What Paperwork Do I Have to Fill Out When Hiring a Mover?

When it’s time to hire a mover, you want to know what you can expect from the process, including the paperwork you will need to fill out. While every moving company is different, there are a few standard pieces of paperwork and documentation you can expect from nearly all movers. Keep reading to get the details to help you prepare for what’s next.

Moving Paperwork: Get Your Signature Hand Ready

Most of the paperwork you fill out will only require you to read the information and sign on the dotted line. You usually won’t need a lot of additional information. Here are the three pieces of paperwork you can expect:

  • Moving Service Order

After you have selected the moving company you want to hire for the job and agree to the moving estimate, they will provide you with an official “Order of Service.” This document is a release form that explains the agreement between you and the company. Your signature gives the company’s employees permission to handle your items as the document describes. It also includes information such as the moving date, moving vehicle type, cancellation policies, total price, and any other items you have negotiated.

  • Inventory Lists

While the moving company will not require you to fill out an inventory list, it’s a good idea to do it on your own. The company will create their own list as they load boxes onto their truck. You can use your list to cross-check their list. The more descriptive information you can include about your belongings, the better.

  • Bill of Lading

Once the moving company has loaded your belongings onto the truck, they will present you with a Bill of Lading. This is the final contract from the company that includes all the details of the move, including payment and insurance information, delivery date and location, a valuation addendum, and a list of all services. You must sign the Bill of Lading before the moving truck can pull away from your property with your belongings.

Get a Smooth, Hassle-Free Moving Experience with Nilson Van & Storage

From the moving estimate and paperwork to the safe delivery of your items, the professional team at Nilson Van & Storage is here to make your move successful. Contact us online now to get an estimate for your upcoming move.

Am I Responsible for Damages During Moving?

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when you start worrying about possibly being responsible for damages during the moving process. Thankfully, you can put your worries to rest! When you choose a reputable, licensed moving company, you can have peace of mind knowing that the company will have insurance and offers protection against item loss or damage. Keep reading to get the details.

What About Damages to a Home?

If there is any damage to your home when the moving company is moving you out or in, the company is almost always the one responsible. The only exception would be if the damage was impossible to avoid, like in the case of a loose handrail or stair that causes a mover to put a sofa through the drywall.

What About Damages to Your Belongings?

Accidents can happen during the moving process. A mover may drop a glass vase or bend a lampshade, or items might become broken during the transport. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a licensed moving company because the federal government requires them to have two levels of valuation coverage to reimburse or replace the items. You can also purchase additional insurance to give you the level of protection you desire for high-dollar possessions.

To get the ultimate assurance during your upcoming move, turn to the professional movers at Nilson Van & Storage. Our experts take the greatest care when handling your belongings and have a streamlined system to give you a safe and successful residential or commercial move. Connect with Nilson Van & Storage online now to get a free quote for services.

3 Things You Need to Know About Movers Valuation Coverage

A man and woman leaning on a moving box enjoying a cup of coffee

Should you purchase movers valuation coverage when you hire a moving company? If you are mindful of your moving budget, you want to make sure it is worth the cost. Keep reading to learn three things about movers valuation coverage you need to know to help you decide if you should take advantage of the coverage.

#1: The Federal Government Requires Moving Companies to Offer It

The United States government mandates that every licensed professional moving company offers valuation coverage, which is coverage for items that are destroyed, lost, or damaged during the move.

#2: The coverage offers two different levels of protection.

As a result of the government mandate, licensed moving companies offer two coverage levels—released valuation and full replacement value. The released valuation, also called “basic carrier liability,” is typically available at no additional cost to customers. It is part of the moving service package and requires the moving company to reimburse at 60 cents per lb. per item for anything that is damaged or lost during the moving process.

With the full replacement value coverage, the moving company will choose between reimbursing the customer for the full, current value of any lost or damaged item, replace the item, or repair it if possible. The valuation cost tends to be approximately five to six percent of your shipment’s weight.

#3: It is NOT insurance.

It’s important to understand that valuation is not the same as insurance coverage. Many moving companies offer insurance in addition to the standard valuation coverage options. The primary difference between the two is that insurance comes from an insurance company, and valuation coverage comes from the moving company.

To learn more about movers valuation coverage or to schedule moving services, contact Nilson Van & Storage online.

What Are the Different Types of Moving Estimates and What Do They Mean?

As you prepare for a big residential move, you will likely want to get a few moving estimates to ensure you get the best value and moving company for the money. Not all moving companies are equal, so it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the various estimates and what’s involved. Here’s a quick breakdown of different types of moving estimates and what they mean for your moving budget.

3 Primary Types of Moving Estimates

The three primary types of moving estimates include:

  1. Non-Binding
  2. Binding
  3. Binding Not-to-Exceed

Turn to Nilson Van & Storage for an Accurate Estimate for Your Move

In your search for a reliable, high-value moving company, make sure to get a quote from our team of professional movers at Nilson Van & Storage. Our streamlined process and attention to detail make your moving process hassle-free. Connect with us online now for a moving estimate.

Whether your move is big or small, our skilled movers are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, no matter where life takes you.