By MovingQuotes.com Staff
Moving day is finally here! Your boxes are packed and you're ready to move on to your new home. However, before your professional moving company can beginning loading up your boxes you will have some paperwork to sign. Our concise and to the point list of moving day paperwork will help you to better understand what each document means so you feel confident in knowing what you are signing.
The Contract: The first document you will be required to sign is the contract, which lists the moving companies services, insurance, pricing, etc. Always read through your contract carefully and question anything that you do not understand, particularly when it comes to payment conditions. Query any clause that may seem ambiguous or even downright dangerous to agree to. Your mover will not proceed to pack your goods without something in writing and the contract becomes their mandate to move your goods. If you are in any doubt about the contract speak to an expert before signing, and do not hesitate to insist on changes.
Bill of Landing: Next we have the inventory sheet called the bill of landing. This is a list of everything that you are moving and is generally several pages for the average household. The inventory will be drawn up by the mover and must reflect the following information:
- An item number – this will be allocated to a specific item being moved, for example one chair.
- A description – it is vital that the mover describes the item too, for example, one Queen Ann lounge chair covered in blue fabric.
- A comment column – here the mover will record the condition of the chair, such as damage by way of tears in the fabric, or holes from cigarette burns.
- A comment to indicate whether the item was packaged or moved as is.
- A column to indicate how the item is insured.
Once the inventory is completed it should be signed by the mover and yourself. It becomes a form of insurance as well so be careful to check, read and sign each copy of the inventory carefully. The insurance manifesto, for example, should be looked at carefully before signing and agreeing to any conditions.
A good mover will either barcode scan each item, or may attach a sticky label in a prominent position on every item being moved, that will cross-reference the item number back to the bill of landing. This makes for easy cross-checking to ensure that the item has been noted, packed and then unpacked on the other side.
Power of Attorney: Authorization and/or power of attorney paperwork may be requested if your mover is required to directly represent your interests at any stage of the move without you being present. This would normally be the case if you are moving overseas where third parties are involved in transporting your goods.
Feedback: Finally, your mover should ask you to complete a feedback form indicating your satisfaction (or otherwise) of the moving experience. This should only be completed once the move is finalized, and is a valuable feedback document for any good moving company. Remember to note any damage claims that you may have. If you have not finished checking yet, say so as well.