bill of lading

Learn the Jargon Home Movers Use by Brushing up on This Terminology

Are you planning a household move? Whether you are making a local or a long-distance move, choosing the right movers and understanding their terminology will help you in the planning process. 

It helps to familiarize yourself and understand some of the keywords that might be used when discussing your move or contract with your moving agent.

Moving industry terms refer to very specific things. If you don’t understand the meanings of the terms, you may end up paying more for your move than you expected, or perhaps not getting the kind of service you anticipated. Below is a shortlist of commonly used terms, what they mean, and how they might apply to your move.

1. Virtual Survey

A Virtual Survey is done remotely through a video chat. It allows you to show the moving company estimator your home and belongings that they need to move so that they can provide you with an accurate quote. You use your smartphone or tablet with the moving companies app.

It’s a fast and easy way to get a quote by just pointing your device’s camera. 

2. Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is the agreement between the moving company and the person moving. This document contains all the details of the move from the date, to what the moving crew is moving. 

This bill is also a receipt in the moving industry. 

3. Full-Service Packing or Unpacking

This service is an additional rate by most moving crews. The full-service packing includes boxes, and the packing is done for you. The full-service unpacking assists in not just the move, but unpacking and clean up of any packing garbage left behind. 

4. Valuation

A valuation can often be confused with insurance, but it is not insurance. Valuation is a tariff-based level of moving companies’ liability for the customer’s belongings while they are in the care, custody, and control of the mover. 

5. Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimate

These two estimates can be easily confused. 

A binding estimate is an agreement that states overall cost based on how much and what services you need to make the move. 

A non-binding estimate is an agreement that states the estimated cost based on the weight and additional services needed. This type of agreement states that final charges will go into effect only on the day of the move. 

6. Accessorial (Additional) Services

This term means adding on unpacking, adding in an extra stop, or shuttle service to the initial cost. 

It’s important to take note of any extra costs these additions may add on for the overall moving fee. 

7. Storage-In-Transit 

Also known as SIT, storage-in-transit is a way for the moving company to store your belongings. This is NOT a long term storage option. This short-term storage fee is only applicable for up to 180 days. After that time, the moving of the stored items will continue at a selected date. 

Our Home Movers Are Here to Help

Hiring home movers should be an easy task, and hopefully, you will feel more comfortable knowing the language the home movers may use. 

Check back on our blog for more moving day tips, such as asking the movers and requesting a quote for your move.