The Most Common Items Damaged During a Move and How to Protect Them

With some minor preparation and attention to detail, you can protect valuable items during your move

The reason moving is considered one of life’s most stressful events is it is hard to believe that everything you own, and value will get from point A to point B without a hitch. Packing, loading, transporting, and unloading are all occasions in which we fear something will break or be damaged. You want your moving day to go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few suggestions to help ease your mind during the process.

Pack Carefully

If you are DIY packing, use quality materials. Do not over pack boxes and definitely use padding such as newspaper or bubble wrap to secure fragile items. Heavy items go in the box first, so they don’t crush lighter objects. Dishes and glassware are commonly damaged when an inexperienced packer is on the job. Lamps, picture frames, and any glassware must be wrapped carefully. You do not have to invest a ton in bubble wrap or packing peanuts. You can always use newspaper and plastic or paper bags, but this requires planning ahead, so you have time to collect enough to make a difference. Boxes with fragile items should be clearly marked as such.

Protect Your Furniture

Have plenty of padding, moving blankets, or bubble wrap on hand to prevent damage to your furniture. Try to disassemble as much as possible to make transport easier. Be sure to measure furniture carefully so you know if items will fit down stairwells and through door frames and narrow hallways in both locations. The last thing you need on moving day is to have a couch wedged in a doorway.

Plan for Specialty Items

Fragile items like mirrors and artwork should be wrapped securely with padding and corner protectors. Certain unique household goods such as musical instruments, hot tubs, pool tables, wine refrigerators, treadmills, etc. will require extra planning and manpower. These are not items easily relocated on your own, without the help of professionals.

Extremely important items such as documents, medication, laptops, cell phones, or irreplaceable special toys should travel with you to their new location. Set a box aside for these things so you know exactly where they are and can easily grab them when you’re ready to go.

Protect Yourself and Others

Personal injuries during a move can be devastating. Make sure you and your family members are safe on moving day by ensuring little ones and the elderly are out of harm’s way. Pets should also be contained so movers do not trip or bump into them. Movers must be aware of guns and weapons of any kind to properly plan for a safe relocation. Even kitchen knives should be packed with care. Additionally, all obstacles should be removed for safety. Before moving day, make sure that neighbors’ cars or toys as well as your own, will not be blocking the path to your moving truck. Lastly, do not lift heavy boxes, appliances, or large items of furniture on your own.

Select Your Professional Mover Carefully

You can avoid many of these issues by working with quality professional movers who will handle the details of your relocation. Well ahead of moving day, interview at least 3 movers and get written quotes. Check references and make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Be sure to ask exactly what the process is for filing a claim in the event of damage. A reputable moving company will patiently answer your questions and address all your concerns so that you are comfortable with your final decision. Experienced, highly quality moving companies work hard to earn your trust and will do all they can to prevent damage of any kind.

Enjoy Your New Home

With a little planning, you can successfully relocate without damage to your home, your goods, or yourself. A trusted moving company will make the entire process worry-free. You will be able to settle into your new place and make new memories.