Moving to a new home is exciting. It's also a lot work, and stressful. It's not easy making sure everything you own, big and small, is accounted for, moved and delivered undamaged. And if you're doing the move yourself, add in the physical aches and pains, too.

Many people avoid problems like these and hire a moving company. If you plan ahead, ask the right questions and get estimates from several moving companies, you can make the moving process much less painful.

Cost of Moving

The cost of moving is usually based on several factors:

• The weight of your belongings
• The distance from your old residence to your new residence
• Extra services provided by the moving company, such as packing and unpacking your boxes
• The cost of fuel for the company's vehicle

Estimates

Try to get estimates from at least three moving companies. This lets you compare prices and services. There are two different types of moving estimates. Most movers offer both types.

Non-binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover's survey of the items to be moved. It's based on the actual weight of your items, so you won't know the final cost until after your belongings are packed and weighed. Although the price will usually be lower on a non-binding than a binding estimate, there's no guarantee your final cost won't be higher than the estimate.

Binding Estimate

With a binding estimate, you agree to pay the estimated price, even if your items weigh more or less than the estimated weight. Only the goods and services listed on the estimate are covered. That means you're charged extra for moving items that may have been overlooked during the initial survey of the house, for example.

Choosing the Right Mover

Once you have your estimates, it's time to make a choice:

• Compare total price and services
• Find out which company is available on the dates you want to move
• Check to see if the companies are licensed or certified with a state movers association, the American Moving & Storage Association or a similar organization
• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the companies
• Factor in the agent or representative you're most comfortable dealing with, referrals and phone contact with the moving companies

Bill of Lading

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

The information on your bill of lading should be the same as what's in your written estimate. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of it before loading your belongings. Carefully read it before signing it.

Bill of Lading Contents

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, as well as the costs of those materials and services
• Cost for additional services (crating, towing vehicles, etc.)
• Weight, cubic feet and mileage information along with their associated charges
• Acceptable forms of payment
• Payment terms
• Insurance costs and coverage details
• Rates for packing and unpacking services (if applicable)
• Costs for storage (if applicable)

Inventory

In addition to the bill of lading, you should receive an inventory of the items you plan to move. The mover will note the condition of each item at the beginning point of your move.

The movers aren't liable for the boxes you packed yourself, but those boxes will be numbered and the condition of each box noted on the inventory.

You'll likely be asked to sign each page of the inventory. Don't sign until you agree with everything in it. Make sure all of your items are listed and that any notations are accurate. This is important because if any of items are lost or damaged, your ability to recover may depend on the notations. 

Insurance

Check your homeowners' insurance policy before moving to see if you're covered for damage or loss during the move. If not, your insurance company may provide a rider to your policy for a fee. The moving company may offer you coverage, too.

Also, ask your movers to explain their insurance coverage, limits and any exclusions before you hire them.

Unloading and Unpacking

It's your responsibility to check the items delivered against what's listed on your inventory. Look over your goods as they're unloaded. Make a note on your inventory of any damage, and make sure the driver notes it on the company's copy, too.

You'll be asked to sign the inventory and bill of lading. When you do, you're agreeing to accept the shipment "as delivered," except where damage or loss is noted. Some damage may not be noticed until you've unpacked. In that case, promptly notify your mover.

Claims

You have the right to file a claim for money to cover any property damage or loss caused by the movers. Moving companies must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days of receiving it. It should make a decision on the claim within 120 days.

You may have to file a lawsuit, or possibly go to arbitration if the moving contract calls for it, if the company doesn't resolve your claim to your satisfaction.

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?
• Should I buy property damage insurance offered by the moving company if my homeowners' insurance covers it?

Related Resources on lawyers.com^sm

- Contact a Real Estate Lawyer in your area for specific legal advice, and read about Selecting a Good Real Estate Lawyer
- Need a form? Access a variety of do-it-yourself business and personal legal forms that meet your needs
- Read Home Inspections are Good for Buyers and Sellers and Renting Versus Buying a Home, or access more Residential Real Estate articles and information
- Visit the Legal Forums for discussions on Real Estate Law topics and issues
- Follow us on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook to join the conversation about Lawyers.com topics online
- Download the Lawyers.com app for the iPhone or access the mobile site
- Legal Dictionary

Related Web Links

- Information and Resources for Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors
- Protect Your Move - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration