The Definitive Glossary of Essential Moving Terminology

Moving to a new home can feel like venturing into uncharted territory. With a slew of new terms and phrases thrown at you—some you’ve heard, some you haven’t—making sense of it all can be overwhelming. But worry not; this glossary is your compass. Not only will it define the terms you’ll encounter, but it’ll also give you the confidence to make well-informed decisions. This is not just another list; it’s your personalized guide to making your move as smooth as possible.

Section A: Financials and Fees

Accessorial Charges

Any additional costs levied by a moving company for services beyond just transporting your belongings. Think of packing, unpacking, or appliance disconnection; these fees are supplementary to your basic moving expenses.

Actual Charges

The comprehensive cost of your move, encompassing not just moving expenses but also warehouse fees and any accessorial charges you may incur.

Section B: Legal Terms and Documents

Adjuster

A designated individual responsible for resolving claims against a moving company, whether those claims pertain to damaged items or loss of goods during transit.

Agent

An agent is a moving company under the aegis of a larger van line. These two entities collaborate to offer consumers a more extensive range of services.

Bill of Lading

This crucial legal document outlines all relevant details of your move — from shipping date to the inventory of items transported. It also serves as formal proof of your agreement with the moving company.

Bulky Article Charge

This is an extra fee imposed for large items that need special handling, like pool tables or grand pianos.

Section C: Handling and Transportation

Carrier

The moving company tasked with transporting your household goods from point A to point B.

Cargo Claim

This is a claim lodged by a customer for goods that were either damaged or broken during the move.

Crating

The specialized process of constructing wooden boxes for delicate or high-value items, offering them extra protection during the move.

Cube Sheet

This list details the space each household item takes up in the moving truck, expressed in cubic feet. The cube sheet aids in creating an accurate moving estimate by converting space into weight.

Section D: Delivery and Timing

Delivery Report

This signed document is a formal acknowledgment by the customer that their household goods have been delivered at the destination in the condition expected.

Delivery Window

This term defines the span of time allocated for the moving company to deliver your belongings. The length of the window often correlates with the distance of the move.

Diversion

Any change in the originally agreed-upon route or an additional stop made once the truck has already set out constitutes a diversion.

Door-to-Door Service

A premium service where your items are moved directly from the origin to the destination, without intermediate storage.

Section E: Additional Costs

Elevator Charge

This is an extra fee for moving items in a building that has an elevator, especially relevant in high-rise apartments.

Estimate Types: Binding and Non-Binding

A Binding Estimate guarantees the total moving cost based on an inventory and weight calculation. On the other hand, a Non-Binding Estimate is a rough approximation subject to change depending on the actual weight of the move.

Essentials Box

An essentials box contains items that you’ll need immediately upon moving. It stays with you rather than getting loaded onto the truck.

Section F: Services and Insurance

Full-Service Moving

A comprehensive package where the moving company handles every aspect of your move, from providing packing materials to unpacking at your new home.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

This governmental agency sets operational standards for moving companies, trucks, and other equipment involved in the moving process.

Full-Value Protection Insurance

This insurance covers the current market value of an item, its replacement cost, or the cost to repair it if damaged during the move.

Furniture Blankets and Pads

These protective materials help prevent damage to your furniture, appliances, and even the walls and floors of your home during the move.

Section G to Z: From Weights to Prohibitions

Gross Weight

The total weight of the moving truck when fully loaded with your belongings.

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service

A high-tier service ensuring specific pickup and delivery dates, typically costing extra.

Hazard Insurance

A policy safeguarding against damage due to natural disasters like fire, flood, or wind.

High-Value Articles

Items appraised at more than $100 per pound fall under this category.

Inventory

An exhaustive list of household items, often with their condition noted for reference.

Line-Haul Charges

These fees are based on the distance and weight of your move, particularly relevant for long-distance relocations.

Local Move

Typically, any move within a 40-mile radius is considered a local move.

Long Carry Charge

This charge applies when movers have to carry items over an unusually long distance from your home to the moving truck or vice versa.

Moving Company

The business assisting people in moving their belongings from one location to another.

Moving Cost

The base cost for transporting your belongings. It’s calculated based on various factors such as weight, distance, and time.

National Van Lines

Large moving companies operating nationwide and often collaborating with smaller local agents.

Non-Commercial Move

Moves made for purposes other than business, usually residential moves.

Peak Season Rates

Higher prices charged by moving companies during busy periods, typically the summer months.

Relocation Specialist

An individual who assists in coordinating various aspects of the move, often part of a larger moving company’s team.

Storage-in-Transit (SIT)

Temporary storage for your items when there is a delay in moving them to your final destination.

Tariff

A comprehensive list of a moving company’s rates and service options, legally mandated and filed with the government.

Valuation

The customer’s declared value for their items, serving as the basis for any potential damage claims.

Warehouse Handling

An additional fee for storing items in a warehouse as part of a move.

Zoning Laws

Local regulations affecting where moving trucks can park, load, and unload, often dictating additional fees or requirements.

Now that you have this glossary at your disposal, you’re better equipped to engage with moving companies on your own terms—literally. No more nodding along, pretending to understand what a ‘Bill of Lading’ is or why you might need ‘Storage-in-Transit.’ With this guide, you can take charge of your move, ensuring a process that’s not just smooth but also transparent. Keep this glossary handy, and remember: knowledge is your best asset when it comes to turning a new page in your life, starting with your move.