How to secure yourself during the move? A moving contract and some kind of warranty is the first thing that probably comes to your mind. But – is this really the case in practice? Let’s start from the beginning.
Savings, rationality, reduced income, increased income, schooling, work, private reasons… These are all motives to change the place of residence nowadays. And when that moment comes, when you need to actually move, there is always anxiety and worry… Will everything goes well? According to the plan? Will all things be preserved from damage – and especially those that are valuable to you? And another very important thing: are you entitled to take days off because of your move? How much does the law protect you when you change our place of residence? And what kind of moving contract is a good one?
The simple answer is: just contact us and we can tell you all you need to know. Our agents will be more than pleased to help you with your questions. However, if for any reason, you need just general info, well then, here’s our ultimate breakdown of moving terms.
Moving contract in theory
Theoretically, a moving contract is made between an individual or legal entity and the moving company. The moving company needs to be licensed and legally registered, which is not difficult to check online. This contract is usually implemented in writing on a predefined form. Of course, if you are moving for commercial reasons, your attorney will take care of all the details. On the other hand, if you are an individual, just keep in mind that the oral agreement and the oral guarantee you receive from the relocation company are not legally binding on either party in this process.
What are your expectations
First of all, you have to know what you want to be in your contract. Most of the people who moved in life in some way – particularly with a lot of things – know how stressful it is. And especially because most people care whether or not things will get damaged while loading, unloading or transporting things during the move. So people just simply believe the owners of the moving businesses that relocation is going to be the way they want it. Responsible, careful, and professional, avoiding problematic situations in terms of damage or loss of things.
However, this is not always the case. You need to know what you are looking for in a moving company. If for example, you are helping your move and need senior moving services – do you expect the movers to take care of your parents while loading the items? This is not possible as you may imagine. So talk to the moving company and see their terms, and clearly say yours and what you need.
Insurance means extra safety
Of course, when oral arrangements are not an adequate security measure, there are other ways to secure yourself during the move. The relocation contract should oblige the moving company to provide some assurance to the extent that their workers participate in the relocation process. As in life, it is difficult to cover all situations with such a contract. But if you are very persistent and want to maximize your security, then you should check for additional insurance coverage at certain troubled stages during this process. You can also check with the moving company about all the moving services they provide. In this way, you will know what are your options and what is covered in your relocation price.
Larger relocation companies insure their clients against various cases of damage that may occur during loading, unloading or handling, by insuring their items or valuables, if they are in transit, with insurance companies. In this way, the client of these services has additional assurance and greater security that everything will work out properly. You should ask the moving company what is their policy on this matter. One good thing you can ask is also do moving supplies come into an agreement.
How to know if the moving company is a good one
Of course, when you see that employees are conscientious, responsible and professional, the possibility of damage or moving scams are minimized. In practice, the commitment and responsibility of the workers involved in moving have proven to be the key to a job well done. An additional factor of safety is sometimes the presence of the owner, as well as well prepared things and the environment for the whole process (packing material, elevators, access to parking, neighborhood, etc.).
Good questions to ask about the contract
Before signing the moving contract, ask for a free moving estimate – but also which things increase the moving price. Of course, you can always get rid of unnecessary things on time (wardrobe, furniture, books, old appliances) so they won’t charge you more than you want.
Before signing a contract with a company, you should ask the following questions:
- Do you carry out a free relocation assessment in advance? What is the price of this service?
- What are your references?
- Are there any special arrangements (more vans or trucks, inaccessible terrain, narrow streets)? Agreements like this always increase the cost of moving!
Before you make any deal or sign anything, read all the contract terms, especially those written in small letters.
What to do once you sign the contract?
Once you sign the moving contract, you can do more. Our recommendation and suggestion in order to prevent or minimize damage to your belongings, or their loss, is to be present and control the workers who take part in the preparatory work and during transport.
However, one of the best guarantees for quality stress-free relocation is a trusted moving company that has highly trained and experienced workers. Identifying and choosing a company like this is the right move and the best security that everything will work out in the best order. Reviews, comments, and recommendations are always a good guide for finding the right company.
