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10 Top Terms to Know Before You Sign a Moving Contract

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Organizing your household move involves significant planning, and it’s easy to make missteps. One way to make your move easier is to familiarize yourself with important terminology in your moving contract. Here are 10 top terms to know before signing.

1. Bill of Lading

Moving companies will draw up a contract between themselves and the customer. This document is known as a “bill of lading” and establishes the terms of the agreement. This document also grants permission to the mover to transport the customer’s belongings and serves as the customer’s receipt.

2. Virtual Survey

A virtual survey is an increasingly popular online tool that movers use. You use your smartphone or tablet to show the estimators the household belongings they need to move.  So, instead of coming to your home, the moving company can provide customers with an estimate online. It’s a fast and easy way to get your moving quote.

3. Binding Estimate

Drawn up by the moving company before moving day, this document itemizes the entire cost of the move and guarantees the customer a final flat-rate quote. A binding estimate obligates the moving company to honor the rate they quote, regardless of how long the relocation takes or if other events happen.

4. Non-Binding Estimate

Unlike a binding estimate, the non-binding estimate is what a mover quotes as a price they foresee but is not set in stone and is subject to change. The final price will adjust based on the items’ weight and other events on your moving day.

5. Advanced Charges

Sometimes a customer will want moving services, but a third party needs to complete this segment of a move. In this event, the moving company will pay the fees and add them to your Bill of Lading.

6. Assembly and Disassembly

This phrase defines the service of your movers taking apart your furniture, loading it onto the truck, and then putting it back together upon arrival at your new home.

7. Full-Service Moving

You can choose a variety of service levels when contracting with your mover. A full-service move is when you grant permission for the moving company to do everything from start to finish, including providing moving materials, packing, loading, transporting the household, unloading, unpacking, and doing clean-up from unpacking.

8. Delivery Window

The delivery window is the estimated timeframe your movers will bring your household goods to your new home. The distance of the move determines the delivery window. It’s a good idea to speak to your mover about how this will work is a good idea.

9. Door-to-Door Service

This contract stipulates how your possessions will be moved from your old home and directly delivered to your new one with no storage days involved.

10. Cash-On-Delivery

Also known as “C.O.D.,” this is when you agree to make your payment to the mover when they reach your new home to deliver your belongings.

Ready to Get Planning?

You should know these ten standard terms before moving, but there are many more. Contact us today, so we can provide a free quote if you are preparing for a move.

How To Pack For A Move

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Meet the Team

Virtual Quotes

Getting Started

How To Pack For a Move. Gather Packing Supplies
• Packing Tape
• Newsprint
• Bubble pack
• Masking Tape
• Rubber Bands
• Paper Pads.

A multi-layered paper wrap is used to protect larger fragile items.
• A variety of boxes to fit your packing needs.
Preparing a Box

  1. Fold down short flaps, then long flaps. Use multiple pieces of tape to secure the bottom for heavier boxes.
  2. Tape down flaps to make the box easier to pack.
  3. Line bottom of box with crumpled paper.
  4. Label boxes on sides, not top of box.
  1. Remove all cables and accessories, such as remotes, and pack them in a separate box.
  2. Use foam or bubble pack to protect your TV, taking care not to tape the TV directly.
  3. Use two boxes as a stand to make it easier to pack the TV. Use the foam inserts that came with the box to secure the TV in the carton.
  4. Close the carton and secure with packing tape.
  5. Label the front of the box with “Glass” and “This end up”.

How to Pack a Television

If possible, use the original box and packing materials when packing a television. If you do not have that available, use a television carton and packing materials to secure your television. Use two people to wrap a TV. If it is a very large television, we recommend custom crating.

How to Pack a Lamp

  1. Disassemble the lamp.
  2. Discard incandescent bulbs so they don’t break in transit. CFL or LED bulbs can be wrapped in bubble pack and put in a box with other fragile items.
  3. Secure the power cord and wrap to protect the lamp from scratches.
  4. Wrap the harp and finial in packing paper and label.
  5. Use a paper pad to wrap the lamp. A paper pad is a multilayered paper wrap used to protect larger fragile items. Place wrapped lamp upright in a box.
  1. Roll from a short end of the rug.
  2. Use a paper pad to wrap the end of the rug, leaving about 6 inches. A paper pad is a multilayered paper wrap used to protect larger fragile items.
  3. Tape the paper pad to secure the rug and repeat on the other end.

