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A moving contract is an essential legal document that ensures a smooth and clear relocation process. Whether you’re the customer or the moving company, this contract protects both parties by clearly outlining expectations, responsibilities, and terms, helping to prevent disputes and misunderstandings during the move.

Samuel J. Parkerson
Template by Samuel J. Parkerson

Table of Contents

Moving Contract

A well-crafted moving contract clearly states the services to be provided, the agreed payment terms, and how any potential disputes will be resolved. Defined roles and responsibilities of the movers and the customer to help ensure an organized and transparent moving process.

 

Even without legal expertise, a free moving contract template is easy to complete using the guidelines below. It’s the fastest way to create a comprehensive legal document in just a few moments.

Sample Moving Contract Template

You can download the document for proper formatting and filling

Moving Contract

This Moving Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on (the “Effective Date”) by and between:

Service Provider

Name:

Address:

Representative:

Email/Phone number:

Client

Name:

Address:

Representative:

Email/Phone number:

Subject of the Contract

The Service Provider agrees to perform the following services (“Services”):

  • Packing:
    Date: from to
  • Loading:
    Date: from to
  • Transportation:
    From:
    To:
    Delivery Time & Date:
    Estimated transit time:
    Method of transportation:
  • Unloading
  • Unpacking
  • Additional services: Disassembly, reassembly, appliance handling, special items (artwork, piano, etc.)
  • Other services:

Term of the Contract

  • Until completion of Services
  • Until date:
  • Termination by either Party with days notice
  • Immediate termination on insolvency or bankruptcy

Payment Terms

Contract Amount: $

  • Due within days of completion
  • Installments:
    • Prepayment: $ within days of Effective Date
    • Postpayment: $ within days of completion
  • Equal installments payable on:

Taxes: Responsibility:

Late Payment: Interest: % per day

Payment method:

  • ☐ Change orders and overtime: separate Annex
  • ☐ Permits and fees: paid by Service Provider or reimbursed by Client

Liabilities and Indemnification

Each Party indemnifies the other for claims arising from performance, excluding negligence/misconduct of the other Party.

Relationship of the Parties

  • Independent contractor status
  • Compliance with law is Service Provider’s responsibility

Notice

Notices to be sent by hand, mail or email. Deemed received:

  • Same day if by hand
  • After business days by mail/email

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

State: — exclusive jurisdiction of courts in:

Confidentiality

All sensitive information is confidential and protected, even after termination.

Force Majeure

Neither Party liable for force majeure (e.g. war, pandemics, regulations). Termination if lasts more than days.

Severability

Invalidity of one provision doesn’t affect the rest.

Assignment

Requires prior written consent of the non-assigning Party.

Entire Agreement

This document supersedes all previous agreements.

Waiver

Failure to enforce a term is not a waiver of future enforcement.

Amendments

Modifications only valid in writing signed by both Parties.

Binding Effect

Binding upon Parties and their successors/assigns.

Additional Terms

 

Signatures

Service Provider:

Client:

When to Use a Moving Contract

Moving contracts are essential whenever you hire professional movers to relocate your belongings, whether it’s across town or across the country. This contract serves as a safeguard, ensuring that both parties — you and the moving company — are clear on what’s expected. But when exactly should you use a moving contract?

  • Residential moves: A moving contract template free of charge outlines key details like timing, services (e.g., packing or assembly), and extra fees, ensuring a clear understanding of home relocations.
  • Commercial moves: For businesses, a moving contract sample helps manage office moves, detailing the handling of equipment, furniture, and documents to reduce downtime and prevent disputes.
  • Long-distance moves: With greater risks involved, a sample moving contract sets clear terms for timelines, insurance, and procedures for unexpected issues during long-distance relocations.
  • Special items: For valuable or fragile items, a moving contract specifies handling, packaging, and transport requirements to ensure their safety.

Terms and Parties of a Moving Contract

The moving contract examples typically involve two main parties: the service provider (the moving company) and the client (the person or entity hiring the services). Here’s a breakdown of the essential terms and elements found in a standard moving contract:

A moving contract usually includes the following key terms:

  • Scope of services: Defines the specific moving services to be provided, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and any additional tasks involved.
  • Payment terms: Details the total cost, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, and any deposits required before the move begins.
  • Schedule: Specifies the expected start and completion dates of the move, along with any agreed-upon timelines for delivery.
  • Liability and insurance: Outlines the mover’s responsibility for lost or damaged items, including insurance options and coverage limits.
  • Dispute resolution: Describes the procedures for resolving any disputes that may arise between the service provider and the client, such as mediation or arbitration.

Using a moving contract PDF or Word format template can make it easier to organize your agreement and ensure all crucial conditions are included.

How to Create a Moving Contract

Follow these steps to ensure your printable moving contract includes all the essential details for a comprehensive and legally sound document:

  • List the details of both the service provider and the client to establish the foundation of your contract.
  • Outline the specific moving services provided. Be clear about what’s included, like packing or unloading.
  • Break down costs, including labor and additional fees. Clearly state payment terms, deposit requirements, and deadlines.
  • Specify the start and end dates, including allowances for potential delays.
  • Detail what happens if items are lost, damaged, or delayed. Include insurance options and coverage details.
  • Include important clauses, such as cancellation policies, dispute resolution, and force majeure.
  • Carefully review the contract and consider a legal review. Ensure both parties sign and keep a copy.

When you know when to use a moving contract, understand the common terms used in moving contracts, and then use the above steps we have seen, you should be able to avoid stress during the moving process. Double-check the content of the contract and ask for the attorney’s consultation if there is something unclear to you. Moving to a new home can be quite exciting and the last thing on your mind will be thinking of legalities such as a moving contract.