Can you think of a more nerve-wracking experience than moving your valuables? It’s stressful enough to change their places in your home, let alone move them to a brand new home.
Whether it’s priceless family heirlooms, valuable artwork, or expensive electronics, ensuring their safety is of utmost importance. The stress of moving them to the new location can really take a toll. On the other hand, not taking this job seriously will surely end up badly.
However, with a bit of planning, some clever packing, and a touch of professional assistance, you can make this process much smoother and less stressful. And isn’t that the dream? To have someone else do it for us.
Still, if you are determined to keep your valuables with you like an ’80s movie villain with a suitcase handcuffed to your wrist, you need to hear these tips on keeping your belongings safe.
Take Inventory of Valuable Items
Before embarking on your move or storage adventure, take a moment to create an inventory of all your valuable items. This list will help you keep track of what you own and be crucial in case you need to make an insurance claim.
Gather all the valuables you plan to move or store and organise them by some sort of categorisation. Put them in separate plastic boxes, wrapping them in bubble wrap and wrapping paper of biodegradable packing peanuts.
This will keep them safe from moisture, pests and dust. This will protect them from moving around and breaking even during the move.
Afterwards, this categorisation will help you know where and immensely help you retrieve them without the nerve-wracking treasure hunt.
Appraise and Insure Your Valuables
Now that you have your inventory, it’s time to put a price tag on your priceless possessions.
Get your valuables appraised by a qualified professional to determine their true value. This step might reveal some surprising discoveries about items you didn’t realise were as valuable as they are.
After the appraisal, consider investing in insurance to protect your treasures during the moving and storage process. Insurance can provide peace of mind, so you won’t have to worry about your grandma’s antique vase taking a tumble.
So, for example, if you have a stunning diamond necklace that has been passed down through generations, you will need to hire a certified gemologist or a jewellery appraiser. They thoroughly examine the necklace, assess its quality, and provide a detailed appraisal report.
This report states the diamond’s cut, clarity, carat weight, colour, and estimated market value.
Now that you know the necklace’s true value, you can insure it for what it’s actually worth. Not for what a clerk at the insurance company says it’s worthwhile looking at an out-of-focus picture of it from a dirty glass.
Unfortunately, sentimental value can’t be insured, so if you have a practically worthless rug from your great-great-great-grandmother, you won’t be able to insure it.
Pack Valuables Securely
When it comes to moving and storing valuable items, packing them securely is paramount to ensuring their safety. Proper packing minimises the risk of damage during transit or while in storage.
Before you start packing, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. This includes sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, foam inserts, packing peanuts, packing tape, and markers for labelling.
Wrapping them individually is crucial for delicate items like china, glassware, and ceramics. Begin by placing a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap at the bottom of the box to create a cushion.
Wrap each item carefully, securing it with tape if needed, and place them upright in the box. Fill any gaps with crumpled packing paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting.
Use specialised art boxes or mirror boxes when packing paintings, mirrors, or framed artwork. If these boxes are unavailable, create a cardboard frame around the artwork by cutting and folding cardboard pieces to fit around the edges.
Secure the frame with tape, and wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap before placing it in a sturdy box. Fill any remaining space with packing peanuts or foam inserts to provide extra protection.
For valuable furniture and electronics, disassemble them whenever possible. Remove detachable parts, such as table legs, shelves, or removable cords, and pack them separately.
Keep all screws and small parts in labelled bags and then tape them to their corresponding furniture piece or electronic device. This prevents loss and confusion during the unpacking process.
Proper cushioning is essential to protect your valuables from impacts during transit. Line the bottom and sides of the box with bubble wrap or packing peanuts before placing the wrapped items inside.
Ensure there is enough cushioning between items and the box’s walls to prevent direct contact.
Use their original packaging for electronics such as laptops, cameras, and other gadgets whenever possible.
If the original boxes are unavailable, wrap each item in bubble wrap and place them in a box with packing peanuts or foam inserts to absorb shocks. Avoid placing heavy items on top of electronics to prevent damage to delicate components.
Once a box contains delicate or valuable items, label it as “Fragile” with a bold marker. This alerts anyone handling the boxes to exercise caution and take extra care while moving them.
You can also use “This Side Up” arrows to indicate the correct orientation of the box, especially for items that need to stay upright.
For particularly valuable or sentimental items, consider keeping them with you during the move instead of packing them in the moving truck. This ensures that you have direct control over their safety and minimises the risk of loss or theft.
Before sealing the boxes, reinforce the bottom with extra packing tape to prevent them from giving way under the weight of the valuables. Use high-quality packing tape to seal the top and sides of the box securely. Double-tape the edges and corners for added strength.
Remember, a little extra padding goes a long way in protecting your valuables from bumps and bruises.
Consider Professional Assistance
Moving and storing valuables can be a daunting task. That’s why, sometimes, it’s best to call in removals specialists.
Research reputable moving companies who have the know-how to move precious items and bring them safely to their location. These experts know the best practices for packing, lifting, and transporting valuables.
They will also have the necessary equipment to move heavy items safely, sparing you the struggle of attempting to move that grand piano on your own.
Label and Document Packed Valuables
As you pack your precious items, don’t forget to label each box clearly. Use descriptive tags such as “fragile,” “glassware,” or “electronics” to ensure that anyone handling them knows how to treat the boxes with care.
Additionally, consider taking pictures of your packed boxes and their contents. This documentation will come in handy when you need to remember what’s inside without opening every box. Plus, it’s a great way to reminisce about your packing skills when you finally unpack!
Transport Valuables Safely
If you’re moving your valuables to a new home, ensure you have a safe and secure mode of transport.
If you’re using a moving company, read reviews and select one with a proven track record of handling valuables with care. If you’re transporting valuables, ensure they’re well-secured in your vehicle.
Avoid packing them loosely in the back of a truck or on the roof, like a scene from an action movie. Keep in mind that a wild ride might be exciting for Hollywood, but it won’t be for your valuables!
Use Secure Storage Facilities
When it’s time to store your treasures, choose a facility with excellent security measures.
Look for storage units with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and on-site personnel to watch your belongings. Opt for climate-controlled units to protect your valuables from extreme temperatures, humidity, or any curious critters that might find their way inside.
Remember, you’re not stashing your valuables in a hidden pirate’s cave, so choose a storage facility that offers peace of mind regardless of the price.
It will be far more costly to lose your valuables due to negligence, even if you manage to get some money from the storage facility for the poor management.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
The journey doesn’t end there, even after safely moving and storing your valuables.
Regularly inspect your storage unit to ensure there are no signs of damage, water leakage, or pests. Dust off your belongings and inspect them for any wear or tear.
If you have artwork or antiques, occasionally rotate them to prevent exposure to direct sunlight and evenly distribute pressure points. Think of it as giving your valuables a little vacation to an art spa!
Conclusion
Following our advice, you can make sure your valuables will survive the long and hard process of moving to a new home.
Moreover, enlisting the help of a professional company will take at least this burden off of your shoulders. And God knows you need these for the upcoming lifting, moving, and cleaning.
So, follow our advice and give at least your valuables some peace and quiet while this turbulent time in your life is over.
