What Is a Valid Moving Contract

Deciding to move to the Big Apple is a big deal. If you had never moved before, you are in for a show. A bad one, that is. However, there are things you can do to make your move a bit easier. One of those things is learning what should a moving contract contain. What are the elements of a valid moving contract? Some companies may try to scam you and that is why you need to read your contract carefully.

Hence, it is of utmost significance to have a comprehensive understanding of each and every component of a legally binding agreement. It is imperative to ensure the safety of your possessions and to prevent any attempts by the movers to evade their obligation of providing satisfactory services. Consequently, we hereby introduce the constituents of a valid contract for moving services. Let us commence forthwith!

read and see if there are all elements of a valid moving contract before signing

What is a Moving Contract

What is a contract? A contract is a legally binding agreement between two entities that serves to formalize a particular transaction or arrangement. An example of such an agreement is a trade contract between a buyer and a seller. By entering into a contract, both parties are afforded the opportunity to seek legal recourse in the event of a dispute. The primary function of a contract is to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.

Also, the contract must be in the written form if you want to use it as evidence. If you take the easy way out and make a deal with your moving company verbally you cannot use that in the court of law. So, before you hire cheap movers Brooklyn and make a contract, make sure everything is written down so you do not have any trouble during and after the move. With all that said, let’s see what are the elements of a valid moving contract.

  • The time and date of the moving day
  • All moving expenses and the final price
  • Estimated delivery date
  • Each and every service you require from the moving company
  • Your insurance policy
  • Any additional terms you and your moving company agree to

Elements of a Valid Moving Contract

Every individual moving contract is unique due to the various tasks that may be requested of the movers, as well as the specific terms and conditions outlined by the company. The presented terms and conditions are subject to acceptance or rejection by the client, with the alternative option of seeking alternative moving services.

It is imperative to approach the terms and conditions with utmost seriousness, as moving companies aim to safeguard themselves against fraudulent activities.

terms and conditions card

Additional Services

It is imperative that one exercises caution when signing any moving contract and thoroughly reads it prior to doing so. Additionally, it is advisable to inquire about any uncertainties with the movers before engaging in contract negotiations. Should one require supplementary services, it is recommended that they inquire about the feasibility of such services and the impact they may have on the overall cost of the move.

Trustworthy and dependable movers will provide transparent responses to all queries and may even furnish an immediate quote for additional services. It is prudent to take note of all information provided and compare it to the moving contract presented.

Canceling the Contract

It is imperative that your moving contract includes a cancellation policy. In the event that the move must be cancelled, there is likely a specific protocol that both you and your mover must follow. Such a cancellation may be initiated by either party. For instance, if you intend to transport flammable items, the mover may cancel the move. However, it is possible to dispose of such items and proceed with the move as planned.

Other questionable items are firearms. They are bound by different laws in each state. If you are moving to Brooklyn this should not be a problem. But moving interstate may be an issue. So, if you want to move guns, make sure to check all the laws and regulations of all the states the movers will pass through during the moving process.

handshake
A verbal contract is not the right way to go

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is the most important document in your moving file. It is the actual confirmation that the movers are going to load your belongings on their truck, and drive them to the location of your new home. It is also the document that contains the total price of your move and all the services that the moving company will provide you.

The movers will give you your copy of the bill of lading on the day of your move. Another thing why the bill of lading is important is because it contains your insurance coverage. The movers conducting your long-distance move should explain each term and condition on the bill of lading and that should include your insurance coverage.

Make sure to put your bill of lading in the “most important moving documents” folder and keep it there until the moving process is finished. The movers themselves will have another copy of it just in case. The bill of lading will also contain your full inventory.

Inventory List

The inventory list will be featured along with your bill of lading. Your moving company will probably make an inventory of all the boxes you have. However, after getting moving boxes, you should make an inventory of what you put in each one. This is a big part of your moving organization. Proper organization is vital for everything in life, and that applies to moving as well.

The best way to make an inventory list is to write down each thing you put in the box, and then label them by room or by type. Mark the box with a colored sticker or just write down “kitchen utensils” or whatever else you put in it.

Conclusion

The moving contract is a very important document and you should not conduct your move if your moving company wishes to do the move without it. With all that said, good luck with your move!

Risks Of Hiring Cheap Movers

Everyone is aware that if you want to get professional help on moving day, you need to pay some extra money. A crucial part of moving is defining a budget. If moving company fit into your budget, you can start looking for the company that suits you best.

If your budget constraints prevent you from allocating a substantial amount of funds towards a moving company, you may encounter a predicament. Given the multitude of expenses associated with moving, you may need to make some cost-cutting decisions.

