Moving is a major cause of stress and a long distance move is certainly no exception. In fact, planning and preparing for a long distance move is even more stressful. As you prepare for your move and to pack your belongings, you'll inevitably come to your most valuable possessions -- the items that you couldn't bear to lose or have damaged during the move.
While it may be perfectly fine for you to throw your DVD collection and old books into a cardboard moving box and slap on some packing tape, you can't do the same with your valuables. Whether you have expensive jewelry, old family heirlooms, antique furniture or priceless paintings, there's a certain level of care required when packing and moving your most valuable possessions.
Pack and wrap everything carefully
While you most likely have a lot of things to pack and need to move swiftly to make sure you get everything done, it's worth spending extra time and care on your valuables. If you want them to arrive at your new home intact, you shouldn't haphazardly throw them in a box and load it onto the moving truck.
Take the time to get the proper packing supplies needed to protect your valuables, such as bubble wrap, packing paper and moving pads. Make sure that the boxes are secured with packing tape and clearly labeled "FRAGILE" on all sides of the box, so that movers are aware that the contents are delicate and should be handled accordingly.
Pack painting and pictures properly
Valuable paintings and framed pictures need to be given extra care when packing. Simply draping a moving blanket over the frame and placing it against the inside of the moving truck will not protect your painting. For these valuable items, you'll need to purchase special boxes that are designed to fit large paintings or prints.
TIP: When you pack your paintings in these boxes, wrap them in a layer of bubble wrap or newsprint prior to packing them to add an extra layer of protection.
Decide if you can trust the movers with your valuables
A dilemma that most people face when preparing to pack and move valuable items is whether or not they should hire movers to take care of their valuable items. The answer isn't straightforward. It depends on the type of items you're moving and what they mean to you.
Consider the benefits of both options:
- Have movers pack and move your valuables: If you have antique furniture or large paintings that are worth a lot of money, and you know you won't be able to pack them yourself, it's best for you to trust a mover with this part of the move. You'll reap the benefits of their professional experience and expertise in packing and wrapping valuable items. Plus, many moving companies will only provide insurance for items that they have packed and moved themselves.
- Packing and moving your own valuables: If you who can't trust putting your valuable possessions in the hands of strangers, you may opt to move them on your own. While the moving company won't insure any items that you pack and move yourself, you can always insure these valuable items through a third-party vendor.
Here is a short list of valuable items you should pack and move yourself during long distance relocation:
- Birth certificates, passports and other forms of identification
- Medications
- Expensive jewelry
- Photos
- Sentimental items
- Personal electronics
- Important documents
Other helpful tips when moving valuable items long distance
- Always keep your valuables hidden when traveling with them
- Never leave anything out in plain sight if you have to leave them temporarily to eat, use the restroom or check into a hotel
- Check with to see if you can add coverage for some of your more valuable items to your home insurance policy
- Pack any valuables in their original boxes whenever possible and always remember to label all boxes "FRAGILE"
- Keep a photo inventory of all of your valuables in case anything gets lost or stolen
- Pack everything carefully and thoroughly -- the more packing paper, the better