By Carolina Pichardo
Special to Vanlines.com
We all know that moving can be rather stressful. On top of locating reputable long distance moving companies, packing your belongings into boxes and making sure that all of the loose ends are tied up at your old home, there is the added stress of figuring out how to move your most precious and valuable items. Although some things are replaceable, there are those objects that can’t be substituted and could be lost forever. Just imagine breaking a beautiful work of art or losing a piece of jewelry that has been passed down in your family for generations. Not only will you be devastated, but replacing the damaged valuable could be close to impossible. Luckily for you, such mistakes and damages can be avoided with the proper steps.
Inventory of Belongings:
In order to prove the value of your belongings, have records of everything that you own. Most insurance companies require that such a home inventory is conducted prior to determining a contract. In this case, it’s best to take pictures and record with a video camera the furniture and valuables in your household, and keep receipts of all of your purchases. Organize these items by date in a folder with your financial records. You should not cut corners with this part of the record-keeping process, and take notes of everything that you feel should be accounted for.
Don’t Forget the Insurance:
When using a moving company to transport belongings that are priceless and costly, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Insurance policies for household items range, whether you‘re planning on mailing the valuables, having them transferred with a moving company or carrying the items yourself. If you’re mailing your valuables via the U.S. Postal Service, for example, moving insurance costs range from approximately $5,000 to $25,000. Other carriers, such as UPS, FedEx Express, and DHL, charge a liability cost of $50,000 for packages. It’s best to research your options until you find the best price plans for your precious items.
Hire the Best Movers for the Job:
Deciding on what company will move your valuables is also very important, since you shouldn’t trust just anyone to take on such a huge responsibility. There are different kinds of movers to choose from, such as long-distance movers and local movers, and furniture movers. Deciding on the company depends on your needs, where you’re moving and the type of valuables you have in store.
Packing It All Up:
When you decide on a mover, be sure they come to your home for an in-home estimate so that they can see your valuables, determine pricing and discuss with you their transportation options. You might also want them to pack your valuables, which will invalidate any claims from the company that the items were packed improperly. If something breaks or falls, the burden will be on them; however you will still need to purchase an insurance plan to replace or pay for any damages. Remember that this is also a costly alternative, so request quotes and research the company’s history and customer reviews.
Still Not Comfortable, Do-It-Yourself
As they saying goes: “If you want something done right, then do it yourself.” In many instances it may be better to pack and move your valuables yourself. Not only will it offer you a peace of mind of knowing where your items are at all times, but this is often the most effective and economical way to get the job done. When you are packing on your own, make sure you have the proper tools, such as bubble wrap, tissue and plenty of padding.
Before the Move, Have Everything Ready:
Prior to the big move, do as much as possible in your new home. If your valuables need an area where there’s less lighting and not too much activity, then locate and clean this specific spot. Painting, cleaning and basic arrangements should be taken care of and completed prior to the move.