Relocating is stressful enough without having to worry about industry jargon or hidden moving fees. That’s why we’ve put together this moving glossary to help you prepare as much as possible before your big move. Once you’ve chosen the best moving company for your needs, use this go-to resource to learn about all things moving—from understanding the three main types of moving services to finding the moving equipment you need and more.

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Types of Moving Services

When planning your relocation, it’s essential that you understand the three different types of moving services available, from full service to DIY. Keep in mind that service options and moving terms can vary among companies, so clarify what each term means with your chosen provider. 

Full-Service Move

A full-service move typically involves:

• Packing all belongings
• Loading and unloading items
• Disassembling and reassembling furniture
• Transportation

Professionals handle every aspect of a full-service move, making this type of moving and packing service convenient and less stressful than other options. However, this level of service is usually more expensive than partial-service or DIY moves. Common add-on services offered by full-service movers include storage, specialty item handling, and temporary accommodation arrangements. These additional services will increase the overall cost of the move. 

Partial-Service Move

A partial-service move differs from a full-service move in that it allows customers to choose which tasks they want the moving company to handle. For example, you may choose to have your movers handle the transportation and loading/unloading of items, but you’ll be responsible for packing and unpacking your belongings. Alternatively, you could hire movers to pack and unpack your belongings while you transport and unload everything yourself.

Partial-service moves tend to be more cost-effective than full-service moves as they are less comprehensive. They also offer you greater flexibility and control over the moving process. However, partial-service moves tend to be more labor-intensive and stressful. You also assume greater responsibility for any damages that may occur to your belongings during the move.

DIY Move

During a DIY move, you’ll handle every aspect of your relocation, from packing and loading to transporting and unloading your items and furniture. This often includes renting a moving truck or trailer, which you’ll drive to your new location. Additional rental equipment options available to DIY movers include the following:

• Moving dollies
• Hand trucks
• Furniture pads

The primary advantage of a DIY move is the significant cost savings compared to full- or partial-service moves. On the flip side, these savings come at the expense of the considerable time and labor required to relocate. If you’re physically capable of doing the heavy lifting and have time to manage the process from start to finish, the cost savings may be worth the extra effort on your part.

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Moving Logistics Terms

Familiarity with terms related to moving logistics, timelines, and deliveries will help you set clear expectations and facilitate effective communication with your moving company, reducing the risk of misunderstandings.

Estimated Load Time

Estimated load time refers to the anticipated duration that movers will need to load all your belongings onto the moving truck. Several factors may influence this time, such as the volume of items to be moved, size and layout of your home, ease of access to your property, and number of movers assigned to the job. 

Understanding the estimated load time for your move can help you plan ahead and better prepare for moving day. For example, knowing how long the loading process will take can help you determine when to be at home, coordinate with other services (such as cleaning or utility disconnections), and manage your schedule to avoid unnecessary downtime or delays.

Delivery Spread

A delivery spread is the range of days within which a moving company estimates that your belongings will arrive at your new location. This timeframe allows for flexibility in scheduling and accounts for potential delays due to weather, traffic, and logistical challenges. 

Time of delivery can vary significantly between interstate moves and intrastate moves. Deliveries can take up to 14 days for local moves within the same state. For long-distance moves, the transit time range can be anywhere from two to 21 days.

Some moving companies offer first-available delivery for an additional charge. This add-on service prioritizes your shipment so that it’s delivered as soon as possible within your delivery spread. 

Long Carry

Moving companies may charge an additional fee, called a long-carry fee, when movers have to carry items over an excessive distance from the home to the moving truck. This typically occurs when the truck can’t be parked close to the entrance of your residence due to lack of space. The distance of a long carry can vary by moving company, but it often starts at around 75 feet from the home to the parked truck. 

Packed by Owner (PBO)

Packed by owner (PBO) is a term often used in the moving industry to indicate that a customer has packed their belongings themselves rather than using the packaging services offered by the moving company. 

PBO has implications for liability and insurance coverage. Typically, moving companies are less liable for any damages to goods that were packed by the owner because they can’t verify that the packaging was sufficient. This could affect claims made if damages occur during the move. If you choose to pack your belongings yourself, use appropriate materials and techniques to ensure the safety and security of your household items.

