Free Moving Contract Template

A moving contract template is generally useful to save time and energy. You can easily adapt this professional template to create a moving contract to accurately fit your current needs. With this customizable moving contract template, you can be assured of clarity and accuracy and a contract that will protect your rights before, during, and after the moving process.

A moving contract is an agreement between two parties when one requires a service to move properties or goods from one place to another usually for a fee. A moving contract implies that a contractual relationship exists between the moving company and the client. With a written contract, there is a documented understanding between the parties of the responsibilities that they both bear and the services that will be provided.

To illustrate, a customer intends to relocate from his current residence to a new apartment, and he requires assistance to move his belongings to the new place. He contacts a moving company, and the company representative takes a comprehensive inventory of all of the belongings that need to be moved. The representative then gives a quote (projected price) for the service. If the customer is comfortable with the price, then a moving contract will be created, stating the terms and scope of the service. After the agreement is signed by both parties, it becomes binding.

There are two parties involved in a moving contract. They are the:

There are several key terms that define the rights and obligations of parties to a moving contract. These include:

A comprehensive moving contract should include the following sections: 

The moving contract should specifically include the jurisdiction that governs the agreement because state laws regulating these contracts can vary. Also, it should state the date on which the moving contract was signed as well as the date the service will be performed. 

Proper identification of the parties is crucial to every contract. Therefore, the moving contract must clearly list both parties to the transaction — the moving company and the client. Include names, addresses, and other contact details to easily identify the parties and enable communication.

This part of the moving contract will describe the exact service(s) that will be provided by the moving company for the client. Often listed in detail are what belongings or items to be moved. Also listed is the mutually agreed moving date and time. The more details that can be clearly listed can help to avoid misunderstandings.

This section deals with responsibilities and rights in case there is damage or loss to the goods being moved or any issue or misunderstanding that may arise as a result. Some legal provisions usually include insurance provision, a liability clause, dispute resolution, indemnification, force majeure, and more.

The signature section of the moving contract demonstrates that both parties agree to the terms and conditions documented and acknowledge that they are legally bound by those terms. Always ensure that the contract is signed and dated by both parties.

The following are simple steps to take when writing a moving contract:

A moving contract serves as an essential document for both the moving company and the client. Below are some of the reasons why you may need a contract for a moving company.

With a moving contract, clients and companies alike can enjoy the following benefits:

• Peace of mind;

• Defined scope of responsibilities;

• Prevented misunderstandings; and

• A legal basis to enforce any right if the contract is breached.

There are some moving situations that may not require a moving contract as it is simply not necessary. These include small local moves where the belongings to be moved can be moved without involving a moving company. Also, informal arrangements between friends or family do not generally require a moving contract since verbal agreements are often made to exchange moving for something else like pizza or there is no expectation of compensation or trade. 

Property damage can become a point of disagreement during a move. Responsibility may depend on both the moving contract and applicable law. The agreement can allocate responsibilities and establish legally permitted liability limits, but it cannot override statutory duties or liability that cannot legally be waived.

Interstate household-goods movers subject to federal regulation must follow specific valuation and claims rules. For smaller or intrastate moves, the contract should clearly address:

• The standard of care the mover must follow;
• Pre-existing damage that is not the mover's responsibility;
• Legally permitted liability limits for lost or damaged property;
• Responsibility for packing and how owner-packed items may affect damage claims.

Clear terms help both parties understand what happens if something goes wrong. For example, if furniture is damaged during unloading, the agreement can help establish the parties' responsibilities and available remedies, subject to applicable law.

Important: This moving contract template does not replace documents required for a regulated interstate household-goods move. Interstate movers must also provide applicable estimates, an order for service, a bill of lading, valuation disclosures, and other federally required documents. Intrastate moves may be subject to separate state forms and disclosure requirements.