Moving problems are inevitable. No matter how hard we try to avoid and prevent them, they will just pop up during those times when they’re least expected. Horror stories such as damaged furniture, broken antiques, delayed deliveries, and even unexpected charges in your final bill are reported to authorities every now and then against moving companies. Unfortunately, most of these problems are not solely caused by moving companies as the client may have overlooked some certain details upon moving too.

Your best weapon against moving problems is planning ahead. This, together with a little organizational skill will eliminate at least 80% of your possible moving problems. Although it won’t guarantee “no-moving-problems” ever, it limits chances of disaster. Here are some ways to reduce your moving problems significantly:

·    When planning to move, a great foresight would be your best asset. If this is your first time to plan a move, then familiarize yourself with moving terms and conditions by joining forums, reading various moving blogs and just plain asking around for referrals. You’ll see that these efforts go a long, long way.
·    There are no standard policies for all moving companies, just ones based on their standard operating procedures. Be aware that each and every moving company has their own set of rules to go by. Your research will only be your basis of what is fair and what’s not compared to the moving company’s. Use your research only for your point of basis.
·    When given references, do check. You’ll never if they are giving you a real one or if it’s only a character of their creative minds.

Moving terms are confusing at times. Apparently, moving companies apply terms that are exclusively used for moving services and transactions only and they have their own set of language that more often than not, too technical for a normal person like you and I. Although some of them can be easily understood by the sound and implication of the term, most of them cannot be deciphered as such. Here are some common moving terms used for a moving transaction:

Accessorial Charges:  These are your additional charges such as packing and unpacking services; unexpected rendered services and other fees that will rise during the moving process. In other words, these are your extra charges.
Appliance Service:  If you are moving an appliance, electronic and electrical devices that will require the professional movers to pack and unpack them to ensure its safety then there will be a fee for that.
Auxiliary Service:  There are times when it won’t be possible for the moving truck to unload your belongings and will have to use a smaller van to complete the transfer. This service is done if there are no park spaces for the truck or it’s impossible for the truck to access the driveway.
Bill of Lading:  The existing contract between the moving company and the shipper.
Flight Charge:  This is an extra charge if the movers have to use the stairs or an elevator to move your things.
Storage-in-Transit or SIT: This is when you need to store your belongings temporarily to a storage facility in between moving to and fro.