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Moving Equipment and Supplies

Having the right moving equipment and supplies is like having a trusty toolkit for a home project—it makes everything safer and easier. Before you begin your move, accumulate a few packing materials (i.e., moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape) and tools. The better prepared you are for your move, the more you can relax, knowing your belongings will be safe throughout the journey.

Dollies and Hand Trucks

Movers often use dollies and hand trucks to transport heavy or bulky items. Some of the most common tools that moving companies use are the following:

• Upright hand trucks: These hand trucks, often referred to as two-wheel dollies, are great for moving heavy boxes, appliances, and small pieces of furniture.
• Convertible hand trucks: This type of hand truck can be used like the upright option, but it can also be laid flat in a four-wheel position to transport awkwardly shaped or bulky articles and multiple small items.
• Appliance hand truck: These larger hand trucks come with straps and are useful for securing and moving larger appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.
• Furniture dollies: Unlike hand trucks, furniture dollies are flat, four-wheeled platforms that are often used to move large pieces of furniture. 
• Stair climbing dollies: These specialty dollies are equipped with rotating wheels designed to navigate flights of stairs, which makes them a great option if you’re moving things up and down multiple stories.

Ensuring safe access for movers to utilize hand trucks and dollies is essential for a smooth relocation process. Always clear pathways and remove obstacles to help facilitate an efficient move.

Furniture Pads and Covers

If you’re worried about keeping your furniture protected during your move, invest in furniture pads and covers. These serve as cushy barriers between your household goods and the unpredictable moving journey, which often includes a bumpy ride in a moving truck and tight squeezes through doorways and hallways. Furniture pads and covers do a great job of shielding sofas, chairs, tables, mattresses, and more. Keep in mind that when you choose to pack your belongings yourself, movers aren’t responsible for any damages that may occur.

Tie-Downs and Straps

Once you’ve stacked boxes, furniture, and other personal belongings inside your moving truck or personal vehicle, it’s time to secure everything in place with tie-downs and straps. These moving supplies act as seatbelts to keep your items locked down and steady throughout the relocation process. 

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Moving Insurance and Liability

Understanding insurance options and carrier liability is crucial when planning a relocation. Let’s dive into the different protections that moving companies offer and how you can mitigate risks to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Released Value Protection

Released value protection is a mandated, basic liability coverage offered by moving companies that provides minimal reimbursement for lost or damaged items. Under this coverage option, movers are liable for a predetermined amount per pound per item, which will not exceed 60 cents per pound. 

Released value protection is automatically included in the cost of moving services, but its coverage is limited and may not adequately compensate you for the full value of your lost or damaged items.

Full Value Protection

Full value protection provides more comprehensive coverage than released value protection, as it offers reimbursement for the replacement value of lost or damaged items rather than a predetermined amount per pound. 

Under this coverage option, many moving companies choose not to cover items of extraordinary value, such as fine jewelry or collectors’ items, but you may still list these items on the shipping documents so that your mover is responsible for their safe delivery. With full value protection, your moving company may choose to do any of the following if your belongings are lost, destroyed, or damaged:

• Make a cash settlement for the cost of the item’s repair
• Provide reimbursement for the item’s current market value
• Repair the item
• Replace the item with a similar item

Before your move, document the condition of all your belongings. If you need to file a claim for any lost or damaged items, you’ll notify the moving company (you often have nine months following the date of delivery) and provide evidence of the item’s value. Once your claim is filed, the moving company will evaluate the claim and determine the appropriate next steps.

Items of Extraordinary Value

Items of extraordinary value, or high-value articles, are possessions valued at more than $100 per pound. Due to their high value and often irreplaceable natures, these belongings typically require special attention during the relocation process to ensure they arrive safely to the next destination. 

Released value protection and full value protection don’t cover high-value articles by default, so it’s important that you accurately declare these items to the moving company before they arrive to pack and load your items. This declaration should include detailed descriptions, appraisals, and receipts of your high-value items.

Having a conversation with your movers about these high-value items will allow them to set up extra protective measures and appropriate valuation coverage. 

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Pricing and Payment Terms

Nobody wants to be blindsided by unexpected surcharges or peak season rates during their move. Understanding your relocation’s pricing and payment details will help you better navigate conversations with your movers. 