However, it is important to exercise caution when considering hiring a cheap moving company, as doing so can pose significant risks. Prioritizing your needs and assessing the potential hazards of hiring inexpensive movers is crucial. The following are some of the risks associated with engaging the services of low-cost movers.

Low-Quality Service

A close-up of one dollar bills. One of the risks of hiring cheap movers is their low-quality.

Of course, paying a lot of money for something does not guarantee better quality. However, that doesn’t mean that the price and the quality of the services aren’t connected at all. Good moving services usually cost more than a low-quality service. If the movers are poorly paid, they might care less about relocating your things.

So, one of the risks of hiring cheap movers is the possibility of their services being of lower quality. Maybe you should research where to get moving boxes for moving, instead of saving your money by hiring cheap movers. After all, you want your things to stay secure and damage-free during the move, so you should really consider investing in a good quality moving company. If your priority is hiring movers who are professional and reliable, you should probably pay some extra money.

Lack Of Experience

Silver coins on a white surface

It’s pretty understandable that you want to lower your moving costs and save some money when you’re moving house. You probably have a long list of expenses and you want to reduce the amount of money you’re spending. However, hiring cheap movers is risky as they might be inexperienced. It could be a brand new moving company that isn’t charging a lot because they want to attract customers. However, you probably don’t want to be one of their first clients.

It is imperative that individuals entrusted with the transportation of personal belongings possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to handle the relocation process with utmost care. Opting for inexpensive movers may pose a significant risk to the safety of one’s possessions during transit.

In the event of any damage to furniture, walls, or doors, the cost of repair may be equivalent to that of a reputable moving company. While it is possible for low-cost movers to possess adequate experience, the potential for subpar service remains a valid concern.

Scam Possibilities

A pile of road signs that say ''SCAM''. Among the risks of hiring cheap movers is the possibility of getting scammed.

The biggest risk of hiring an inexpensive moving company is that it could be a fraudulent company. This is one of the worst things you could encounter during a move. If the company is charging way too little, research it thoroughly and make sure that it is indeed legitimate. Some moving companies do offer discounts or special deals sometimes, but their regular prices don’t really differ a lot from other companies.

After all, every company needs to pay the staff, insurance, the moving truck, and gas. So, if you run into a company whose prices are suspiciously low, maybe you should move on to a different one.

Do the Research Before Hiring

In order to make sure you don’t get scammed by a moving company, you should do your research. Learn everything you should know about a moving company and find out how to recognize fraudulent companies.

When you’re hiring movers, the price isn’t the only thing that matters. In fact, here are some of the things you should pay attention to.

  1. A legitimate moving company has to have a USDOT number. Find a moving company’s USDOT number in order to evaluate it better
  2. Read the reviews of a company you are researching. If the reviews are mainly good, you know that you’ll be in good hands with that company. However, if you stumble upon a company with horrible reviews, move on to a better one. Listen to what the customers have to say.
  3. See if there is enough information on their website and consider talking to the movers in person. If they seem professional and serious, that’s a good sign.

Avoid the risks of choosing cheap movers by being careful and informed. Don’t give them an opportunity to scam you because you’re uninformed.

Hiring Cheap Movers

In conclusion, the risks of hiring cheap movers could cost you a lot more than paying a regularly priced company. It is important that you think about the safety of your belongings. The low price might be a sign that the movers aren’t capable of executing the relocation as well as you hope. For that reason, your better option is saving your money on other things. After all, if you want the job done well, you need to pay for it. So, consider that when you’re thinking of hiring a cheap moving company. Don’t let the low price trick you, be careful and do your research.

Reasons Why New Yorkers Move to NJ

New York City is renowned for its enchanting allure, captivating individuals from all corners of the globe with its vibrant lifestyle and exhilarating atmosphere. However, in recent times, a growing number of New Yorkers have been relocating from the city.

And you may wonder why? One of the main reasons New Yorkers are leaving this city is the high cost of living. New York is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the United States.  

The Numbers

According to StreetEasy research. One in three New Yorkers said they planned to be leaving New York in the next year. Furthermore,  while U.S. Consensus’ statistics said that about 900,000 of New York’s 8.4 million citizens find a new city to relocate.

One of the favorite cities among New Yorkers to relocate is New Jersey. You certainly want to hear why New Yorkers move to NJ. New Jersey is very near New York but offers more benefits than NYC. Who knows, maybe you’ll find out that NJ is your next destination, too.

