When your move is complete, most movers will give you an invoice that details the completed move.

Your invoice should include:

• The mover’s name, physical address and license number.
• An itemized list of all the supplies purchased.
• The total cost for the move including supplies and the amount due for labor.
• A list of all services performed.
• Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the moving company.

Most good moving companies will offer some time of warranty on the move. All details of the warranty should be provided to you in writing.

This information should include:

• The moving company’s name and physical address.
• Your responsibility if you need to file a claim.
• Terms, limitations and exclusions.
• Which type of warranty you have purchased: full value, released value, declared value

Common moving company services in Santa Clara County include:

Full valuation protection
Full valuation protection is a comprehensive protection plan for you belongings. It is the most comprehensive coverage.

Dishpack
A dishpack is a box that is specifically designed for packing dishes. It helps prevent breakage of fine china and other glass and fragile dishes.

Accessorial Services
Accessorial services are addition moving services that are done by your moving company. These services can include packing, unpacking, and crating. These services cost extra, so ask about them and their cost upfront if you anticipate needing them. You may even want to have them included in your estimate.

Appliance Service
Appliance Service is a service for special packing for electrical appliances. This packing keeps the appliances safe during the move or for shipping.

Full-service Packing
Full-service packing is offered by movers. Full-service packing provides all of the supplies for packing your belongings. This includes boxes, tape and wrap. All of the packing is done by the moving company.

Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is the use of a smaller vehicle when the residence cannot be reached with the normal moving equipment.

Unpacking Services
Unpacking services are provided by the moving company. The packed items are unpacked by a professional crew.

Storage-in-Transit
Storage-in-transit allows your belongings to be temporarily stored until the scheduled delivery. This is an additional charge.

Storage
Storage is a place where you household items are kept until they need to be moved.

Packing Service
Packing service is a service provided by the moving company to prepare and pack your household items for the move. This is done by a professional crew.

additional moving services
Additional moving services are added services that you need to have done such as packing or unpacking. There may be additional charges for additional services.

Also known as: accessorial moving services

advanced charges
Advanced charges are related to moving services that are not performed by the moving company but by a third party. These charges are usually added to your moving company’s charges.

Also known as: advanced charge

agent
Agents represent moving companies and act on behalf of them.

Also known as: moving agents

appliance service
Appliance service is the work done for electrical appliances to keep them safe during shipping.

bill of lading
Bill of lading is the contract and the receipt for your moved items. Don’t sign the bill of lading if there is anything you disagree with.

Also known as: order number

bulky items
Bulky items are items that have a low weight compared to its size such as a camper or golf cart. These items cost extra.

carrier
The carrier is the mover that will be transporting your household items.

Also known as: mover, moving company

claim
A claim is a statement of loss or damage that has occurred to your household items while they were in your mover’s care.

C.O.D.
C.O.D. is when payment is required at the time of delivery. This is usually when a private shipper delivers to a destination and then payment is required at the delivery.

Also known as: cash on delivery

declared valuation
Declared valuation is the amount of value of your household items that are being shipped.

Also known as: declared value

dishpack
A dishpack is a box that is specifically used for packing dishes.

Also known as: dishpacks

driver
Driver is the driver or operator of your moving truck and also may be the supervisor of the move including the loading and unloading, etc.

expedited service
Expedited service is an arrangement with the moving company to do the move by a set date.

Also known as: expedited moving

full service moving company
Full service moving companies are those that provide all services required for a successful move, including packing, loading, moving, unpacking/belonging delivery.

full-service packing
Full-service packing will provide the packing and includes all of the supplies such as boxes needed for the packing.

Also known as: full-service moving

gross weight
Gross weight is the weight of the moving truck after your household goods have been loaded.

guaranteed pickup and delivery service
Guaranteed pickup and delivery service is a guaranteed date of service and if the mover does not meet the guaranteed date they will provide some type of reimbursement.

high value article
High value articles are items that are being moved which are valued at more than $100 per pound.

