Moving is both stressful and exciting, and it’s understandable that various things go unconsidered or unnoticed during all of the hustle and bustle of a big move.
However, one thing that absolutely cannot be swept under the rug is properly protecting your belongings from various threats. The last thing you want to do is breathe a sigh of relief after your move, and then realize that expensive or sentimental items were lost or damaged.
Today, we’re going to go over 8 professional-approved tips to protect your belongings.
1. Keep Your Most Precious Items with You
One of the most important things you can do is try to take the items most important to you with you throughout the move.
This isn’t possible with every item. Most notably, large sentimental items like inherited antique furniture either can’t go in your car or aren’t safer in the back of your pickup truck. Items like that will need to be protected in another way.
However, small items such as the finest parts of your jewelry collection, electronics like your tablets, game consoles, or laptops, and similar things can easily be packed into the trunk of your vehicle and secured, and once you do that, you don’t have anything to worry about. You’re in complete control of those items, know exactly where they are, and don’t have to worry about any large items shifting and breaking them.
2. Use Proper Packing Material
This is one thing that a lot of movers mess up on because they see it as a minor detail. Well, it’s actually one of the most important parts of your packing effort.
Do not stuff boxes with random materials such as shopping bags, newspapers, and other makeshift packing materials. Especially if the boxes contain breakable items you don’t want to be damaged.
It’s worth it to spend a little extra money on packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and similar materials to make sure your items are protected. Also, don’t skimp on the packing material. A couple of dollars worth of bubble wrap might seem excessive, but it’s a lot cheaper than replacing a TV or antique glass lamp.
3. Use New Boxes
A common way for people to save money on their move is to reuse old boxes they scrounge up. This can save you a bit of money, but there are some huge drawbacks.
Since the boxes are used, they can be structurally damaged or just weak from age. You can go to pick up a box full of breakable items, and the box can collapse and drop your stuff all over the place.
In comparison, a properly packed box that’s in good condition doesn’t have that problem.
Older boxes are also likely crushed under even lighter-weight boxes. So, they’re less reliable for stacking items in a box truck.
Also, you must consider that the average person spends about $120 on packing materials. This includes boxes, tape, markers, etc. Boxes make up a large portion of that, but you’re still only talking about a sub-$100 investment that can save many of your belongings.
4. Label Everything Properly
Simply labeling your belongings can go a long way toward keeping them safe. Moving is hectic, and if you just have a bunch of unlabeled boxes, it’s possible to put light, crushable boxes beneath heavy items, put important boxes into discard piles, etc.
In marker, label your boxes boldly on the top and at least one side. If the items are fragile, label the box as such to avoid it getting put in dangerous positions.
5. Know What You Have
You probably have a great understanding of what you have, but it’s still necessary to create an inventory checklist before you pack everything up and move.
When you unpack, you can check each item off, and it’s a lot easier to determine if something has been lost during transport. If you don’t take inventory before you pack, it’s likely that you won’t notice small missing items until long after your opportunity to track them down is gone. Moving is stressful, and things that you don’t use constantly can easily be forgotten for quite a while.
6. Store Large Valuables for a Dedicated Move
If you have large valuable items that you don’t want to risk getting damaged in a packed moving truck, you might want to consider temporarily getting a storage unit. You can store the items in your unit until after you move your other belongings, and then you can plan a dedicated transport to safely get those items to your new home.
This isn’t always necessary, and it does add a couple of extra expenses, but it can be worth it in some situations.
7. Keep Your Move Quiet
While moving can be very exciting, you don’t want to tell everyone that you’re going to be moving all your stuff around in a hurry, leaving your house with things in disarray, etc.
Your closest family members and friends will know, but there’s no need to tell neighbors at either your current home or your new one, coworkers, and other random people. You definitely shouldn’t post it on social media.
You’re in a vulnerable period, and someone can use that to get away with stealing your property while you’re between trips and won’t notice little details that are off and other things.
When you’re done moving, feel free to be open about the big event.
8. Remove The Security System Last and Use Trackers
If you have very valuable items that are likely to attract thieves, don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money on an AirTag or similar tracking device for it. If it’s stolen, or even if it just falls out of a truck, you can look at your phone and know exactly where it’s at.
Also, keep your security system up until right before you move. Burglars and other criminals often see homes in the middle of a move as a prime opportunity, because all your stuff is basically gift-wrapped for them.
Move Your Stuff Safely with Man with a Truck
Choosing the right moving company is key to ensuring a safe and successful relocation. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, Man with a Truck is here to make the process smooth and worry-free. We specialize in protecting your belongings with professional care, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
As a trusted moving company, our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-quality service, from packing and transport to careful unloading. We understand the importance of your possessions, and we treat every item with the utmost respect and attention.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner to handle your move safely, look no further than Man with a Truck. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us help make your next move your best move!
