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Moving can be very stressful. You may not know what moving company you should choose or how much it will cost. If you plan ahead, ask the right questions and get moving estimates from several companies, you can make the moving process much less painful.

Cost of Moving

The cost of moving is usually based on the weight of your belongings, the distance from your old residence to your new residence and any extra services provided by the moving company, such as packing and unpacking your boxes.

Estimates

To help you determine what company your should choose and what your final moving expenses will be, you should get estimates from at least three moving companies. The estimates will allow you to compare prices and services. There are two different types of moving estimates: binding and non-binding. Most movers will offer both types of estimates.

A non-binding moving estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover's survey of the items that are to be moved. A non-binding estimate is based on what the actual weight of your items are so the actual total cost cannot be determined until after the shipment is weighed. Although the price will usually be lower on a non-binding estimate than a binding estimate, there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

A binding estimate obligates you to pay the price in the agreement even if your items weigh more or less than the estimated amount. Only the goods and services listed on the estimate are covered. You will be charged for any additional items that need to be moved or any additional services that you request that are not listed on the estimate. If you request additional services after your shipment is in transit, generally your mover will bill you for those additions 30 days after your shipment is delivered.

Choosing the Right Mover

Compare your estimates, find out if the movers are available on the dates that you want to move and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. Also, factor in the agent that you are most comfortable dealing with, referrals and phone contact with the moving companies.

Payment

Before you decide on a mover, ask your mover when payment is required and what types of payment are accepted. It is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified check or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal checks. Some movers accept payment by credit card, but if that is how you are planning on paying for your move, make sure you ask before you decided on a moving company.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is the contract between you and your mover. All moving companies are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every move they handle. The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested and it requires you to pay the charges listed on the bill of lading.

The information on your bill of lading should be the same information as what was provided in your written estimate, if you received one. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading before loading your belongings. Make sure you carefully read over the bill of lading before you sign it. Once you sign it, keep your copy in a safe place and have it readily available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled.

The following items should be on your bill of lading:

• Name, address and phone number of the moving company
• Addresses of your old and new residences
• Phone number where the movers can reach you
• Date and time of the pickup and delivery
• Itemized breakdown of boxes and packing materials required for your move as well as the costs of those materials and any services to be provided
• Cost for additional services (crating, pianos, vehicles, appliance servicing, stairs and so forth)
• Weight, cubic feet and mileage information along with their associated charges
• Acceptable forms of payment available
• Payment terms
• Insurance costs and coverage details
• Rates for packing and unpacking services for the specified quantities and types of boxes (if applicable)
• Costs for storage, including weight, cubic feet and length of time (if applicable)

Inventory

In addition to the bill of lading, you should receive an inventory of the items that you plan to move. The mover will note the condition of each of your items at the beginning point of your move. The movers are not liable for the boxes that you packed yourself but those boxes will be numbered and the condition of each box noted on the inventory. You will usually be asked to sign each page of the inventory. Make sure that all of your items are listed on the inventory and that any notations are accurate. Don't sign it until you agree with everything that is written. The notations may be very important because if any of your items end up missing or damaged, your ability to recover may depend on them.

Insurance

Check your homeowners' insurance policy before moving to see if you are covered for damage or loss during a move by a professional moving company. If not, your insurance company may provide a rider to your policy for a fee. Also, ask your movers to explain their insurance coverage, limits and any exclusions to you before you agree to move with them. Do not choose a moving company that does not offer insurance.

Moving Day

On moving day you'll want to pack up any remaining items, such as bedding and towels, before the movers arrive. Go through your home with the movers and make sure that large and fragile items are identified so that the movers can properly load and protect those items. Make sure than any items that are not going with the movers are in a separate place and clearly labeled so that they don't accidentally get packed in the truck. Do a final check to make sure everything has been loaded before the moving truck pulls away.

Unloading and Unpacking

When your belongings are delivered, it is your responsibility to check the items delivered against the items listed on your inventory. Look over your goods as they are being unloaded and if damage or loss is discovered then make a note of it on the inventory sheet. Call the damage to the attention of the driver and request that a record of the damage be made on the driver's copy of the inventory. You will be asked to sign all pages of the inventory sheet and bill of lading and when you do, you are agreeing to accept the shipment in apparently good condition except where damage or loss is noted. Some damage, however, may not be noticed until you've unpacked. In that case, promptly notify your mover of any claims for loss or damage.

Claims

If your move results in loss or damage to any of your property, you have the right to file a claim with the mover to recover money to cover your loss or damage to your property. Moving companies must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days of receiving it, and should make an offer or deny the claim within 120 days.

If the company does not resolve your claim to your satisfaction then you may file a lawsuit in civil court or with an arbiter (if the mover uses an arbitration service, or depending on the terms of your contract). Arbitration is a dispute resolution process in which a neutral third person or panel hears a dispute between two or more people and, after carefully reviewing all relevant information, issues a final decision.

Questions for Your Attorney

• I filed a claim with my moving company's arbitration service, do I need to hire a lawyer to arbitrate my case?
• My moving company inflated my estimate by thousands of dollars and is holding my belongings because I refuse to pay, what can I do?

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