Relocating to a new home can be a monumental task. From selecting a reputable local moving company to organizing your belongings for efficient packing. There’s a lot of information to process. As you begin to work with a mover, you may hear terminology you’re unfamiliar with. Which is why we’ve created this list of common moving terms and their definitions. Although most of these are standard terms that apply to moving in general. A few of them will be unique to your move with the local moving experts at Jacksonville Elite Movers.
Agent Moving Terms
An agent refers to a moving company that works with a carrier. Or van line to manage booking, processing, and moving.
Bill of Lading Moving Terms
The bill of lading is a required document acknowledging receipt of your belongings. This form serves as the contract with the movers for the transport of the items. The mover’s name and contact information, the transportation schedule. And the terms and conditions regarding payment for your move are also listed here. In addition, you’ll find the total moving charges and information regarding the valuation of your belongings. Most importantly, the bill of lading states how much the mover will be liable. If any items are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimate Moving Terms
A binding estimate is a quote for the total cost of the move based on a complete pre-move survey. That considers all elements of the move. This contract is highly accurate because it’s based on the information obtained visually by a professional estimator. Although a binding estimate offers a guarantee of sorts, changes to the information. Obtained during the walkthrough could still result in additional charges.
A non-binding estimate offers some flexibility as far as allowing for specifics. That you did not fully know at the time of the initial quote. Although this type of estimate offers a ballpark figure of how much the move will cost. Additional charges are often incurred as more details unfold.
Bingo Sheet Moving Terms
A bingo sheet is a checklist movers use to account for each item. In the load to make sure everything made it to the final destination.
Blankets or Moving Pads Moving Terms
Moving blankets are thick, soft materials used to wrap and pad large items. Such as furniture for protection during loading and transport.
Bulky Article Moving Terms
A bulky article refers to a large item requiring special handling during packing, loading, and transport. Pianos are an example of bulky articles.
Carrier Moving Terms
The carrier is the moving company authorized to transport your household goods from one location to another during a move.
Claim Moving Terms
A claim is a complaint submitted requesting compensation for damages incurred to items while in a moving company’s care. You may also submit a claim if the movers damage either home during the loading or unloading of your items.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled storage offers the highest protection level because it means that a unit or facility regulates both temperature and humidity.
Temperature-controlled storage is a related term that refers to the regulation of just temperature. With some moves, temperature control is all that is needed.
Declutter Program
The declutter program is a service offered by Jacksonville Elite Movers. Where items are temporarily removed from your home and placed in a storage unit. This service makes it easier for you to stage and organize your home to prepare it for the market. Not all moving companies offer this convenient service.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT is a federal organization that regulates transportation for both commercial and personal purposes. In the context of a move, you might hear the term DOT number. Verifying this number is the best way to identify the moving company as being properly licensed to move your stuff. The DOT number is significant in determining a mover’s legitimacy since DOT licensing is required for operation.
DIY Packing aka PBO or Packed by Owner
Do it yourself packing is just what it sounds like. It’s when a customer chooses to pack their own belongings. Instead of paying extra for packing services from their local moving company.
Some related terms are full-service packing and partial packing. These terms refer to optional packing services offered by full-service moving companies.
