Your list of important interstate moving forms and documents

Relocating interstate is more complicated in comparison to a local move. Yes, you will have to pack your items the same way, but you will not have the luxury to leave something behind and come back for it the next day. This especially goes for important paperwork. So, in order to avoid all of the unexpected and unpleasant surprises, here is a list of important interstate moving forms and documents. You will know precisely what you are going to need and you will keep these papers in a separate file. In this way, you will not forget a single paper that is of great importance to you.

First of all, you should have a moving estimate with you

When your moving company representative has done an in-home or video survey, they are going to provide you with a moving estimate. This document usually contains all of the expenses you are required to pay at the end as well as all of the important details. A reputable mover is going to provide you with a copy and review the estimate before your moving process ends. And that is something that should be on the top of your list of important interstate moving forms and documents. In case you put your trust in reputable interstate movers, you are not going to have a problem. Everything will run smoothly and there will be no stressful situations. Your belongings will be in capable hands and the entire moving process will be handled properly.

Another important document is the Order for Service

This is a document that confirms you have hired a certain moving company to help you relocate. This is actually a contract and it contains all of the important pieces of information. For example, there it is stated the estimated weight of your shipment, pick-up and delivery dates, your insurance options, storage, payment methods, etc. What is important is that you check all of the pieces of information. Once you are sure that everything is correct, feel free to sign. Should you put your trust in Master Moving Guide, you will hire interstate movers without getting scammed. Use this chance and have a stress-free moving experience.

One of the first documents you will get is the cube sheet

A cube sheet or initial inventory was once done on paper. Nowadays, it is more common for a company representative to use a phone or a tablet. Basically, they are going to come to your home to do an in-home survey. They will go from one room to another with you and you will help them make a detailed list of items that should be transported. Feel free to include all of the details because they will also make a list of items you are going to pack and a list of items you are going to pack.

Make sure you take into consideration some packing tips before you start with this part. Once you finish going around your home, the estimator may ask you to sign the cube sheet. Do not do this – instead, go around your home again and check everything. This is a very important document because your movers use the cube sheet as the basis for your estimate.

Bill of Lading should be on the list of important interstate moving forms and documents

This is a highly important document that you receive from your mover. Basically, your mover acknowledges that they have received your goods and that they are going to transport them. It contains the same pieces of information as orders for service. However, there is one big difference. A bill of lading is a binding contract. In case you are not sure what is a binding estimate, in short, it is a paper that binds you to use the services of a specific mover. So, this means that you should under no circumstances lose this piece of paper. What you should do is have a separate file for documents of this kind and keep everything important inside.

You will probably have two valuation options

When you are relocating interstate, one of the most important things to take into consideration is getting insurance. The good thing is that, if you hire a professional mover, they will present you with at least two options. The first option is called released value. Released value is a free valuation that covers up to 0.60 cents per pound per item. So, for example, if a television weighs 60 pounds and is destroyed, you will get a $36 reimbursement.

If this does not sound like a good option, there is also full-value replacement coverage. Of course, this is going to cost more but, if any damage happens, you are going to get the full value back. So, think about these options and choose wisely.

Add Driver’s Descriptive Inventory  to your list of important interstate moving forms and documents

Before your driver loads the moving truck, they will put a sticker on each item and each box that is going to be loaded. There will also be a note on what it is, which room it comes from, and whether it has some existing damage. This will all be part of the Driver’s Descriptive Inventory which makes it a highly important document. This inventory also helps them to think about how to load a moving truck. They will first make a plan on which box to put where and then start completing this task. In case you file a claim after your move, this document is going to be used to determine the legitimacy of your claim. So, keep it safe and everything will be fine.

Another important form is a change order

It is possible that your moving day goes differently from what you and your mover have originally planned. For example, you may have more items for your movers to pack or you are not around and you are not helping your movers like you said you would. In a situation of this kind, the driver or your company representative will provide you with a change order. Basically, this is a form by which you acknowledge that you are going to need more services than are stated in the contract. Of course, this is going to change the costs, even though you have asked for moving quotes. However, if you feel like your situation does not require a change order, do not sign it.