How to Pack a Rug

When wrapping a rug, the most important thing is to protect then ends of the rug. For larger rugs, you may need two people to pack the rug.

How to Pack Books

When packing books, use a small box, or it may be too heavy to lift.

  1. Line the bottom of box with paper.
  2. Place books on edge in box.
  3. Alternate bound edges.
  4. Use crumpled paper to fill in any gaps.
  5. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  6. Label the box.
  1. Wrap fragile items in a bubble pack first to protect delicate items, then packing paper.
  2. Wrap small items in brightly colored tissue so they don’t get lost in the box.
  3. Pack in a box with other fragile items, using crumpled paper to fill in the gaps.
  4. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  5. Label the box Fragile.

How to Pack Collectibles

How to pack for a move with valuables. Collectibles cover a wide variety of items. It is important to treat them carefully and protect them

How to Pack Cookware

Cookware can be heavy. Take care not to overpack boxes.

  1. Wrap large items such as frying pans and skillets separately in packing paper.
  2. Pack with other cookware and non-breakable kitchen items in a box lined with packing paper.
  3. Nest pots and pans together when possible to save space, with a layer of paper in between. Lids can also be nested.
  4. Add crumpled paper to fill in gaps.
  5. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  6. Label the box.
  1. Wrap and stack plates in bundles up to 4 and bowls in bundles of 2 to 3. Wrap china separately before bundling.
  2. Wrap glasses and mugs individually.
  3. Wrap the stem of a wineglass with a folded sheet of paper before wrapping in packing paper.
  4. Wrap items with lids, such as teapots in paper and then wrap in additional paper creating a bundle.
  5. Pack items in the dishpack lined with crumpled paper, beginning with the heaviest items first. Place bundles of plates and bowls on their side. Build layers separated with cardboard and use cellpacks for glasses and stemware, as well as collectibles or other breakables.

How to Pack Dishes, Glasses and Stemware

How to pack for a move with glasses. Special boxes for dishes are sturdier than regular packing boxes. They are also sized to prevent packing too many dishes and making them heavy.

How to Pack Frames, Mirrors and Artwork

It is best to use custom crating for fine art. Use glassine paper to protect oil paintings. If custom crating is not possible, work with your mover to ensure the best-fit moving cartons are used.

  1. Pack artwork in a mirror carton. Assemble pieces and line with crumpled paper.
  2. Use a paper pad to wrap the artwork. A paper pad is a multilayered paper wrap used to protect larger fragile items. Only tape paper pad, never the artwork.
  3. Place the artwork in the mirror carton and tape on all sides.
  1. Place knife on packing paper and fold paper over.
  2. As you add knives, alternate direction of blades.
  3. Once packet is complete, label packet with “Knives”.

How to Pack Knives

How to pack for a move with knives. Use caution when packing knives.

How to Pack Linens

Linens include towels, sheets, table cloths and drapes. Linens can be hung or folded for moving
Hanging linens

  1. Use a wardrobe carton to hang linens. Hang linens on the bar.
  2. Be careful not to overfill the carton. Linens could wrinkle and a heavy box is difficult to move.
  3. Do not place items in the bottom of the box to prevent damage to the items or linens.
  4. Tape and label the box, including what room the box should go in.
    Folded Linens
  5. Line an empty box with packing paper.
  6. Place items in the box.
  7. Use crumpled paper to fill in any gaps.
  8. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  9. Label the box.
  1. For shoes in shoe boxes, wrap each shoe in a half piece of packing paper to protect from rubbing or scuffing.
  2. Line a box with crumpled paper. Put boxes and shoes in the box.
  3. Shoes without boxes can be wrapped as a pair in a single piece of packing paper.
  4. Fill in gaps with crumpled paper. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  5. Label the box.

