Overview

Understanding moving terms can help you feel more confident and avoid surprises during your move. This post breaks down commonly used terms, like additional services, advanced charges, high value articles, order for service, storage in transit, and pickup and delivery charges, so you know exactly what to expect. When in doubt, ask your moving company to clarify any unfamiliar language. Being informed makes for a smoother, less stressful move.

More Moving Terms You Should Know

In our earlier post, Moving Terms You Should Know, we introduced some of the most commonly used words and phrases in the moving industry. But like many specialized fields, the world of moving has an even deeper vocabulary of terms that describe specific services, charges, and procedures.

Understanding this terminology can make a big difference, especially when you’re reviewing your estimate, signing documents, or coordinating logistics. Whether you're planning a local move or heading across the country, the more you know, the smoother the process will be.

To help you stay informed and avoid last-minute surprises, here are some more moving terms you should know:

Additional Services (sometimes called Accessorial Services)

In moving terms, “additional services” or “accessorial services” refer to tasks beyond the standard loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings. These services are often needed when a move includes special circumstances or requires extra effort, equipment, or labor.

Common examples include professional packing and unpacking services, where the movers provide boxes and materials and handle the work for you. Crating may be required for fragile or high-value items like artwork or glass, while stair or elevator fees can apply when access to your home isn’t straightforward. You might also see charges for long carries (when items must be transported a long distance between your home and the truck), shuttle services (used when a full-sized moving truck can’t access your location), or handling bulky items like pianos.

Because these services vary depending on your specific move, it's a good idea to review them in advance with your moving coordinator. This ensures you understand what’s included in your estimate and helps prevent surprises on moving day.

Advanced Charges

Advanced charges refer to services performed by a third party but arranged and initially paid for by your moving company. This can include things like crating artwork and other delicate items such as chandeliers, servicing appliances like gas stoves or washing machines, or even hiring elevator operators or crane services in high-rise buildings. Since these services aren’t provided directly by the mover, they’re billed to you at cost and added to your final charges. It’s important to review your estimate closely so you understand which fees come directly from the mover and which are pass-through charges from outside vendors.

High Value Article

A high value article is any item in your shipment that’s worth more than $100 per pound. While that threshold might sound steep at first, many common household belongings fall into this category, things like fine jewelry, high-end electronics such as laptops or camera gear, designer handbags, or valuable antiques and collectibles.

If you’re including any of these items in your move, it’s important to declare them in advance on a High Value Inventory form. Doing so ensures they’re properly documented, handled with extra care, and fully covered under your mover’s protection plan. If a high value item is lost or damaged and wasn’t listed, the mover’s liability may be significantly limited. Taking this step is the best way to protect your most valuable possessions.

Order for Service

The Order for Service is one of the first official documents you’ll receive during your move. It acts as a confirmation, authorizing the moving company to begin the process and outlining essential details such as pickup and delivery dates, the origin and destination addresses, the specific services being provided, and the estimated costs.

While it’s not the official moving contract, that role belongs to the Bill of Lading, it’s still a crucial document. Before signing, take the time to review everything carefully. Double-check that the dates, pricing, and service descriptions are all accurate and reflect what was discussed with your mover.

Storage In Transit (SIT)

Sometimes, your new home isn’t quite ready on moving day, or maybe you’re moving in stages. That’s where Storage In Transit (SIT) comes in. This service allows your belongings to be stored temporarily at the mover’s warehouse before final delivery.

Here’s how it works:

• • Short-term SIT typically lasts up to 30 days and is great for minor delays.
  • Long-term SIT may extend beyond 30 days but may transition into permanent storage, depending on your moving company’s policy.

Charges for SIT usually include both a storage fee (calculated per 100 pounds) and a warehouse handling fee. Keep in mind that once SIT ends, you’ll also be responsible for delivery charges from the warehouse to your final destination.

Pickup and Delivery Charges

Pickup and delivery charges apply when your belongings are placed into storage as part of the moving process. You’ll be charged separately for the transportation of your items from your home to the storage facility, as well as for the delivery from storage to your new residence when you're ready to receive them. These charges are distinct from the main transportation fee, which covers the direct move from your old home to your new one. If there’s a delay between moving out and moving in, be sure to account for these additional costs when planning your moving budget.

Final Thoughts

As you plan your move, you may come across even more unfamiliar terms or acronyms. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. A good moving company will be happy to explain any term or charge you don’t fully understand, and that includes terms not listed here.

Knowing the language of moving not only helps you make informed decisions, it gives you peace of mind. Because when you know what to expect, you’re better prepared to avoid confusion, misunderstandings, or surprise charges on moving day.

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