Things to Know Before Moving
Important information every customer should know before their long-distance move. Be prepared and avoid common pitfalls.
Legal & Regulatory Information
Understanding your rights and responsibilities when hiring an interstate moving company.
Your Rights as a Customer
Right to a Written Estimate
You have the right to receive a written estimate before your move. Binding estimates guarantee the price, while non-binding estimates may change.
Right to Inspect Your Shipment
You can inspect your belongings before signing the delivery receipt. Don't sign if you notice damage or missing items.
Right to File Claims
You have up to 9 months to file a claim for loss or damage, and the mover has 30 days to acknowledge your claim.
Required Documentation
Bill of Lading
Your contract with the mover. Keep this document until your move is complete and all claims are resolved.
Inventory List
Detailed list of all items being moved. Check this carefully and note any pre-existing damage.
Written Estimate
Keep your written estimate and compare it to the final bill. Question any significant differences.
Insurance & Liability Coverage
Understanding your coverage options and what's included in your move.
$0.60 per pound per item
This basic coverage is included at no extra cost but provides minimal protection based on weight, not value.
What's Covered:
- • Loss or damage during transport
- • Coverage based on weight only
- • No additional cost
Example:
A 50-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be covered for $30 (50 lbs × $0.60)
Full replacement value
Covers the full replacement value of your belongings. Additional cost but much better protection.
What's Covered:
- • Full replacement value
- • Repair or replacement options
- • Cash settlement available
Cost:
Typically $6-8 per $1,000 of declared value (varies by company and distance)
Payment & Pricing Information
What you need to know about moving costs, payment methods, and avoiding scams.
Binding Estimate
Fixed price that won't change unless you add services or items.
Non-Binding Estimate
Approximate cost that may change based on actual weight and services.
Binding Not-to-Exceed
You pay the actual cost or the estimate amount, whichever is lower.
Accepted Forms:
- • Cash
- • Certified check
- • Money order
- • Major credit cards
Payment Schedule:
- • Deposit to book (varies by move size)
- • 50% of balance due at pickup
- • Remaining balance due at delivery
Avoid Companies That:
- • Demand 100% payment upfront
- • Don't have proper DOT licensing
- • Go door-to-door soliciting business
- • Quote extremely low prices
- • Refuse to provide written estimates
- • Have no physical business address
- • Can't provide insurance information
- • Have consistently poor reviews
Timeline & Scheduling
Understanding delivery windows and what to expect during your long-distance move.
Delivery Windows
What is a Delivery Window?
A range of dates when your belongings will be delivered. For long-distance moves, this is typically 1-14 business days depending on distance.
Factors Affecting Delivery
- • Distance of your move
- • Size of your shipment
- • Weather conditions
- • Traffic and road conditions
- • Other deliveries on the truck
What to Expect
Pickup Day
Movers arrive, load your belongings, and provide you with a bill of lading and inventory.
In Transit
Your belongings travel to your new home. You'll receive tracking updates along the way.
Delivery Notification
You'll receive 24-hour advance notice of your delivery appointment.
Delivery Day
Inspect your belongings, check the inventory, and sign the delivery receipt.