10 Ways To Ensure Your Things Are Safe And Secure When Moving House

Moving house can be physically and emotionally stressful. Transferring items from your old home to your new one requires meticulous planning, from deciding which items to put in one box, identifying which need special packaging, labeling them and then making sure the valuable items are secured. The goal is to build a guarantee that the move goes as seamlessly as possible and everything gets to your destination in one piece.

When it comes to securing your items during a move, it is crucial that you plan ahead. You will need to take steps to ensure that your valuables and other important things are intact. What can you do to guarantee the integrity of your belongings during the transport process? Here are some tips.

10-Step Guide To Keeping Your Things Safe When Moving

1. Start storing items you don’t usually use early.
2. Don’t place your valuables with the regular items.
3. Make an inventory of all your things.
4. Ask about insurance.
5. Find out your tracking options.
6. Get the right kind of lock for the trailer you’re getting.
7. Ensure safety measures for your truck.
8. Don’t advertise what you are transporting.
9. Don’t announce your move, especially on social media.
10. Monitor the move before, during and after.

1. Start storing items you don’t usually use early.

Start packing those things that you won’t need right away and consider storing them in a safety deposit box. Another option would be to rent a self-storage unit where they can stay until you’ve settled into your new home. These may include items like sentimental jewelry, documents and other memorabilia or collectible items that can be locked away safely. Another option is to have a family member or a trusted friend to keep your things for you for the meantime.

2. Don’t place your valuables with the regular items.

You can also keep the small valuables with you during the move. These may include medicine, papers, jewelry — easy to carry stuff that can fit inside your travel bag during the trip. Carry them with you wherever you go and keep an eye on the bag at all times. If you choose to carry a portable safe, ensure that the safe is also within reach all the time. Some locked containers have special slots for antiques and artwork. Ask your moving company if they offer this service and let them know you are interested.

3. Make an inventory of all your things.

Make a list of all the items you putting in boxes and in which box you have assigned them to before the actual move. With the many stuff you have, it can be easy to forget where things have been kept. It can also take a while before you unpack everything after the move. Having a list will help you identify and locate items faster. You can use a simple spreadsheet with columns that indicate the name of the object, which box it is kept, how it’s being transported, and more.

For added insurance, take photos of your things before endorsing them to the movers. These serve as your protection in case something gets broken during the transport. Detailed photos can also serve as proof of ownership. If you have expensive items, you might want to have them appraised before packing them.

Thanks to technology, there are a number of apps that can help make the inventory checking much easier. Take photos, attach them, add notes and more. Some even offer the option to print out QR code labels that you can scan to find out what’s being stored inside a particular box.

4. Ask about insurance.

Ask your moving company about their insurance policy. Make sure to read the fine print. Take the time to study each one and what kinds of claims you can make if things go awry. You can also ask your home insurance agent to find out what your policy covers when you move, particularly if you are transporting expensive items. You might want to consider getting additional coverage for valuables.

5. Find out your tracking options.

You can install a tracking device discreetly into a box along with your stuff so you know where your valuables are during the moving process. There are plenty of inexpensive gadgets being sold so you don’t have to worry about cost. Different types of trackers offer different features and limitations so do your research first before buying one. Some tracking devices don’t give you a real-time location update but just tell you where they end up and when. Some give you a blow-by-blow update.

6. Get the right kind of lock for the trailer you’re getting.

There are different types of locks that can be used with container vans. Some use a disc lock which, although a bit pricey, cannot be cut using bolt cutters. You can also use padlocks. Consult with your moving company to find out what type and size fits best for the truck you are using.

7. Ensure safety measures for your truck.

At every stop you make during the move, make it a habit to double check the locks on your trailer, as well as all doors and windows. If you are stopping for a bite to eat, park where you can easily see it from where you are seated. When stopping to rest at an inn or hotel, park your truck at a well lighted area or near where the security can see it. Another strategy is to back the truck up to a wall so the door can’t be opened.

8. Don’t advertise what you are transporting.

Label your boxes with a number, the name of the room where they are to be sent and other general details that only you can understand. Don’t detail the contents on the sign.

9. Don’t announce your move, especially on social media.

Don’t tell everyone on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or similar account that you are moving. More importantly, never give details about your route and when you’re doing it. You don’t know if any unscrupulous individuals will see your post and make you target for theft. That’s even if you think your account is private. Resist the urge to show off your new place and talk about your moving experience after you’ve settled in.

10. Monitor the move before, during and after.

If you’re not driving with the truck, be sure that you know where your container is throughout the entire trip. As the boxes are offloaded from the trailer, be there or have a family member or trusted friend witness the entire thing. Be ready with your inventory checklist as this happens. To be on the safer side, check with your moving company what their policies are when it comes to disputes. Some firms give you 24 to 48 hours to file a dispute, while others give a longer opportunity to file a complaint.