Statue of liberty with a question in mind why New Yorkers move to NJ

Cheap Renting 

As you may be aware, residing in New York City necessitates a substantial income. The exorbitant cost of living is the primary concern for New York residents. This is the foremost and principal rationale for the migration of New Yorkers to New Jersey, as evidenced by online statistics and articles.

In 2000, the cost per square foot in New York was $350. Moreover, in 2016, the prices went up to $1760. While in NJ, the average price per square foot rose about %5 and it’s near $170. Renting and buying real estate in NJ is a way much affordable and lower than in NY. For an ordinary apartment in New York, you can rent a luxury one in New Jersey. While this may cost you up to $1,500, it’s still much cheaper than moving to Manhattan.  

street view on NYC with many people crossing the street

Having a Car is Affordable 

In New York, there is a constant crowd in the streets.  It’s hard to drive, not to mention costs if you own a car. Parking garages are too expensive. Parking your car in NY garages can cost you from $250 to $500 for a month, or even more. If you add $80 for insurance and gas, that would be a fortune only for having a car!

In NJ you can park your car in various driveways or apartment parking lot for free. You can peacefully drive and park your car to take your kids to school or go buy some groceries. And if you’re thinking of relocating to NJ, check Brooklyn moving quote and compare it with others in NJ. You’ll see the difference. 

Girl looks over the skyline view NJ that provides an answer why New Yorkers move to NJ

Lower Taxes

New Jersey offers a plethora of cost-effective options, including lower expenses, reduced taxes, and affordable rent. This is precisely why many New Yorkers choose to relocate to NJ. By making the move, one can undoubtedly save a considerable amount of money. In contrast to New York, where sales tax is 8.5%, NJ levies only 3.5%. Additionally, transportation costs are comparatively lower in NJ.

While monthly metro card costs about $121, a monthly path card costs $89. What’s more interesting, especially for fashion lovers! In NJ there is no sales tax on clothes! Just imagine expensive clothes shops in New York, and clothes without taxes in New Jersey. Just, wow!  

Good Transportation 

As we’ve mentioned earlier. Transportation in New Jersey is cheaper than in New York. Jersey is placed across the Hudson so it’s easy to travel to NY. Traveling on PATH can take as long as 30 minutes to 34th St. So it’s actually closer for NJ citizens to get to the NY than people from NYC boroughs.

Citizens in NJ are mostly using PATH train. They can travel between states for only $2.75 per trip. Buses in NJ cost about $1.60 per trip. Also, if you live in the northern parts of New Jersey, and work in New York City, it can take only 30 minutes to an hour away to get to your work.

While traffic in New York can be awful, and citizens from NY can travel up to 1 hour to their work even if they live in that city. That is one of the cons of working in NYC, of course. So, it’s pretty clear why New Yorkers move to NJ. 

City Escape 

Commercial relocation People are often tired of the crowds in New York, fast lifestyles, overwork, and stress. While New York offers modern city life. New Jersey offers the same but with more peaceful moments. NJ gives you more time to relax, enjoy nature and outside activities than New York. It’s like a slower and peaceful alternative of NY.

You can chill on the beach after work.  Away from traffic noises, crowds of tourists and people who are in a hurry. NJ is considered to have more beautiful beaches than NY. Seaside Heights or the Jersey Shore are some of the favorite places in town to relax and have some fun. Just like in New York, there are plenty of restaurants and bars in NJ.

But with more affordable prices! You don’t need to have a high budget to go to a lux restaurant. As all prices are lower in NJ, prices of moving companies are also lower. Commercial relocation services can help you if you decide to relocate to NJ. 

More Peaceful Life 

Yes. People from New York are getting tired of the fast lifestyle and they are longing for a more peaceful life. That’s why New Yorkers move to NJ. Although New Jersey is also a modern city like New York. Moreover, it offers a slower and peaceful life. The atmosphere is more pleasant and relaxed.

People have more time after work to hang out with friends and family. As the cost of living is lower in New Jersey, people are less stressed about paying bills and saving money. They do not have to think so much about work but devote their time to things they like to do.  

The value of stored property tenant insurance

Stored property tenant insurance is a way to protect your valuables in case of a burglary, or any other contingent or uncertain loss. Some homeowners and renters insurance policies cover items stored off-site. In case they do not cover insurance policies separate insurance and coverage is necessary. But the thing on this topic you need to understand is the following.

Insurance for property stored in your affordable storage is not as common like other forms of insurance. Therefore you need to choose reputable storage facilities that provide tenant insurance. In that case, you as a customer may purchase coverage on the spot. With that in mind, your valuable and special items need a special form of insurance. In that case, unless you choose a reputable facility you may need to buy separate insurance. So now that we possess your undivided attention let us dig deeper into this topic. 

