Moving Day Paperwork, Explained Before You Sign
At H D Auston Moving Systems, nobody should be asked to sign something they haven't had the chance to read. Here's every form you'll see on moving day with a Greenville, SC moving company, what it means, and when you sign it. You can even review and sign the first set at home.
Watch: What You'll Sign on Moving Day (2 minutes)
Captioned on screen, so it works with the sound off.
Our promise to you
Never rushed. Your foreman explains every form before asking for a signature.
Take your time. Read every page and ask any question before you sign.
Count and check. You're welcome to count boxes and walk through with the crew.
Speak up. Write down anything that isn't right before you sign. Your notes matter.
You sign at three simple moments
- Customer Protection Form
- High-Value Inventory
- Declaration of Value (your coverage)
- Pickup inspection
- Release of shipment (Bill of Lading)
- Initial your time sheet
- Delivery inspection
- Acknowledgement of delivery
- Job completion: one signature
Each moving form, in plain English
Customer Protection Form
A short list of what to expect: walking through your home, keeping valuables with you, items movers can't legally carry, how appliances are handled, and how your estimate and payment work.
What you do: Initial each item and sign. You keep a copy.
High-Value Inventory
A list of anything worth more than $100 per pound, such as jewelry, silver, fine china or crystal, antiques, art, collectibles and rugs.
What you do: List those items, or check "I have none," then sign. Our crew then knows which items need extra care.
Declaration of Value (your moving coverage)
Your choice of how your belongings are protected. If nothing is chosen before moving day, your move is covered at the basic level.
Basic coverage
No extra charge, but it pays only 60¢ per pound per item.
Full Replacement Protection (recommended)
Damaged items are repaired or replaced at today's value.
One time, for your whole move.
What you do: Choose one option and sign.
Pickup Inspection and Release of Shipment (Bill of Lading)
A final walk-through of your old home with the foreman, then a release that hands your belongings to us for the trip.
What you do: Walk through together, write down anything that isn't right, then sign and initial the time sheet.
Delivery Inspection and Acknowledgement of Delivery
A walk-through of your new home after everything is unloaded, placed and reassembled.
What you do: Check your items and rooms, and note any damage or missing items before you sign.
Job Completion
The final page: start and end times, the services completed, and the charges. Please keep in mind that every hourly move is an estimate. Your final investment is based on the actual time needed to complete your move, so we confirm the times together.
What you do: Confirm the times and sign once. Your foreman signs last.
Only if it applies: a Gift & Release Acknowledgement if you choose to give the crew anything, and a Packing Material Ticket if we use extra boxes or materials on moving day.
Sign Step 1 at home in about 10 minutes
- Download the Pre-Move Sign-Ahead Form (it's fillable on your phone or computer, or you can print it).
- Initial, fill in and sign Parts A through D.
- Send it back by replying to our email, texting photos to 864.901.0328, or uploading it to your online customer account, ideally 2 days before your move.
On arrival, your foreman reviews it with you for a minute to confirm nothing has changed. Short-notice move? No problem: your foreman walks you through every form before any work begins.
Moving paperwork FAQs
What paperwork do I sign with a moving company?
With H D Auston Moving Systems you sign at three moments: before we start (Customer Protection Form, High-Value Inventory and your coverage choice), at the end of loading (pickup inspection and release of shipment), and at the end of the move (delivery inspection, acknowledgement of delivery and job completion).
Can I sign my moving paperwork before moving day?
Yes. The three "before we start" forms can be reviewed and signed at home with our Pre-Move Sign-Ahead Form. Your foreman reviews it with you on arrival. The rest is signed on moving day, after each form is explained.
What is a Bill of Lading for a move?
The Bill of Lading is the moving contract and receipt. It records your coverage choice, the release of your belongings to the mover at loading, and your acknowledgement when everything is delivered.
What is valuation coverage, and which option should I choose?
Valuation is how your belongings are protected. Basic coverage is free but pays only 60¢ per pound per item (a 50-lb TV is worth $30). Full Replacement Protection repairs or replaces damaged items at today's value, starting at $196 for your whole move. If you don't choose, your move is covered at the basic level.
What counts as a high-value item?
Anything worth more than $100 per pound, such as jewelry, coins, silverware and silver sets, fine china, crystal, antiques, art, rugs and collectibles. List them on the High-Value Inventory, or check "none."
What if something is damaged or missing?
Write it down on the delivery inspection before you sign, and tell your foreman. Anything noted there is easy to make right. You can also call or text Hardy Auston at 864.269.0073.
Is my final price the same as my estimate?
For hourly moves, your final investment is based on the actual time needed to complete your move, not the estimated range. Things like additional items, packing that isn't finished, or access challenges can change the time, and we'll always keep you informed along the way.
Questions about any form?
Call or text Hardy Auston, Owner. Family owned in Greenville, SC since 1945.
864.269.0073