How to Pack Shoes

If you have shoe boxes, pack the shoes in the boxes, otherwise, some packing paper will protect the shoes from scuffing and other damage. It is a good idea to let shoes air out for a couple of days after wearing them before packing them.

How to Pack Silverware

Everyday silverware can be bundled and wrapped in the tray. For real silver, wrap each piece individually in tissue first.

  1. Wrap groups of silverware in bundles.
  2. Place bundles in silverware tray.
  3. Wrap tray with paper, taping it closed.
  4. Mark the top of the tray to prevent items from falling out when unwrapped.
  5. Pack in a box with other kitchen items.

Folded Clothes

  1. Line an empty box with packing paper.
  2. Place items in the box.
  3. Use crumpled paper to fill in any gaps.
  4. Close the box and secure with packing tape.
  5. Label the box.

Hanging Clothes

  1. Use a wardrobe carton to hang clothing. Hang linens on the bar.
  2. Be careful not to overfill the carton. Clothes could wrinkle and a heavy box is difficult to move.
  3. Do not place items in the bottom of the box to prevent damage to the items or clothing.
  4. Tape and label the box, including what room the box should go in.

How to Pack Clothes

How to pack for a move tips for clothing. Leave clothing in drawers if the furniture is being moved.

More Moving Tips on How To Pack For A Move

Tips on hiring movers

A Downloadable Moving checklist

How a long-distance move works (step-by-step process) 

Cost of moving out of state

How to estimate moving costs

Moving in summer

List of moving tips from United Vanlines

COVID-19-Statement

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Valued Employees, Customers, Partners & Suppliers,

As you know, the COVID-19 virus (commonly known as the coronavirus) has been formally designated as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Throughout the Browning Moving & Storage organization, the safety of our customers and employees remains a top priority. 

I want to personally update you on the initiatives we are taking in response to COVID-19, in an effort to continue operating safely across our own locations, in our clients’ workplaces and in our customers’ homes.  

  • A team has been put in place to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic and lead our response, helping prepare and disseminate important communications and putting into effect action items regarding COVID-19.  They will continue to monitor and provide updates as they are available and pertinent to our business.
  • Employees and subcontractors have been instructed to adhere to the guidance provided on the CDC,  World Health Organization and the Florida Health websites regarding how to protect themselves, and we are strictly following these standards at each of our locations. 
  • We are exercising social distancing in our branches by keeping a 6 ft distance between those who are working in the office, by conducting virtual meeting and continuing to offer virtual surveys for domestic and international household goods customers. 
  • Crews and Sales staff will be instructed on appropriate questions to ask prior to entering a home or workplace, how to handle various customer scenarios and other helpful information.  Our scheduling and customer service teams will be inquiring with the customer if anyone in the home is ill or if they have traveled outside of the country recently prior to surveys, estimates, and services being performed.

While we diligently take precautions, rest assured our fellow agents and customers can expect the same commitment from our Browning Moving & Storage  service team that they have come to expect.  If any issues should arise that would affect our normal operations, you will be contacted immediately. 

We encourage each to follow the basics listed below:

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth wish unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with those who are sick.
  • Remain home and away from work and public spaces when sick.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, railings, phones, etc.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely,  

Randy Browning

President 

“Honey! We’re Moving!” How To Tell Your Kids About The Big Move

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The average individual moves more than 11 times in their lives. It’s easy enough when you’re an adult and responsible for only yourself. But when you have kids, telling them “we’re moving,” can be truly difficult.

They may not always understand why the family is moving and having to leave their friends, school, and the neighborhood they know is a source of stress.

But don’t panic. There are ways to tell your kids about an upcoming move without making it seem like a sad event. Here’s how.

Choose the Right Time to Say “We’re Moving”

Your kids will have questions about the move, the reasons behind it, and what they can expect. Make sure you tell them when you have time to answer those questions.

Schedule a family meeting, discuss it after dinner, or find a time where everyone can talk through things thoroughly. Take the time to answer their questions to the best you can and be honest with them.

