The Basics of Handling Valuable Items During a Move 

The last thing you want during a move is for any of your belongings to be damaged. This is especially true of any valuable items you have, which is why they need extra attention. Whether these items have significant financial value, emotional value, or a combination of both, you’re bound to have some possessions that can’t simply be boxed up and put into a truck the same way your bath towels or the old couch from your basement would be loaded. Knowing how to pack and move valuable items is important if you want to make sure those items make it to your new home in one piece. Here are some essential tips that explain how to move valuable items safely.

Know the Value of  your Items 

Before you do anything else, it’s a good idea to have any items you believe to be valuable appraised by experts. Not only will this give you a better idea of which of your family heirlooms or collectibles actually are worth something, but it’s also important for insurance purposes in the unfortunate event that anything is damaged during the move.

Use the Right Materials

Those used cardboard boxes you got from the grocery store may work just fine for boxing up your winter clothes or your DVDs, but the right packing materials make all the difference when it comes to knowing how to pack your valuables. If you’re handling your move, you’ll want to make sure you have packing materials that will cushion and protect your valuables during the move. These materials also should keep the items from shifting during transport. Make sure the materials won’t scratch your valuable items, either. Hiring a professional moving company can take away a lot of the worry in this area, because professionals have experience with packing materials as well as knowledge of the best ways to pack fragile and valuable items.

Wrap Valuables Individually

If you have a collection of smaller valuable items such as antique plates or collectible figurines, don’t box them all up in the same box. There’s too great of a chance that several or all of them will break if they’re all in the same container and something goes wrong. Take the time to wrap each one individually in bubble wrap or paper to ensure that they’ll all be protected during the trip.

Be Extra Careful With Glass

It goes without saying that glass is fragile and should be handled with care. That goes double for any valuable glass items you may have. Glass items should be wrapped completely with paper or bubble wrap, and if they are packed in boxes they should also be surrounded with packing peanuts or some other kind of cushioning material. For mirrors, use packing tape in an “X” across the front to hold it together in case of breakage.

Place Framed Artwork in Boxes

Frames typically keep your valuable artwork safe when it’s hanging on the wall, but it won’t do the same when you’re moving it to your new home. You’ll want the added protection of specially sized boxes to protect both your artwork and the frame it’s in during shipping, because the amount of movement and stress the frames will experience could cause them to crack or fall apart, leaving your artwork susceptible to damage.

Keep an Eye on Everything

Your valuables are more precious to you than the rest of your belongings, but it can be easy to lose track of them during the moving process. That makes them vulnerable to being lost or stolen. Make sure that you always know where your valuables are during the moving process, especially smaller items such as jewelry. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have insurance for such items in the event they’re stolen or lost during your move. Labeling all your boxes is essential, as is keeping a complete list of everything you’re bringing with you. That way, you’ll be able to inventory everything once you arrive to be certain that nothing went missing during the trip.

Protecting your valuable items during a move is important for lots of reasons. Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that all of your belongings are safe during your move is to hire experienced, professional movers. University Moving and Storage has a reputation for safe, reliable service no matter what it is you want to move. Give us a call today to get started.