During a move, one of your primary concerns is protecting your valuables. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, there are many ways to secure your belongings during the moving process. Your most important items should stay with you rather than be packed in boxes.
Create a Loading Plan
If you have many valuable items, creating a plan can help keep them safe during your move with a reliable NYC moving company. You should take inventory of all your belongings and include a description, the monetary value, and other relevant information in case something is stolen during your move.
Furniture is among the heaviest and most expensive pieces to move and can be challenging to protect. This is why it’s essential to have plenty of extra padding and protection on hand. You can use plastic wrap to secure upholstered couches and headboards or lay down blankets and pillows to prevent scratches and dents.
Also, label your boxes with the destination room and mark any boxes that contain fragile or valuable items. This way, your movers will know to handle these boxes extra care.
Also, before moving day, run a route through your new home to make sure hallways are wide enough for large furniture items and that you have clear pathways throughout the house.
Invest in a Safe
A safe is the most secure way to move valuables. Keeping things like jewelry, electronics, medical prescriptions, and important documents close to you is the best way to ensure they don’t get lost during transit. A safe is your best option unless you have a trusted friend or family member to store these items for you during the move.
Invest in bubble wrap and use styrofoam peanuts or shredded paper to cushion your breakables. You can also use blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals to add cushioning.
If you have many valuable items, consider getting a home insurance policy that provides full-value replacement coverage during the moving process. Check with your insurance agent to see if your homeowners or renters’ policy includes this coverage.
If not, you can purchase an additional plan through a third-party provider. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your belongings are covered during the move, even if they do get damaged. This is especially helpful if you have expensive furniture pieces.
Pack Your Valuables Separately
With identity theft and scams rising, you want to keep your valuables as far away from thieves as possible. This is why it is essential to pack your valuables separately from your other boxes. This will help you track them and ensure they make it to your new home in good condition.
Start by making a list of your most valuable items. Take detailed pictures of them to prove ownership if anything gets lost or damaged during the move. Some apps can help you label and categorize your items. Once you have your list, determine how to protect your valuables during the move. For example, if you are moving antique furniture or furs, they should be packed in wardrobe boxes with plenty of padding and blankets.
You can also wrap delicate items in linens and towels for extra protection. For electronics, be sure to gather all product manuals and label cords. If you have a safe, keep it locked during the move so no one can access your valuables.
Keep an Eye on Your Boxes
As a homeowner, you probably have valuable items throughout your home that are irreplaceable. If you have family heirlooms, expensive high-tech gadgets, or even delicate dishes and fragile knickknacks, you must protect them during your move.
First, you should always leave your valuables supervised during the moving process. This is especially important if you have hired help to assist you with the move, as there are many ways thieves can make off with your belongings – whether they are moving movers or your family members. It would be best to be careful where you put your boxes. Don’t use free grocery or local store boxes, as they could contain pests like bedbugs or clothes moths.
Instead, purchase uniform boxes that are specifically designed for moving. This will reduce the chances that someone misidentifies your boxes as trash and makes off with your precious items.
Additionally, it would be best if you considered storing your boxes somewhere that can be locked or secured. This will ensure that only you and those you trust can access them.
Hire a Reliable Moving Company
Even the best movers can make mistakes during moving, leaving your belongings susceptible to damage. That’s why hiring a reliable company with a history of providing quality customer care and excellent service is essential.
When searching for a mover, seek recommendations from friends and family members who have used their services.
Additionally, ask your moving company to provide a list of services and fees included in their package pricing. This way, you can avoid being charged for additional services you didn’t need. You should also search the DOT website by the moving company’s DOT number (or name if they don’t have one) to ensure they are licensed and insured.
Lastly, safeguard your moving truck by locking it up when parked overnight or during stops. This will keep unauthorized people from accessing your belongings while on the road. In addition, it is a good idea to use furniture pads and blankets to protect your items from scratches, dents, and nicks during transit.