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Moving can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to transporting valuables. Protecting sentimental and high-value items during a move is crucial to ensure they arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old one. Above & Beyond Moving Company, with over 25 years of experience in the moving industry, has developed expert tips to help you protect your valuables throughout the moving process. From pre-move preparations to packing techniques, here’s everything you need to know to keep your precious items safe.
Before you start packing, create a detailed inventory of all your valuable items. List items like jewelry, electronics, art, collectibles, family heirlooms, and important documents. Take photos of each item from multiple angles, as this documentation can be helpful in case of damage or loss during the move.
Tip: Store a copy of the inventory in a safe place (such as a digital document or cloud storage) so that you can access it easily if needed.
Moving companies are required to provide some level of insurance, but the coverage might not be enough for high-value items. Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to see if your belongings are covered during the move, or consider purchasing additional moving insurance. Specialized insurance policies are available for high-value items like art, jewelry, and antiques.
Tip: Speak to your moving company and insurance provider about valuation options to choose the coverage that’s right for you. At Above & Beyond Moving Company, we can guide you through our insurance options and help find the best solution for your valuables.
For smaller valuables such as jewelry, personal documents, and essential electronics, pack these items yourself and keep them with you during the move. This minimizes the risk of loss or damage since they won’t be mixed with other boxes or handled by movers. Store these items in a personal bag or a secure, lockable box.
Tip: If you’re moving by car, keep these items in the trunk or under the seat, where they’ll be out of sight and safer from potential theft.
Investing in high-quality packing materials will go a long way in protecting your valuables. Avoid using old or damaged boxes that can easily crush or break. For fragile and high-value items, consider double-boxing them for extra security, using sturdy cardboard boxes with reinforced corners.
Packing Essentials:
Tip: Label these boxes with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care” to alert movers to treat them with special care.
Fragile items, like glassware, ceramics, and fine china, require special packing techniques. Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in sturdy boxes with ample cushioning. For extra protection, line the bottom of the box with foam or packing peanuts, and ensure that there’s no empty space for items to shift during transit.
Tip: For items like plates, pack them vertically (standing on their edges) to reduce the risk of breakage. For mirrors or framed art, consider using corner protectors and specialized moving boxes.
Electronics are particularly vulnerable to bumps and temperature changes during a move. Whenever possible, use the original packaging for electronics, as it’s designed to protect specific items. If you don’t have the original packaging, use thick bubble wrap, anti-static packing materials, and sturdy boxes to keep them safe.
Tip: Remove any batteries and accessories from electronics before packing them. Label cables and components to make reassembly easier once you reach your new home.
Large, high-value furniture pieces or antique items are best moved when disassembled. For example, remove table legs, glass panes from cabinets, or any detachable parts that could break or shift during the move. Wrap each piece in moving blankets, securing them with stretch wrap or packing tape to avoid scratches.
Tip: Keep screws, bolts, and other small components in a labeled bag, and tape it to the corresponding furniture piece for easy reassembly.
Jewelry and small valuables like watches, heirlooms, or collectibles are best transported in a small lockable box or safe. Make sure the box is padded inside to prevent items from scratching or tangling. For expensive jewelry, consider using individual pouches or cases within the safe box.
Tip: Keep this box in your possession during the move, either in your carry-on bag if you’re flying or in your personal vehicle if you’re driving.
Vital documents, such as passports, birth certificates, medical records, and financial papers, should never be packed in moving boxes. Instead, place them in a secure folder or file box and keep them with you at all times during the move.
Tip: Make digital copies of important documents and store them in a secure cloud storage account as a backup in case of loss or damage.
If you’re moving in extreme weather conditions or storing items for an extended period, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit. Items such as wooden furniture, musical instruments, and electronics can be damaged by humidity or temperature fluctuations, so a climate-controlled environment can help preserve them.
Tip: Above & Beyond Moving Company offers storage solutions with climate control to protect sensitive items from temperature and humidity-related damage.
Moving art pieces, whether they’re paintings, sculptures, or delicate decor, requires extra care. Use specialty boxes designed specifically for artwork, which often have adjustable inserts to keep frames secure. Wrap artwork in acid-free paper to prevent discoloration, and avoid placing other items on top of the boxes.
Tip: Consider consulting a professional art mover for highly valuable or oversized artwork, as they have specialized packing and handling methods for such items.
Labeling is essential for keeping track of your valuables. Write down what’s inside each box, mark it as fragile if needed, and indicate the room where it belongs. Number your boxes or use color-coded labels to make unpacking easier.
Tip: Make a checklist of your labeled boxes and valuable items for quick reference once you reach your destination. This way, you can easily verify that all boxes arrived safely.
On moving day, set aside a personal moving kit with items you don’t want to lose track of, including valuables. This can include jewelry, a laptop, medications, a few essential toiletries, and any other items you might need immediately upon arrival.
Tip: For added protection, carry this kit with you in your vehicle or on your person, rather than placing it on the moving truck.
If you’ve hired professional movers, don’t hesitate to supervise the handling of your valuables. Point out fragile boxes and items that need special attention. Reputable moving companies like Above & Beyond Moving Company are experienced with delicate items and will follow any specific instructions you provide.
Tip: Make a note of your movers’ names, and ask them to confirm how they’ll handle fragile or high-value items to set expectations for care and accountability.
Once you arrive at your new home, use your inventory list to check that all valuable items have made it safely. Open boxes carefully and inspect fragile items for any signs of damage.
Tip: If any items are damaged, document the damage with photos and contact your moving company or insurance provider immediately to file a claim.
For valuable and fragile items, it might be worth investing in professional packing services. Skilled packers have the expertise and materials to secure delicate items, minimizing the risk of damage during transport.
Tip: Above & Beyond Moving Company offers specialized packing services, ensuring that your valuables receive the utmost care. Let us handle your valuables professionally for added peace of mind.
If you’re moving computers or external hard drives, be mindful of potential data loss. Back up important data before the move and handle electronics with extra care, as even a minor jolt can disrupt sensitive parts.
Tip: Pack electronics with plenty of padding and consider placing silica gel packets in the box to prevent moisture damage.
Upon arrival, unpack your valuables first to ensure they’re safe and in good condition. Start with essential items like documents, electronics, and jewelry, and gradually work your way through more delicate or decorative pieces.
Tip: Don’t rush the unpacking process—take your time and handle each item carefully to avoid accidental drops or damage.
Once you’ve unpacked your valuables, dispose of packing materials securely. Boxes labeled with “Fragile” or “Valuables” can give clues to potential thieves, so break down and discard them discreetly.
Tip: Shred any labels or documents that include personal information to maintain security.