Freight bill is also a document you need to keep

Basically, the freight bill or statement of services is the final bill for your relocation and one of the most important items on your list of important interstate moving forms and documents. You are going to get it after the relocation process is over. When your movers weigh your shipment, provide you with all of the necessary services, and get the truck to your new home, they will provide you with a freight bill. Your mover will probably ask you to pay for everything before they deliver your items. However, if you have made an agreement to pay via credit card, let them know and there will be no problem. Just make sure you do not pay twice. Sometimes this can be an innocent mistake even when you have professionals by your side.

You may be in a position to use the IRS form 3903

If it happens that you are relocating interstate for work, your moving expenses may be tax-deductible. Of course, there are some conditions that you should meet in order to get your money back. You can download the IRS form 3903 and fill it in. In addition to this, you should know that donating your items to charity may entitle you to tax deductions.

Feel free to donate your household goods and clothes and ask for a form when you drop these items off. This may not be a too large sum of money but it is certainly something you will benefit from. There will not be too many boxes for you to relocate, you will help a good cause, and you will get some money.

Make sure that you are familiar with your rights and responsibilities

This is a highly important part. An interstate relocation is a highly complex process and you should know what your rights and responsibilities are. Your moving company may provide you with a booklet, but you can also find this on the Internet. In fact, it is much better to learn all of the important pieces of information even before you hire a mover. You will also find many helpful pieces of information there, such as how to hire a reputable mover, what to do if you have been the victim of a moving fraud, etc. When you know all of the relevant details in advance, it will be hard for someone to fool you around.

You may be wondering what is a tariff

In case you are relocating for the first time, you are surely overwhelmed by all of the pieces of information that have come to you. When it comes to a tariff, you surely assume that this is a price list. And you are right – this is a legal document where all of the services and prices of a certain company are listed. However, what is a little-known fact is that most interstate movers use the same tariff. The basics are the same, but they may change rates for certain services. What is important is that you find a reputable mover and you will not have to worry. Feel free to visit Master Moving Guide and you will surely find a suitable moving company.

On the list of important interstate moving forms and documents should be your personal documents

Now that you know which forms and documents you need for the process of the relocation itself, you should also bear in mind that you also have to pack other documents.

Make sure your passport is in your bag

Considering the fact that you are relocating interstate, the first document you are going to need is your passport. So, whether you are relocating alone or with your family, check whether all of the passports are there.

Check the expiration dates as well and, if everything is in order, you will have nothing to worry about. Your moving process is going to run smoothly and there will be no stressful situations.

Remember to get your medical records

Since you are moving to a different state, you are going to need a new doctor. So, before relocation takes place, go to your hospital and get your medical records. If you go to a check-up, feel free to ask your doctor for a recommendation. In case you trust your current doctor, you can be sure that he or she is not going to let you down. There will be no need for you to go around after the move, trying to find a good doctor.

Get the school records of your children as well

In case you have children and they are going to school, add to your moving checklist getting school records. If you are relocating during the school year, notify the school on time. In addition to this, it is also preferable that you start searching for the cities with the best public schools on time. Your children should not be at a loss because this is something that can have bad consequences. So, let your movers do their job and you will have enough time to complete personal tasks.

If you have a pet, get records from the vet

Just like you will get medical records for you and your family, you should also get the records of your pet. Even if it is fine, your new vet should be informed about what vaccines it got and when. If you are moving with pets, this is certainly something that should be on the list of important interstate moving forms and documents.

Moving to a different state requires thorough preparation. Now that you are familiar with a list of important interstate moving forms and documents, it will be easier to prepare everything. Just remember to start preparing on time and there will be nothing to worry about. Your moving process is going to run smoothly because you will have a professional by your side.