If they are not moving by themselves and not using DIY tips, people consider hiring a professional moving company to deal with the relocation of their households. Moving for the first time, and moving generally if you’re not experienced, can be more difficult if you don’t know your rights and responsibilities when you move.
Although this may sound boring and unnecessary, accidents and bad situations often occur, and you know the famous statement: better safe than sorry! If you are curious to find out everything about this topic, you can read “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, a booklet prepared by the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration to explain to customers what are their rights and what they can expect from hiring professional movers.
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The Most Important Information Summary
Many people who move for the first time or do not have the experience, seek to know important information. If you want to know Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, before we go to details, we’ll give you a short summary of the most important things, according to a booklet we mention in the beginning, stated by Federal Law. They are:
- Movers must give written estimates.
- Movers may give binding estimates.
- Non-binding estimates are not always accurate; actual charges may exceed the estimate.
- If your mover provides you (or someone representing you) with any partially complete document for your signature. You should verify the document is as complete as possible before signing it. Make sure the document contains all relevant shipping information, except the actual shipment weight.
- You have the right to request from your mover the availability of guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.
- You have the right to ask mover, and request an explanation of the difference between valuation and actual insurance.
Choosing a professional moving company
The first to know among main rights and responsibilities when you move is to choose a reliable and licensed moving company. If you want to stay safe and don’t risk, don’t hire a company with day laborers or contract suspicious employees. They usually don’t have any insurance. In case some injury happens you need to pay for it.
Besides, they are not professionals and don’t know how to deal with equipment properly. Which can lead to damaging and losing your items? Before you choose one, have at least three moving companies evaluate the items being moved and provide a detailed estimate.
Check for their registration and license and make sure to read feedbacks from other users. If you’re looking for a reliable moving company to relocate your household check amazing services from Big Apple Movers and relocate without stress.
Moving Rights and responsibilities
Inventory
Prior to commencing the process of relocation, it is imperative that you acquaint yourself with your rights and responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in undesirable consequences. It is noteworthy that local movers typically do not conduct an inventory of your belongings. Conversely, full-service movers typically undertake the task of documenting the items to be transported prior to loading them onto the delivery vehicle.
This entails a joint inspection of your residence with the mover, during which a numbered sticker is affixed to each item to be moved, accompanied by a corresponding description. The description should include the current condition of the item, as well as any preexisting damage, if applicable. It is incumbent upon you to ensure that the mover has accurately and comprehensively recorded the relevant information pertaining to your belongings.
In the event that the descriptions provided are unclear or inaccurate, it is advisable to seek clarification prior to the commencement of the move. Additionally, it is recommended that you obtain a copy of the inventory list and contract for your personal records.
Estimates and Contract
Your rights and responsibilities when you move refer also to estimates. The licensed moving company need to provide a cost estimate to you based on several things. The first one is the type of relocation. Local movers are typically charged on an hourly basis. These charges are subject to the number of mover’s personnel provided and a minimum charge.
This means you should ask your movers about the price by the hour. Distance movers charge with a base on distance, and weight of the shipment. There are also some additional charges if the movers do services such as packing and unpacking if they move specific items such as piano or safes if they need to carry items upstairs and other.
Before you sign a contract you should know your mover must supply an estimate and contract, in writing. The contract must possess a signature by both parties. Also, be aware of the risks of hiring cheap movers.
Liability for Loss/Damage
In regards to the rights and responsibilities associated with relocation, individuals typically express concern regarding the liability for loss or damage of their belongings. It is important to note that moving companies are obligated to assume a certain level of liability, which is typically established through legal liability valuation and insurance coverage.
As per legal requirements, professional movers are required to provide motor vehicle coverage, which includes combined bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. The law also stipulates a minimum limitation on the release of the mover’s liability for the value of a shipper’s goods, which is set at no less than 60 cents per pound, per article.
This constitutes the basic moving insurance coverage. However, if one desires additional protection for their belongings, they may opt for either full value protection or third-party options. In the event that a claim is filed under full value protection, the movers are presented with three options for fulfilling the claim.
Packing Your Household
It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when you move, especially before you start to pack your household. Why is this important? It’s because most moving companies don’t allow you insurance if you pack things by yourself.
If you want to have moving insurance, you should let a moving company does the packing. Not to stay in doubt, ask your mover if a do-it-yourself packing guide is available. If it’s not and your movers have to pack your household, this will be done before the moving day, or on the last day, if it’s about last-minute moving.
You have the right to know that delays can occur. Your responsibility is to, before you sign the packing order, check if all items you want to be move are ready for packing. When looking to save more on your budget make sure to investigate properly. Investigate when is the cheapest time to relocate.