Read: Long Term Storage Tips – A Detailed Guide

  • Pets. – If you’re moving with pets, the contract should state who is responsible for their care during the move. The moving company may also have restrictions on the types of animals they’ll transport.

Also Read: Long Distance Moving with Pets – Planning Guide

  • Special Items. – If you have any items that are particularly large or heavy, be sure to mention them in the contract. The moving company may require additional payment to transport these items.
  • Binding estimate. – A binding estimate is a legal agreement between the customer and the moving company. Once the estimate is accepted, the customer cannot change the cost of the move.
  • Non-binding estimate. – A non-binding estimate is not a legal agreement, and the customer can request change in the terms of the move up until the time the movers arrive at their home.
  • Inventory. – An inventory is a list of all of the items being moved. It can be helpful to create your own inventory and compare it to the one provided by the moving company. This can help you ensure that everything is accounted for during the move.

Conclusion

If you’re moving, take the time to read your contract and understand all the terms. The agreement should include a confidentiality notice that states that any information about your move will be kept confidential—unless it’s required by law to disclose it. This includes how much money is being spent on the move or what type of belongings are transported from one location to another. The reason for this clause? It protects both you and the company against misunderstandings in pricing or other issues related to customer service. If anything goes wrong during your move, there may be specific steps listed in the contract to resolve disputes with either party involved. Remember: always read before signing!

Also Read: How To Find If A Moving Company Is Reputable

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FAQ’s

How many employees will the moving company send to my home on moving day?

The contract should state how many employees the moving company will send to your home on moving day. If you’re not happy with the number of workers, you may be able to get more by paying an additional fee.

What is the cost of the move, and when is payment due?

The contract should list the cost of the move and any additional fees that may apply. It should also state when payment is due.

What kind of insurance does the moving company have?

The contract should state whether the moving company is liable for any damage to your belongings. It should also specify what kind of insurance the moving company has. Typically, moving companies have insurance that covers the loss or damage of your belongings while they’re in transit.

What are the terms and conditions of the contract?

The terms and conditions in a moving contract can vary, but they typically include the following:

  • The amount of time the contract is valid for.
  • How much notice do you need to give the moving company before canceling your move?
  • The cost of the move and when payment is due.
  • What services are included in the move?
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a customer.
  • What to do if something goes wrong during the move.
  • How to resolve any disputes.
  • The length of time the moving company has to deliver your belongings.
  • What happens if the moving company goes out of business?
  • Whether you can use the services of another moving company if something goes wrong with the first one.
Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.