Moving is stressful. Documents, losing track of important paperwork can bring more stress to your move. Prepare these moving documents before the move. Put forms and receipts close at hand as you’ll need them to complete a lot of tasks related to your upcoming move.

Moving Estimate

Once a moving company has inspected your home in person, they will send you a written estimate or quote for your move. It will include transportation charges, labor, insurance, all kind of services you have discussed, storage charges and some additional services. There are three types of estimate: it can be a non-binding estimate, binding estimate and binding not-to-exceed estimate. You should think about one of them to protect your move.

Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is the most important moving document you are provided with when you hire a professional moving service. A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. This document is a legally binding contract between you and the moving company. It usually consists of :

• items included in the shipment,
• origin and destination,
• your moving rate,
• payment method,
• insurance information, and moving company information.

Typically three bills are issued—one for the shipper, one for the consignee, and one for the banker, broker, or third party. If more bills of lading are issued, there is an increased risk of fraud, theft, an unauthorized release of goods, or release to the wrong person.

Inventory Moving Documentation

1. 1. • A Copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities” and additional explanation of liability options.
      • Statement of Services – after delivery

This statement includes the final cost for your shipment, reflects the tariff charges based on the actual weight and services. After delivery of your things your interstate mover should provide you with a final Statement of Services.

Order for Service

The moving company will attache The Order of Service to your bill of lading and include moving estimate details, pick-up and delivery dates and any special services. The Orders for Service will show the charges that you may be assessed for the move. For a non-binding estimate, the Order for Service will list the estimated non-binding charges, the method of payment for the charges, and any additional charges that may occur. For a binding estimate, the Order for Service will list the charges you will pay and the method of payment. Here are elements listed on the Order for Service :

1. Your registration number for your shipment.
2. The mover’s name, address, and phone number.
3. Your name or the name of the person that owns the goods, address, and telephone number.
4. Your Destination Agent’s address and phone number. If you are having problems with your shipment, this Agent can be contacted for help.
5. Your packing, loading, delivery, and unpacking areas are for dates that have been scheduled for your move. Check these dates.
6. There is an explanation of the two different standards for the company’s liability based on the types of rates you pay.
7. A complete description of any special services with the pricing.
8. Method of payment.

Make sure to take copies of all these important documents. Do not sign a blank or incomplete document. If you have already made your choice our team of professionals is ready to provide all the necessary services your unique relocation requires. Let us be the mediators that can help you to coordinate your fast and easy move to a new life. Get a free moving quote, use our moving cost calculator or contact us to know all the details.