The Ultimate Moving Dictionary:
Essential Terms You Need to Know
Welcome to the Aviv Moving & Storage Moving Guide. The moving industry has its own language, and understanding these terms is the first step toward a stress-free, transparent relocation. We created this comprehensive moving dictionary to help you navigate your upcoming move with confidence.
Category 1: Types of Moves
Local Move (Intrastate Move)
A relocation that occurs within the same state. Local moving services are typically billed at an hourly rate rather than by weight or distance.
Long-Distance Move (Interstate Move)
A relocation that crosses state lines. Long-distance moving costs are generally determined by the total volume (cubic feet) or the total weight of your shipment.
Category 2: Moving Fees & Transportation Charges
Travel Time
A standard fee applied to both local and long-distance moves. It covers the time it takes for the moving truck to travel from our facility to your pick-up address, and from your delivery destination back to our lot.
Fuel Surcharge
A fee to cover fuel costs. At Aviv Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing with some of the lowest fuel charges in the moving industry.
Mileage Fee
A charge based on the distance traveled, typically ranging from $0.05 to $0.25 per mile. Aviv Moving & Storage does not charge a mileage fee.
Toll Charges
Fees incurred from toll roads along the route. While many companies pass these costs to the customer, Aviv Moving & Storage covers all toll charges.
Weight Charges
A pricing method based on the actual weight of your shipment. The moving truck is weighed fully fueled before loading (tare weight) and again after loading (gross weight) to determine the exact payload.
Extra Cubic Feet (CF) Charges
A pricing method based on the physical space your shipment occupies inside the moving truck. This is calculated using precise measurements or a detailed inventory list.
Category 3: Access & Handling Fees
Long Carry (Excessive Carry)
A fee applied when the moving truck cannot park close to your home. The first 75 feet from the truck to your door are free; an additional fee applies for every subsequent 75 feet.
Walk-Up Charges (Stair Fees)
Fees applied when movers must carry items up stairs. While some moving companies charge per step or per flight, Aviv Moving & Storage only applies a walk-up charge if we must carry items above the second floor without elevator access.
Shuttle Service
Required when a standard moving truck cannot safely access your street (due to narrow roads, tight corners, or low clearances). A smaller rental truck is used to shuttle your belongings, incurring rental and additional labor time fees.
Hoisting
If large furniture cannot fit through narrow stairwells or elevators, it must be hoisted through a window or over a balcony using ropes, straps, or occasionally a crane.
Pianos & Heavy Items
A specialized handling fee for exceptionally heavy or bulky items that require special equipment, such as safes, pool tables, or pianos.
Parking Tickets / Permits
Customers are responsible for securing legal parking for the moving truck. If our company is bonded with your city, we can provide documentation to help you obtain a temporary moving parking permit to avoid citations.
Category 4: Packing & Supplies
Packing Labor & Services
Often utilized for long-distance relocations, this is an additional service where our professional movers pack your boxes at the pick-up location. Pricing varies depending on the number and type of boxes.
Packing Supplies
The cost of physical materials used to protect your belongings, such as moving boxes, packing tape, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap.
Category 5: Moving Valuation & Insurance
Basic Liability Insurance (Released Value Protection)
The mandatory minimum coverage provided by all licensed moving companies at no additional cost. For example, in the state of Massachusetts, this typically covers $0.60 per pound per article.
Full Coverage Insurance (Full Value Protection)
A comprehensive option that allows you to declare the full replacement value of your shipment for an upfront premium. You can purchase this directly through the moving company or via a third-party insurance provider.
Pro Tip: Check your existing homeowner's or renter's insurance policy before your move—many policies provide coverage for your belongings while they are in transit!