Language of Moving Moving companies speak their own language. The Jargon You need to know how to speak the jargon to understand what you are getting yourself into. Here are just some of the phrases and words you will hear once you start looking for a moving company: Additional Services These are services such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or stair carries that you request or need and may result in additional charges.   Advanced Charges These are charges for services performed by a third party at your request. These charges are paid for by the mover and added to your total charges.   Agent An agent is a local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company.   Bill of Lading Your bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover. It is also your receipt. It is important to understand everything on the bill of lading before you sign it.

 

Binding Estimate

A flat price based upon a given inventory. No matter how long the job takes, the flat price is always paid.

 

Carrier

This refers to the mover that you are working with.

 

C.O.D.

Cash on delivery.

 

Inventory

The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the quantity and condition of each item.

Local moving

Local moving usually refers to moves of less than 100 miles within the same state. This type of move is based on hourly rates and is regulated by the states DOT or other regulatory body.

 

Long Distance

These refer to moves of more than 100 miles within one state or moves between two states. Non-binding or hourly rate Customers are charged by the hour per man, per truck.

 

Order for Service

This is the authorizing document that allowing movers to move your goods.

 

Order Number

This also refers to the Bill of Lading. It's the number used to identify and track your shipment.

Peak Season Rates

A premium rate is typically charged at certain times of the year, usually summer. You can sometimes get a break on fees in the winter.

 

Stair-Carry Charge

This is an extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

 

Storage-In-Transit (SIT)

This refers to temporary warehousing of your goods pending further transportation or transportation to your new home if it isn't ready for occupancy. You may not exceed a total of 180 days of storage.

 

Valuation

The amount your goods are worth.

Now Let's Look at some Pitfalls to Avoid:

1. Not getting an on-site estimate could mean you don't have an accurate estimate. Most moving companies offer free on-site estimates. Take several up on that offer so you can compare. Be sure to give the same information to each company.

2. Not following a list of action items leading up to your move can mean forgetting some key things. Make a list and follow it�or use ours as a guideline checklist.

3. Not being organized will get you every time. Moving is nothing but organization. Without it, you will spend half your time searching for things and the other half trying to clean up the mess you created while searching.

4. Packing essential items is a big pitfall. This is so easy to do if you don't have a place the entire family knows is off limits to a box. Try cleaning out the linen closet and giving everyone a shelf for "not to pack" items. This list should always include passports, official papers, checkbooks, medicines and the like.

5. Not checking the moving company's license with your state's Department of Transportation and the Better Business Bureau.

6. Not getting several estimates and not insisting on a "not to exceed" estimate are both pitfalls to avoid. The "not to exceed" estimate protects you. Interviewing several companies gives you the best deal.

7. Not considering ALL the costs associated with a DIY move, including the boxes, van, pizza, etc. You may find that hiring a local mover is just as inexpensive and eliminates all the heavy lifting! Can't argue with that.

8. Not being ready for the mover on moving day. If you are not completely packed, it will cost you extra. Be ready.

9. Not reading your insurance coverage for the move carefully enough. You want to make sure your stuff is covered completely. You may also want to check your existing homeowner's insurance to see if it will cover the move.

10. Not paying the moving company because it was a bad move. This is never a good idea. You are still legally obligated to pay for the service, regardless of how bad. Now you can negotiate with the company for a reduced rate or file a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau�but you can't just not pay.

You Are All Set

You can talk, compare estimates, and insure your property. All that's left is taking our quiz. Then you can move on to the final module: Make Your Home Your Castle: Cost-Effective Redecorating Ideas.

It's time to test your knowledge.

It's a good idea to take a quick quiz to be sure you're retaining the course material. Be sure to review the sections of the course related to your WRONG answers!

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