Continue reading “The value of stored property tenant insurance”

Sharing a Storage Unit in NYC

Are you contemplating the possibility of sharing a storage unit in New York City? I sincerely hope that this decision is not a result of the four Ds of life, namely death, divorce, downsizing, or dislocation, which are known to be the primary causes of requiring additional storage space. Given that you reside in the bustling metropolis of the Big Apple, you are likely already familiar with its unique characteristics. However, permit me to provide a brief overview of NYC.

New York City is the most populous city in the United States. As of 2023, population is 8.51 million. It is the most densely populated major city in the US.

I can with certainty say that NYC is cultural, financial and media capital of the world. Furthermore, it is home of the headquarters of the United Nations. New York is an important center for International diplomacy.

Sharing a Storage Unit in New York

sharing storage

Self -storage industry is primarily a United States based industry. As of 2023, it is estimated that between 48,000 and 52,000 storage facilities are currently in the United States. According to the Self -Storage Association, self-storage represented a 22 billion-dollar industry in 2009 and accounted for 2.21 billion square feet of storage space.  This amount of space equates to 19.2 square feet per the United States household.

The industry is worth $38 billion in 2018. Now there a both good and bad as with everything and is up to you whether you rent one for yourself. How to share a storage unit in NYC and use moving services in Brooklyn in the best way is going to be a lot more-clearer at the end of the article. So, let us descent further into this topic.

Without further introduction, I hope to make your decision process a bit smoother. 

Good Side of Sharing a Storage Unit

Self-storage facilities are often reliable when it comes to keeping your stuff safe and sound from causes like weather, mice, or ’disappearing’ belongings. Furthermore, that gives you peace of mind, and you cannot put a price on that. On top of that, you can find cheap storage in NYC easily.

Currently, the majority of storage unit companies offer insurance coverage in the event of unforeseen disasters or circumstances. As a result, it is unequivocally evident that they surpass the reliability of storing one’s belongings in a friend’s attic. One of the advantages of utilizing a storage unit is the ability to access one’s possessions at any given time. Particularly in a city as vast as New York, where living spaces are often limited, sharing a storage unit can prove to be highly advantageous.

Since I do not know your area of residence. I can only provide some information on moving services in Brooklyn. Some are Dyno Moving, CCS Moving & Storage, Simply Moving & Storage. All of them rated 5 stars. 

Additional Pros of Storage Sharing

Self-storage is a fairly cheap option for hanging your stuff during your relocation, short term or otherwise. But an important piece of advice. Make sure that stuff you put in the storage unit is essential so you do not forget about them. Sharing a storage unit provides essential help when you are in the middle of relocation chaos.

Your things are safe while you move, so you can focus on other important things. When you’re done with everything else, you can pick up your belongings.

Also, a big plus is that it helps you declutter your home. You can easily declutter your home with some extra space. And sharing a storage unit in NYC is just the thing you can use. Furthermore, you can use a storage unit to make a garage sale for some extra money. 

Negative Side of Sharing a Storage

storage locker

Now a little glance over the negative side. The bad side of sharing a storage unit in New York City. During your move, nobody considers the price of renting a storage unit. You yourself must factor in the price of having your moving company take care of this aspect.

New York is a great city and moving companies can assist you in many ways. They can help you find good deals on sharing a storage unit or renting through their contacts. You should ask them about this to save money on moving costs.

Therefore, you can have peace of mind on at least your stuff during all relocation chaos. Of course, modern facilities through the Big Apple possess surveillance cameras. But hear my advice ask the facility what kind of security they have and burglary prevention. You do not want to lose valuable stuff because of some thief.

Should You Share a Storage Unit with a Friend?

The most important advice I can give is to only share your storage unit with someone you know and trust. This will give you peace of mind. Sharing with someone you don’t know can lead to the worst-case scenario.

But just to cover it all. Consider the case of you and your friend have a fallout. And on top of all, the name on the lease is a friend’s, they can prevent you from getting your stuff. And they can also change the lock.

In a big city, it’s important to pick good friends. You might have to go to court to keep your things or pay rent. If you don’t, your things could be sold. Be careful and choose trustworthy friends to keep your things safe.

In the end, consider every aspect with care. New York provides everything if you look at the right companies for your move. Or in case you need more space for your belongings. Sharing a storage unit in NYC is definitely a great way to ensure your relocation goes a bit smoother.

Furthermore, sharing extra space with your friend or significant one can provide much need ease during relocation. Consider the best moving services, look over everything twice. Only when you see the entire picture reach a decision.