By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
First, slow down. Rushing can lead to careless mistakes. Pack in stages and ensure that you have enough time.
Before anything is packed, create an inventory (your professional movers will create an inventory, but it may not be as detailed). A photo inventory verifies that your item arrived in the same condition as it departed. And it can serve as evidence if you need to file a claim. Take photos from multiple angles. Snap shots of the packaging and boxes.
Keep small valuables such as jewelry or even small electronics with you to avoid them becoming accidentally lost due to their small size. Pack these items in your carry-on if you are flying. Avoid placing valuables in checked luggage because they can easily disappear without a trace. When traveling to your new house by car, keep valuables in a small bag or backpack that you can grab when you stop to shop, eat, or use the facilities. Always try to keep these items with you as much as possible.
Similarly, keep medications, coins and currency, furs, important paperwork, photos, and sentimental items on your person.
Using specialty boxes for televisions, stemware, paintings, and other hard-to-pack items may cost more upfront but can save a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Your moving company can likely supply boxes of many different shapes and sizes, should you find that you need them. Or, some people keep the original boxes that these items came in to reuse during moves, which is ideal.
For chandeliers, make note of the assembly before removing any bulbs. A simpler chandelier may have removable parts wrapped and rest atop a thick layer of padding at the bottom of a crate that is several inches wider than the chandelier before padding is placed around it. If strands or crystals can be removed, they should be wrapped in paper. Chandeliers that require hanging should be packed in a custom crate with each crystal wrapped in paper to prevent damage. Talk to your professional mover regarding the safest way to move your chandelier.
After packing your valuables, give the box a VERY gentle shake. If anything moves, add more packing material. Bubble wrap is better than packing peanuts because it is less likely to shift. You can use towels to fill vacant space. Similarly, you need to add more packaging if the top might cave in. Once the box is secure, mark it as "Fragile."
Talk to your moving company regarding any items that may need to have a special crate constructed in order to safely move the item. Movers frequently work with 3rd party companies in order to get items properly crated for transport.
Even with precautions in place, insurance is absolutely a must. Talk to your moving company and your homeowner’s insurer regarding your options to make sure that you have adequate coverage during your move.
Finally, make sure to check those goods over and compare them to any photos you have taken before the movers leave, which means unpacking all those items immediately. Make notes on the paperwork and take photos of any possible damage, including photos of damaged packaging.
Are you ready to move? Contact A-1 Freeman Moving Group to get started.
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