Moving Terms Glossary to Help With a Smooth Move

Are you relocating soon? Moving can be challenging and stressful, but being familiar with commonly used moving terms will help you make informed choices about your move. Here are some moving keywords that might be helpful to you while relocating.

Agent: A moving company affiliated with the van line handles booking, origin, hauling, and destination services.

Arrival Window: The hours or dates between which your movers will arrive at your home and begin loading your belongings. Generally, the window is about two hours.

Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover. It shows the goods the movers have loaded onboard the truck, lists the conditions of the move, and acts as a receipt.

Binding/Nonbinding Estimate: A binding estimate guarantees the price of the move. A mover will only give a binding estimate after visiting your home and taking a complete inventory. A non-binding estimate is not guaranteed. A mover provides that estimate based on their experience. It is subject to change based on the final weight of the shipment.

Bulky Article Charge: Bulky items are awkward, large items that require extra handling and are subject to an additional fee. Examples are hot tubs and pool tables.

Delivery Window: The hours or dates your movers will deliver your goods to your destination. The driver may call you for long-distance moves within 12 to 24 hours to narrow the arrival times.

Full-Service Mover: A full-service mover can handle every aspect of packing your home and getting your items to their destination.

License: Your professional mover will have a license, or legal certification, to transport your goods within or across state lines. Movers also should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Non-Allowable List: For safety reasons, your mover will not move certain items which are on a non-allowable list. You can obtain a list of prohibited items from your moving company. This list generally includes cleaning products, chemicals, live pets, perishable items, automobile batteries, and gasoline.

Packing Service: A packing service is a supplemental service that most full-service movers offer. It involves packing all the household goods and unpacking them at the destination.

Special Handling Fee: Movers charge a special handling fee when you request services beyond the standard charge list, for example, TV mounting and dismounting or moving a piano. These services vary by the mover.

Tariff: A tariff is a price document on the Bill of Lading or moving contract. It details your charges. It also lists the movers required, rules, rates, and costs.

Waiting Time: Some moving companies charge a fee if the van operator must stay outside the destination address waiting for someone to accept delivery.

Warehouse Storage: Sometimes, customers must store their goods until their new home is ready for occupancy. The movers will keep the shipment in a warehouse that is not open to the public. The moving company will wrap the goods, place them on pallets and organize them in the storage facility until the customer is ready.

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