6 Things To Look for on Your Moving Contract

When you’re getting ready to move to a new home, you’ll first shop around for the perfect Ladera Ranch movers for you. And once you find them, it’ll be time to sign a contract. Now, it’s easy to gloss over contract language when you’re signing up for a membership to a free social media site. But when it comes to the moving contract – also called a bill of lading – it’s essential that you don’t do this.

The moving contract serves two purposes: 1. it details everything about your move to ensure you and the movers are on the same page and 2. it protects both parties should there ever be need of a lawsuit.

For the most part, moving contracts aren’t needed in the second case. Unless you’ve chosen your Ladera Ranch moving company poorly, chances are you won’t run into a situation requiring a lawsuit.

But you do need to look over the contract details to ensure that you and the mover are on the same page. Ignoring the details could cost you time and money, quite easily. The mover will go off of the contract for addresses, dates, times, and services provided. If something is wrong on the contract but you didn’t notice, that could really mess with your moving process!

So before you sign the contract, make sure you double-check each of these six important elements:

1.Names and addresses

First, look for the moving company’s physical address. You should have already done this, actually, when shopping for a moving company. A company that won’t provide a physical address is probably a scam. But double-check that the address is on the contract, and that it matches the moving company’s website or advertising materials.

Then, check that your current address and the address you’re moving to are on the contract. Even small typos here can result in large problems on moving day! So make sure those addresses are exactly correct.

2.Timing

The contract should include information about the timing of your move. When will the packers show up? When will the movers show up? When will your goods be delivered to your new home? In a local move, this is all pretty straightforward. But, again, a simple typo on the date could leave you in world of confusion on moving day.

3.Services

The bill of lading with your Ladera Ranch moving company should include a full list of the services that you will be paying for on moving day. If you’re not willing to pay for packing, make sure packing isn’t included on this list. If you’re paying the company for custom crating of certain items, make sure those details are on this list. Basically, make sure you’re getting all the services you need without paying for any that you don’t want.

4.Rates

Most moving contracts will include a list of rates. For the most part, Ladera Ranch movers will price by weight. The heavier your stuff, the more you’ll pay for the move. This isn’t always true, but it’s pretty standard.

Regardless, you want to ensure that your contract includes the company’s rates, as well as any additional fees. For instance, are there fuel surcharges? Or will you have to pay extra if you’re not 100% ready to go when the movers arrive? Check that all rates are included and detailed on the contract.

5.Pricing

Pricing is how the rates are actually applied to your move. This section of the contract will show what you’ll actually pay for the move. Ideally, it’ll be a detailed list that will show what you’re paying for different services. If it’s just a lump-sum price, ask for more details verbally from your mover to ensure everything is properly included.

7.Liability

Also on the contract, you should find some language about liability. Who, exactly, is responsible for the various items that the moving company is moving? What happens if something is broken during the moving process, or if something goes missing? Who is responsible if a mover slips and falls while on your property? All of these issues should be included in the liability portion of the contract.

Another thing to look for here is how disputes are to be settled. Some Ladera Ranch movers prefer to work through third-party dispute resolution specialists, rather than taking an issue to court. This can actually be cheaper and easier for both parties, so if you can get this kind of option, it’s nice to look for.