Also known as: high value articles

inventory
Inventory is a list of your household items. This list will give a description and also note the condition of each item.

long distance moving company
Long distance moving companies are those that move households and businesses over long distances. Some long distance carriers are affiliated with national van lines or international shipping companies, which allow them to provide service across state lines and internationally.

Also known as: long distance moving companies

moving company
A moving company is the company that arranges and conducts the transport of your household items to a new location.

Also known as: mover

moving company prices
Moving company prices are the prices charged by the moving company and may be specific to that company.

Also known as: moving company price

moving process
Moving process is the process or course of moving including plans, packing, loading, unloading, etc.

order for service
Order for service authorizes the moving company to transport your household items.

packed by owner
Packed by owner simply means that you will be doing all of the packing for your move. A driver does have the right to inspect boxes that he/she does not feel are packed safely.

Also known as: PBO

peak season rates
Peak season rates are the charges that may be charged during the summer months when the line haul charges are higher.

pickup and delivery charge
Pickup and delivery charges are charges that are for taking your shipment between the storage in transit and your home.

Also known as: pickup and delivery charges

shuttle service
Shuttle service is the use of a smaller vehicle when the residence cannot be reached with the normal moving equipment.

Also known as: auxiliary service, shuttle truck

storage-in-transit
Storage-in-transit is the temporary storage of your belongings waiting on further transportation. There may be a maximum total for days of storage

Also known as: SIT

valuation
Valuation is how much your shipment is worth. This is an important figure because it will help determine what restitution is paid if there is any damage or loss of items during the move.

Also known as: value

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified moving company?
A:Diamond Certified helps you choose a moving company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only moving companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee . So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified moving company.

Q: When should I call and arrange for a moving company?
A: As soon as you know you are going to move is the best time to call. The more lead time you give the company, the more probability they will be able to move you at your requested time. Most companies want to comply with your dates. If your moving time is critical because of other factors such as an expiration of a lease, you may need to choose an extra-cost service.

Q: How does a binding estimate work?
A: A binding estimate is the cost of service given in advance of the move. This estimate is only valid for the specified time. If you add additional services, there will be an additional charge.

Q: Is there a good time of year to move?
A: Most movers would tell you the best time to choose is any other time than summer, the holidays, or the end of the month. During these times moving equipment is in high demand. However, the choice is really up to you and you need to factor in other issues for your family such as school periods and if the family will need to be separated.

Q: Should I get an in-person estimate from local movers?
A: Most movers can give you an approximate cost by knowing the size of your house. However, to get a really accurate estimate, the moving company will need to actually survey your household items that need to be moved. These estimates are only estimates and there may be additional charges such as charges for distance and weight of shipment.

Q: Are my household items protected against damage while they are being transported?
A: Yes, but there are different protections to choose from. Depending upon the program you choose, you can have full value coverage to a released rate.

Q: What if items are damaged by the moving company in-transit or during packing or unpacking?
A: If the damage is visible at the time of unloading, let the driver know immediately. Also, contact the moving company and make them aware of the damage. The moving company will tell you how to file a claim. Do not throw away any damaged item until your claim has been finalized.

Q: When will the inventory of my household goods happen?
A: The inventory should take place right before the loading. Notes will be made of all of your furniture and household items that may have damage already or show wear. You will also have the opportunity to add anything to the notes that you feel is applicable.

When the inventory is complete, the paperwork will be signed by the mover and by you. Be sure that the notes are correct. Your copy and the bill of lading will be given to you. You will need these when you receive your household goods.

When your shipment arrives, you will ned to check the inventory with the items being delivered. Keep track of damages and notify the driver. After the unloading, you will need to sign the inventory. Do not sign if you are not sure of any of the items.

Q: Is it necessary for me to be present for the whole move?
A: It is important for you to be there or that you designate someone to be there. You need to have a responsible party there who can sign the paperwork and do a walk through of the house when everything is loaded. It is important that nothing gets left behind.

Q: How many estimates should I get?
A: An estimate is not an exact number but an educated guess of how much the moving company expects your move to cost. This is based on the items you need to have moved and the fees they movers have to pay and the distance. It is recommended that you have three different companies give you an estimate so you can compare movers, their services their rates.