Stand Your Ground

Your kids might try to convince you to change your mind or to put the move off until a later date. And even if you can, don’t. Stand firm and let them know that the decision is already made.

As the date of the move draws closer, show your excitement about it. Your kids will read your emotions, and if you’re excited, it’s easier for them to feel excited, too.

Explain That Moving Doesn’t Mean Leaving Friends

The biggest concern for most kids is the thought of having to leave their friends behind. While they may not be able to see them as often, there’s no reason your kids should feel that they have to give up their friendships when you move.

Talk with them and generate ideas to help them stay close with the people they care about. Once you move, you can arrange regular playdates and gatherings with old friends to help your kids stay connected.

If you’re moving a further distance, consider coordinating video chats throughout the month to help your kids maintain those long-distance friendships.

Get Them Involved

Show them photos of the new house and ask them to help you with packing up your current home. When your kids feel involved in the move, it can make the experience less stressful.

They feel in control of the situation, even if you’re supervising the process. When kids can help out, they feel like the move is a genuine family effort. Assisting boosts their confidence and allows them to take ownership of the upcoming change.

Explore your new neighborhood before the move. Take a ride past your home and a new community to get them excited about the possibilities. Scope out local parks, community centers, and maybe even a pizza place for family meals. If you are too far from the new neighborhood to take a drive through it, hop online and take a virtual tour. 

Final Thoughts

Telling the kids “we’re moving” is one of the most stressful parts of any move. These tips will make the process easier and help your kids cope with the changes better.When you’re ready to start thinking about moving, contact our team, and schedule an estimate. Our experienced movers will get your stuff to your new home safely and quickly.

5 Essential Things to Think About Before Transitioning to a New Home

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Congratulations on selling your home!

Soon, you’ll join the 40 million people each year who can proudly say they’ve moved and made a new start.

As exciting as the process is, moving can also be stressful, especially if you have little ones or pets.

Tack on the possibility of home repairs, repainting, and moving expenses and you’ve got a lot on your plate!

Not to worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Here are five tips for moving into a new house.

1. Moving and Packing

Packing is, by far, the most time-consuming process when it comes to moving.

It can take weeks to get your entire home packed if you’re juggling work and other responsibilities. Give yourself six weeks to pack up.

So before you move, make sure you’ve planned out your packing schedule — even if you’re hiring a company to help out.

Stay organized and come up with a checklist to help you keep track of what still needs packing.

It might be an extra step right now, but it’s part of the process that will help keep you on track.

2. Home Repairs and Upgrades

Finding a new home is exciting. Finding a new home that needs a healthy dose of repairs, on the other hand, is quite a bit more stressful.

As you budget for your move, don’t forget to account for any home repairs, cleaning, or upgrades you’re considering.

3. School Systems, Shopping, and Entertainment

It’s always a good idea to get to know the new area before making the move.

Scoping out fun things to do, or your kids’ new schools, can make the idea of moving to a whole new area a bit less daunting.

If you’re moving long distance and can’t make it out to the new neighborhood before the move –thanks to the Internet, you can still do some research.

Hop on Google Maps and take a virtual tour of your new neighborhood. It’s like you’re already there!

4. Emotional Adjustments

Even if you’re excited about your upcoming move, it’s normal to feel melancholy about leaving your old home. Just remember that those early memories aren’t going anywhere.

Moves can be especially tough on young children. Studies show that moving as a child can have an impact that lasts into adulthood.

Be extra patient with your children.

Distract them by making a game out of packing or talking about all of the fun and exciting things that await them at their new home.

Give them time to say goodbye, too. Plan a special day where they and their friends get to hang out one last time before the move.

5. Change of Address

Finally, spend a few minutes double-checking your change of address forms.

Forward your mail, update your insurance, and contact your bank to let them know about the move.

Practical Tips for Moving into a New House

There’s a lot to think about when moving into a new home. We hope these tips have helped make the process a little bit easier.

If you’re curious to learn more tips for moving into a new house or want some help planning an upcoming move, get in touch! We’d be happy to give you with a free estimate so you can avoid any surprises.