A Brief History
In 1822, French painter and draftsman Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761–1845) painted The Movings. Today, when it comes to moving, many people have a set of questions. Here we have come up with a few frequently asked questions that you might have in your mind.
Digging Deeper
Question no. 1: What do the moving terms mean?
- 110 % of the estimated cost rule: In the case of the non-binding estimate, if the cost exceeds then you don’t have to pay more than 110% of the amount. Here it should be noted that binding cost is the guaranteed cost and non-binding cost can change at the end of the moving process.
- Bill of lading: Bill of lading is a written contract between you and mover. You need to take the bill of lading before the loading of your belongings into moving truck. You should always read it carefully because it contains all the most important information regarding a move. You should keep this document handy during the entire moving process.
- Order for Service: Order for service is an authorized document that movers need to ship your items from one location to another. It is not a contract, this document includes things such as special services like storage, packing, pickup, and delivery dates.
Question no. 2:What happens in case if a mover does not pick up and deliver the items on the same date written in the order for service or contract or as scheduled?
Though movers are required to transport the items into scheduled dates written in bill of lading and contract some things such as unpredictable harsh conditions of the weather are acceptable that are beyond the control of the movers.
Question no. 3: Will one get compensation if the shipment is not delivered as promised?
Not necessarily, though you have the right to file or claim the inconvenience claim. But the movers will not be obligated to compensate. If a mover does not compensate and refuses to pay the compensation then you can take civil action within 2 years of the move.
Question no. 4: Can I file a claim against movers in case of loss and damage of home belongings?
Yes, you can file a claim in case of loss or damage of the home belongings. But for this, you will get a time of nine months only. You need to file a claim within these nine months.
Question no. 5: If one does not hire professionals for packing of items then still, the movers are responsible for the damage and loss of the product?
Yes, still movers are responsible for the damage and loss of the product. They need to repack items if they think that items are not packed properly, but it is recommended you to pack carefully.
Question no. 6: Are mover obligated to move all my home belongings in the estimated moving quote offered by them?
No, in case, if you have a non-binding estimated cost, get the non-binding cost in written and the movers must have to follow the same moving quotes written in the contract at the end of the entire moving. While in case of a binding estimate, you need to pay the same cost.
Question no. 7: What types of insurances are there that movers will offer you?
There are three types of insurances offered by movers that make us have peace of mind while moving.
- Added valuation: In this type of insurance, you will get the current replaced value of the damaged or lost product. The cost paid by the movers will be the cost that you have declared at the start of the moving process.
- Full value: In this, the actual cost of the product without deducting the depreciation value of a product is paid by the movers.
- Limited liability: The mover is responsible to pay the 60% of the loss. You need to pay a single penny to get limited liability.
You can choose the right insurance policy as per your preferences.
Question no. 8: What documents the mover will give you during the moving process?
Your hired movers will provide you several documents during the moving process. These documents are a bill of lading, neutral dispute settlement, written estimated quote, contact information to claim the loss or damage of product and a booklet of “your rights and responsibilities”. Do not forget to take any of these documents if your mover does not provide you the same.
Question no. 9: Do I need to hire movers?
This is the most basic question that most of the people have when they decide to move. And the answer to this question completely depends on your needs and requirements. If you are moving locally then the self-move can be an option to consider while when you move long distance, it does not make sense. Though, you have to take your own decision based on factors such as your budget, time and energy. If you are looking for a green and reliable moving company in California, then Movegreen is the right choice for you.
These are the most frequently asked questions that most of the people have when they decide to move.
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: How many times have you moved in your life?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Poage, Martha. The Moving Survival Guide: All You Need to Know to Make Your Move Go Smoothly. Globe Pequot, 2004.
The featured image in this article, a painting by Louis-Léopold Boilly of a family moving in the 19th Century, is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason: This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 100 years or fewer.