The price of moving services can differ greatly depending on several factors, such as the location of the final destination, the weight of the shipment, seasonal timing, and more. There may also be extra charges for storage solutions, fragile item handling, and stair carries. By learning about these factors, you can better budget and sidestep any last-minute financial shock.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is a fixed-cost agreement between a moving company and a customer. Once you’ve received your estimate, it can’t be changed unless additional services or items are added. 

This type of estimate differs from a non-binding estimate, as non-binding estimates are based on the final weight of items and services provided. The main benefit of a binding estimate is its financial predictability. It allows you to budget for your move without worrying about sudden price increases.

Tariff

A mover’s tariff is a document that outlines a moving company’s rates, policies, and regulations. Tariffs often include detailed pricing information for accessorial services, such as the following:

• Flight charges
• Remote-area delivery service fees
• Third-party service fees

Tariffs are regulated by federal agencies, such as the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to ensure transparency.

Shuttle Service

If obstacles such as narrow streets or low-hanging branches stand between your new home and the moving truck, you may need to pay a shuttle service fee. This fee will fluctuate based on the distance and number of items to be moved. Your movers will unload your belongings from the moving truck and transport them to your final destination in a smaller vehicle. Before signing a contract, discuss potential shuttle and transportation charges with your moving company to avoid surprises in your final bill.

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is a legally binding document between you and your moving company. It outlines the terms and conditions of your chosen relocation services, the goods that will be shipped, and all costs associated with your move. 

Your mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for you, and the driver who loads your shipment must provide you with this document before or during loading. Thoroughly review this document before signing, as you must pay for all charges that are outlined in the bill. A bill of lading must include the following information:

• Mover’s legal name
• Motor carrier information
• Payment information
• Pickup and delivery dates
• Valuation statements
• Insurance coverage information
• Accessorial services
• Estimate
• Shipment identification or registration number

Both parties must sign and date the bill of lading at your previous address and new home.

Accessorial Charge

Moving companies often have fees called accessorial charges for additional moving services. If you request long carries, extra pickup, storage-in-transit, or other services beyond the standard moving services, your moving company will charge you for them. Discuss your relocation needs with your moving company to understand any additional charges that may be incurred.

Linehaul Charge

A linehaul charge is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they need to be carried to arrive at the final destination. This fee is often incurred if you’re moving a long distance or to another state, and it should be outlined in your estimate and bill of lading.

Cash on Delivery (COD)

Cash on delivery (COD)  means you pay your movers—using cash, a credit card, or a cashier’s check—upon their arrival at your final destination. This ensures that the moving company receives compensation immediately upon completing the job. For interstate deliveries, federal law requires that the customer pays any charges in full before the movers unload anything at the final destination.

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Our Conclusion

By understanding the nuanced meanings of essential moving terms, you can set clear expectations with your movers and avoid any misunderstandings, helping you to achieve a smooth, stress-free relocation. We encourage you to discuss terms and policies further with your mover before you sign a contract. This proactive approach will help you avoid potential issues or surprise charges. 

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FAQ About Moving Terminology

What items are typically included on a mover’s non-allowable list?

The items that are typically on a mover’s non-allowable list include hazardous materials (gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, etc.), perishable items, illegal substances, and plants. Additionally, movers often advise transporting valuable items—such as important documents, jewelry, and cash—personally.

What items are typically listed on a moving inventory sheet?

The items that are typically listed on a moving inventory sheet include everything that is loaded onto the moving truck. The moving inventory sheet should also list each item’s condition in case anything is lost or damaged in transport.

What’s the difference between van lines and moving companies?

The difference between van lines and moving companies lies in their structure and scope of operations. Van lines are larger networks composed of multiple local moving companies that operate under one brand. Van lines provide long-distance and interstate moving services. Moving companies are typically individual businesses that offer local, intrastate, and interstate moving services. These companies aren’t necessarily part of a larger network.

What’s the difference between a broker and a carrier? 

The difference between a broker and a carrier is that a broker arranges for the transportation of household goods by a registered moving company, while a carrier completes these moving services with its own vehicles. Carriers tend to be more reliable, as you’re dealing directly with the entity that is handling your belongings.

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