Movers have a lot of industry 'lingo' which can be confusing to our customers. That is why we created this terminology guide, to provide you with simple definitions of commonly used lingo.

Section

  1. Moving Services
  2. Move Methods
  3. Location Types

Moving Labor Services

Loading Only
This service is for customers needing assistance loading their household goods into a moving truck, portable storage unit, freight trailer, etc.
Unloading Only
Your household items are already loaded onto a moving truck, container or similar and you need movers to unload the items. The movers will unload all your items and place them into the correct rooms.
Loading & Unloading
You need your items loaded and unloaded. Select this option only for local moves. If you need loading in one location and unloading in another you will need to create a separate booking request for each.
Furniture Move
This service includes furniture or other household items being moved on/near the existing property. The items being moved do not have to be transported. Some examples of a furniture move are:
  1. Moving items between rooms/floors within the existing property
  2. Moving items to/from the garage, storage shed or similar
  3. Home staging and organization
On-Site Move
An on-site move will usually take place in the same apartment complex or within the same building. The items are being moved between two different locations, but do not need to be transported. For example, if you are moving between two apartments on different floors within the same high rise. Or moving between two apartments within the same apartment complex.
Packing Only
The movers will pack moving boxes, storage bins and similar to help you prepare for your actual move. Keep in mind:
  1. Not all movers listed on MovingLabor.com can provide packing services. Those movers that do provide this service will have  Packing Services listed on their profile.
  2. When submitting a booking request there is not an option to indicate that you will need packing service. You should select Furniture Move and add notes that you are in need of packing services

Move Methods

Get more information on sizes for moving trucks, storage containers and trailers by reading our size guide.


Truck Rental
A rented moving truck typically from a national rental company. The three largest and most common rental truck agencies are Penske Truck Rental , Budget Truck Rental and U-Haul .
Size Information: Rental truck sizes vary from company to company, but the smallest rental truck size is 10' while the largest is 26'.

Portable Storage Container
Often referred to as a "POD", a portable storage container is typically delivered to your home temporarily. Once your items are loaded into the storage container it is usually then stored locally or moved to your new location by the portable storage company.
Size Information: The most common storage unit sizes are 8', 12' and 16'.

Freight Moving Services
Almost always used for long distance moves, the term "freight" typically refers to a 'You Load, We Drive' service. These services provide transportation only and allow you to reserve a specific amount of space based on your needs, often in a 28' freight truck.
Size Information: Usually a 28' or 53' truck, you reserve the actual space you will need.

International Container
Used for international moves and sometimes also referred to as a sea container.
Size Information: These containers are usually 20' or 40'.


U-Haul Trailer
A tow-behind trailer for small moves. U-Haul is currently the only company that provides these types of trailers nationwide.
Size Information: Multiple sizes between 4' x 8' and 6' x 12'.


Cargo Van
An enclosed van made specifically for very small moves. A cargo van is not a box truck, therefore you should select "Truck Rental" if you have a 10' or larger moving van.
Size Information: We typically classify cargo van's as 8'.
Other
If your transportation method does not fall into one of our listed categories you should select this option. "Other" is commonly used as a selection when the move method is a personal vehicle or trailer.

Location Types

Single Family
A detached home typically with at least two floors, few (if any) entry steps and often times a garage.
Townhouse
A tall, narrow home built within a group of other townhomes. Town homes generally have three or more floors.
Ranch
A single level detached home with few (if any) internal stairs. A ranch home may or may not have a basement.
Duplex
An apartment or home with separate entrances for two or more families. Duplexes commonly have four or less individual apartments and rarely exceed two levels.
Apartment
A single residential unit within a larger complex, building or high rise. We consider a "condo" to be the same dwelling type as an apartment. If you choose "Apartment" you will be prompted with additional questions about the access conditions. Be sure to accurately indicate if your location is accessible by stairs or elevator.
Self Storage
A traditional storage location such as Public Storage.
Office
A commercial or retail location.
Other
A location which does not apply to the predefined options.