Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move

One of the most confusing aspects of moving is where your responsibilities and rights begins and ends. And while there is plenty of published information available, it’s very important that you take your time to read and understand exactly what you need to do to protect your possessions during your move.

Understanding Types of Contracts

When you are interviewing potential moving companies, there are binding and non-binding estimates and contracts. As the name suggests, with a binding contract your final cost should not be more than the original estimate. With a non-binding contract, changes can occur with final cost. If you choose to have a non-binding contract, then be sure to finalize payment options prior to your move.

With any moving company, the contract you sign with the mover is called a “bill of lading.” This document is extremely important, and is required by law to be given to you by the mover. This basically outlines the services and costs for what you are having shipped, and will be needed in the even of any dispute that arises.

Understanding Estimates

In the event that you have requested special services, your final bill may be more than your original estimate. You may want to check whether there are charges and how much they are for several common requests. If you do your estimate based on a set amount of space, you will pay for that amount regardless of how much you actually use. If you do it based on exclusive use, then no one else is allowed to have items shipped with yours. Typically this is standard, but you will still want to make sure you are not being charged for this.

Understanding Timeframe Obligations

Guaranteed pickup and delivery dates allow you to be compensated if your agreed upon timeframes aren’t met. And finally, you may require turnaround times that are faster than your moving company normally works within, and this may also require and additional charge.

Your mover should also give you a pamphlet that describes in detail what your rights are, and different insurance and coverage options for your items. It is your responsibility to make certain you understand what you are signing, and that coverage you choose is adequate for your belongings. Also know that if you speak with someone who is only arranging transportation and not a member of the actual moving company, that their estimates are not binding, and that they are not responsible for any losses or damages that may occur. You should also know that if you agreed to pay upon delivery and do not, that the moving company can place your items in storage at your expense.

Supervising the Move

Finally, you are allowed to be present when your items are weighed, as well as requesting a re-weigh (since charges are normally tied to the weight of your shipment). You have up to nine months to file a complaint, and the moving company has one hundred and twenty days to settle. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can sue the company for further damages.

Knowing your rights will help protect your belongings during a move, but it is your responsibility to learn as much as possible about moving procedures and guidelines to guarantee you are treated fairly.