The most importantly tip for the paperwork is:
READ WHAT YOU SIGN!
We know it’s the 21st century and we don’t read anymore, but please read the documents you are signing. Many bad movers will have you sign unfair deals, or even blank documents that they will fill in later. Don’t let it happen to you! This section will go over the three big areas to look out for in the paperwork: signed prior to loading, valuation, and delivery date.
Full Valuation
Full valuation is simply similar to insurance. If your goods are damaged or missing, the carrier will pay to replace it or repair it for whatever is the cost of the good. How much you have to pay for the valuation varies from carrier to carrier.
Released Valuation
Released valuation gives you 60 cents on the pound for goods damaged. So if you have a new plasma tv and it weighs ten pounds and it’s delivered broken, or “missing” the moving company will give you $6 for it. Now you can see why this comes with a bigger push from the bad moving companies, for often times valuable goods can happen to just “disappear” and with the free tag it is really easy to push.
As we said before while we are not saying one is better than the other, we typically suggest going full valuation if you can afford it. The peace of mind knowing that your goods will be replaced rather than crossing your fingers that your mover is careful is worth it to many.