Top 5 moving terms you should know

    Each relocation process is a little different, but there are some key terms that you will encounter no matter what. And while moving to a new city, state, province, county, or even country might be exciting, it can also be pretty overwhelming. To help make your transition a little smoother (and take some of the stress out of learning a new industry-specific vocabulary); we’ve compiled a list of essential moving terms you should know. If you are about to hire one of the relocation companies Canada has to offer, it would be wise to first educate yourself on these terms. They will not only help you communicate your needs more effectively, but they will also help you understand the process. Moreover, they will help you understand exactly what services should you use and what will they cost. Understanding some of the essential terms can help you navigate through this sometimes-confusing process with a bit more ease.

    Top 5 moving terms you should know – Understanding the basis of relocation

    As one might assume, most relocations are quite overwhelming and stressful. This is especially the case if you have never moved before or if you are moving to an entirely new area. In order to make your move as smooth as possible, it is important that you understand some of the key terms associated with relocations. These will help you communicate your needs more effectively and understand what services are being offered to you. So, before you embark on your long distance moving experience, you will want to be able to tackle the concepts and terms that will be used in his process. Now, this does not mean that moving companies will bombard you with industry-specific jargon the minute you request their services. However, it is beneficial to be aware of these terms in order to make sure that you understand exactly what is going on during your move.

    1. Moving quotes

    A moving quote is simply an estimate of how much your move will cost. The estimate depends on various factors such as the weight and volume of your belongings, the distance of your move, and whether or not you will need any additional services.

    a man in a blue shirt making a moving estimate in a home that is about to move

    Moving quotes are great because they allow you to learn about the expenses before you start moving

    It is important to get multiple moving quotes in order to compare prices and services. Moreover, as you hire Canadian moving services, you will run into three of the basic estimate types.

    • Non-binding – This estimate is just a rough estimate of what your move might cost. The company is not legally obligated to adhere to this price.
    • Binding – This estimate is a bit more firm and the company will not be able to increase the price, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Not-to-exceed – This is the firmest estimate and it guarantees that the company will not charge you more than the agreed-upon price.

    2. Bill of Lading

    The bill of lading is a legal document that outlines the terms of your move. It will include information such as the origin and destination of your move, a list of your belongings, and the date of your move. The bill of lading also serves as a receipt for your belongings once they have been in the moving truck. On the other hand, if you are to use air freight services, the bill of lading will outline the terms of your agreement and will serve as a receipt for your belongings once they have been delivered. While most people simply sign the bill of lading without reading it, it is important to take the time to understand this document. After all, it is a legally binding contract. More importantly, it outlines your rights and responsibilities as well as those of the moving company.

    3. Moving terms you should know: Full-service moving

    While you might not need all of the services that are in a full-service move; it is important to be aware of what they are. A full-service move includes everything from packing and loading your belongings onto the moving truck; to unpacking them at your new home. This type of service is especially beneficial for long-distance moves. It is also for people who do not have the time or ability to pack their own belongings.

    a mover packing a cardboard box to depict full-service moving, one of the basic moving terms you should know

    As one of the basic moving terms you should know, full-service moving offers the most comprehensive type of service

    Moreover, most full-service moves also include storage options in case you need a place to keep your belongings before or after your move. Essentially, if you are to hire province to province movers, you will most likely be offered a full-service move. On the other hand, if you only need help with packing and loading, you can ask for a partial service move.

    4. The non-allowable list

    The non-allowable list is a list of items that moving companies will not transport. This list typically includes items that are too hazardous such as flammable liquids, cleaning chemicals, and gasoline. However, the list of non-allowable can vary from company to company. So, it is always best to check with your chosen mover before your move. Hence, if you are planning on moving these types of items, you might have to transport them yourself.

    a woman carrying several house plants down the stairs in a wooden container

    Check the list of items you cannot carry before you start the process; so you can properly organize everything

    In most cases, this list will consist of items that are illegal to transport. However, there are some items that are not illegal but are still non-allowable. These items typically include things like plants and animals. On the other hand, it also includes perishable items, such as food.

    5. Valuation coverage

    Valuation coverage is simply insurance for your belongings. This type of coverage is typically a part of the price of your move and is one of the moving terms you should know. However, the amount of coverage can vary depending on the company you choose and the services you purchase. For instance, some companies might offer declared value protection which allows you to declare the value of your belongings. On the other hand, other companies might offer released value protection which gives you a certain amount of coverage for your belongings based on their weight. In most cases, released value protection is included in the price of your move. However, it is important to note that this type of coverage does not provide full protection for your belongings. Therefore, if you have valuable items, you might want to consider purchasing additional insurance. Especially if you are moving long-distance.

     

     

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