What to check before signing a moving contract

Moving, especially when you’re new to it, can be difficult and confusing. There are a lot of things to keep in mind, a lot of new terms to learn and a lot of ways in which things can go wrong. A moving contract is one of the things that should ease your worries. It’s there to protect you and your rights, after all. But if you’re not careful, it can easily become just another one of those confusing things you don’t understand that can go wrong easily. That’s why Pro Movers Miami has decided to help you out with your this! There are certain things you should know before signing a moving contract and we’re here to tell you about them.

What is the moving contract?

The first and most pressing question you probably have is what a moving contract even is. That’s a fair question! Most of the time you won’t have heard about one if you haven’t moved before. To put it simply, a moving contract is a legally binding written agreement between you and the moving company you hire. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both you and the company. It will include agreements on everything from services to schedules to pricing. Because of this, you should read it very carefully before signing anything.

Why do I need a moving contract?

In some cases (depending on the state and the price of the relocation), moving contracts are necessary by law. But even when the law doesn’t require you to sign a contract with movers Sunny Isles Beach, you want to do it. A contract is your safety net. It means you and your company have agreed on certain terms. If those terms are broken, the contract protects you and helps you hold the company accountable. It also prevents any additional fees. Essentially, a contract puts in writing what you and the movers are agreeing on so there’s no confusion and less room for argument.

Things you should check before signing a moving contract

Before you sign anything, you want to be 100% certain about what you’re doing. It is therefore important to check certain things before you sign a contract. Are you sure these are the movers for you? Do you agree with the specific terms of their contract? And what else should you know before signing it?

The company license and insurance

The very first thing you should check is the moving company’s license, insurance information, and official status. Luckily, in the age of the internet, this is really not very hard. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which regulates interstate relocation allows you to search by company name or US DOT number on their website and pull up license information for the company. It is by far the most reliable way to do a check on interstate movers. Intrastate moving is not as heavily regulated though. A state license is enough in these cases. Try your state’s official website for more information on how to check a local business’s licenses.

Official company website and social media

A good, user-friendly website with thorough information can be a solid indicator of professional and reliable movers. Read up on the company online on their official website. In most cases, you will find more information than you’d hoped for: the company values, customer reviews, services on offer and even moving tips. These days, many reputable companies will also invest in a social media presence. So check them out on Facebook and Twitter if they have accounts there. This can also be a good way to ask any questions you have in a relaxed and non-formal setting.

Reviews, references and customer feedback

The best indicator of a good moving company are satisfied customers. So before you sign a contract with any movers, check their reviews online. The company’s website should some, of course, but Facebook and Yelp are great places to expand your search to. Focus on the latest reviews for most recent and reliable information!

Moving estimates and quotes

Before you sign any contracts, you should get a moving estimate from the company. This is especially important with interstate movers Miami who usually charge by weight of the shipment, rather than time spent on the move. Most companies offer free moving estimates to potential clients. So it’s a good idea to get your quotes from several different movers and compare them before you decide on the right moving company for you. Pay special attention to the type of estimate the company offers – there’s a world of difference between non-binding and binding moving quotes!

Services offered

It is important that the movers you hire can complete the relocation to your satisfaction. This includes any specialty moving services and other specific requests you may have. So check which moving services your movers of choice offer before you seal the deal with them!

The most important thing when signing a moving contract: Bill of Landing

The Bill of Landing is easily the most important document you will receive during a move. You will get it from your movers on moving day. Both you and a company representative must sign it. It will include:

• your personal information and contact details
• company information and contact details
• origin and destination of the shipment
• scheduled date and time for pick up and delivery of goods
• services rendered
• insurance details
• costs and fees as well as the method of their payment
• plan for dispute resolution

The Bill of Landing is more or less your receipt for the relocation. If it comes down to it, this will be the official record of the terms and conditions you agreed upon. They will already be familiar to you as they should reflect what you’ve previously discussed and agreed to. But pay special attention to the total cost part nonetheless. In moving scams, this is where movers will try to slip additional costs by you. So read the Bill of Landing very carefully before signing because this is what you and your movers will refer to in case of a dispute.