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Your Moving Dictionary, Navigating the World of Relocation

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Moving can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. Whether you're relocating across town or embarking on a long-distance move, understanding the lingo of the moving industry is crucial. That's why we've put together "Your Moving Dictionary," a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of your next move with confidence. And for those seeking a seamless moving and storage experience, urBin Storage offers smart solutions tailored to your needs.

General Moving Services

When planning a move, it's essential to know what services are available. General moving services encompass a range of options, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading. Companies like urBin Storage provide flexible moving services to cater to your specific requirements, whether it's a small apartment move or a large commercial relocation.

Storage Solutions

Often, moves require temporary or long-term storage solutions. urBin Storage offers innovative smart storage options, allowing you to keep your belongings safe and accessible without the hassle of traditional self-storage units.

Navigate the Moving Industry Jargon

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AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association):

Think of AMSA as the guardian of moving standards. This organization helps ensure that moving companies adhere to ethical practices and provides helpful resources for both movers and consumers.

Arrival/Delivery Window:

This is the timeframe in which you can expect your moving company to arrive. It's like waiting for a much-anticipated guest; you know the day but have a window of time for their arrival.

Bill of Lading (BOL):

This document is the MVP of your moving process. It's a legally binding contract that outlines all the details of your move. Treat it like a treasure map; it guides the journey of your belongings from start to finish.

Bulky Items Charge:

Moving a grand piano or a canoe? These large, awkward items might incur an extra fee due to their size and the special handling they require.

Claim:

In the unfortunate event that something goes awry, a claim is your tool for reporting any lost or damaged items during the move. It's like raising a flag for help and reimbursement.

COI (Certificate of Insurance):

This certificate is your safety net. It proves that your moving company is insured, offering peace of mind that you're covered in case of accidents.

Contactless Move:

A sign of the times, this option allows for moving services with minimal physical interaction, ensuring health and safety, especially during times like a pandemic.

Coverage Options:

Just like choosing a plan for your phone, you get to choose how much coverage you want for your belongings during the move. It ranges from basic to comprehensive protection.

Flat Fee:

Imagine knowing the exact cost of your move upfront, with no surprises. A flat fee gives you just that, a single price for the entire service.

Full Service Mover:

These are the all-inclusive resorts of moving. They handle everything from packing your items to setting them up in your new home.

Furniture Protection: 

This is all about keeping your furniture safe and sound during the move. Think of it as bubble wrap for your couch and stretch wrap for your dresser.

Interstate Move: 

Crossing state lines? This type of move is governed by specific regulations and typically involves a bit more paperwork and planning.

Intrastate Move: 

Staying within the same state? This is an intrastate move. It's generally simpler but still requires careful planning.

Inventory List: 

This is a detailed list of everything you're moving. It's essential for keeping track of your items and ensuring everything arrives safely at your new home.

Long Push/Carry Charge: 

If your movers have to transport your items a long distance from their truck to your front door, this fee might apply. It's like a taxi meter for your furniture.

Minimum Carrier Liability: 

This is the bare minimum insurance coverage offered by movers. It's based on weight, not value, so consider if it's enough for your treasured items.

Moving Team: 

These are the heroes who do the heavy lifting, packing, and transporting. They're the backbone of any successful move.

Non-Allowable List: 

This list includes items movers won’t transport, usually for safety reasons. Think hazardous materials, perishables, or sentimental valuables. Learn more in our T&C

Packing Supplies:

The nuts and bolts of moving, these are your boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other materials that keep your belongings safe during transit.

PBO (Packed by Owner): 

If you prefer to pack your items yourself, they're labeled as PBO. It's a way to personalize your packing process.

Quote – Binding Estimate: 

This is a fixed price for your move, based on an estimate of your inventory. It's like locking in a price for peace of mind.

Special Handling Fee: 

Got something extra delicate or unusual? This fee covers the additional care and attention needed to move such items safely.

Tariff: 

This isn't about international trade; it's the list of prices, rules, and regulations a moving company follows. Think of it as the rulebook for your move's pricing.

Tipping: 

Just like dining out, tipping your movers is a way to show appreciation for their hard work and care. While not mandatory, it's a kind gesture for a job well done. The industry general standard is between 15% – 20% of the total job cost.

Tolls: 

These are the fees for using toll roads during your move. They ensure your belongings take the fastest, often most direct, routes to your new home.

USDOT Number: 

This unique identifier is given to moving companies for monitoring and regulation. It's like a license plate for movers, ensuring they're legit.

Warehouse Storage: 

Need a temporary home for your items? Warehouse storage offers a secure space to keep your belongings until you're ready to move them into your new place. Understanding these terms is crucial for a smooth moving experience. And when you're ready to move, urBin Storage offers a range of services to make your relocation as seamless as possible. With this moving dictionary, you're now equipped with the knowledge to navigate your move confidently. Need more help, feel free to contact us