How To Pack Valuables When You Move

When you’re moving to a new home, most of the work involves packing up smaller items in boxes and figuring out how to load larger pieces of furniture. However, if you’re moving valuables, you likely have a more nerve wracking concern on your hands. Do you entrust a moving company to move your more expensive items? Are you comfortable making a long drive, possibly staying at a hotel and keeping them with you as you make the trip? These are important questions to ask, but an equally important consideration is how to properly pack your valuables when you’re moving.

There is some inherent risk when you move valuables yourself, though it’s always an option. A lot of people that move are hesitant to trust movers with expensive items, which is understandable, but the possibility of loss or theft is often overblown. It can also be avoided entirely if you work with an established company that has a track record of reliability and good customer reviews. When you hire movers, you also get the benefit of an inventory list, as well as liability insurance which guards against this exact concern. Whichever way you choose to transport your valuables, you should take extra care when packing them to make sure they are not damaged during the process. Here are some steps you can take to keep your valuables in good shape, even over the course of long distance or cross country move.

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Take Inventory & Make a List

The first thing you should do (which also includes non-valuable items) is to take inventory of what you’re moving, and it goes double for valuable or more expensive items. Keep a list of what you’ll be moving and make a note of the estimated value of each item. This way, you’ll know right away if something is missing and assessing the value will help with the next step.

Get Additional Insurance

If you have concerns that something may be damaged during a move, which is often the cause with valuables, you always have the option of insuring them during the move. If you’re moving these items yourself, you’ll have to seek out an independent insurance policy on your own. If you plan to have the moving company handle everything, you can request full value protection, which covers expensive items up to an amount dictated by you. As to which one is more cost effective, that really depends on the items and circumstances, but insurance coverage is always a good idea if you have any concerns.

Use Proper Packing Supplies

Using the correct type of packing supplies is one of the best things you can do to protect your valuables from damage during a move. If you’re unfamiliar with the options, we have a thorough list of packing supplies that you can use while moving, all of which should be available from an experienced moving company. When packing valuable items, we always recommend doubling up what you would normally do for other items to provide an extra level of protection for more delicate items.

Double Tape & Bubble Wrap

Double tape all boxes with fragile or high valued items and use a good quality packing tape to prevent boxes from coming apart. Individually wrap breakable items in bubble wrap and use more than one layer so that they’re protected during the inevitable jostling of items while driving. Don’t forget to cushion the bottom, top, and sides of the boxes interior with bubble wrap as well.

Use the Right Equipment

If you’re moving antique or delicate furniture, be sure to use the proper moving equipment like a hand truck with straps and a loading ramp when putting them on the moving truck. You’ll also want to use moving blankets to wrap the furniture to protect them from other items in the truck when driving. If there are any protruding parts on a piece of furniture, use bubble wrap or blankets to make sure they have a layer of cushioning too. Try to position softer items like comforters and linens around more delicate pieces and position them firmly against a wall of the truck.

Ask About Crating

If you have any fine art, mirrors, photos or other items that can lay flat, you can ask the moving company or an art dealer about the possibility of crating them before moving. Crating provides a sturdier frame for these type of items that can protect them on all sides from the potential of damage.

how to pack valuables