Packing fragile and valuable items like antiques, jewelry, bone China sets, family heirlooms, paintings, and documents is one of the most stressful, time-consuming, and daunting tasks when moving homes.
Packing is essential to every relocation process, whether local or long-distance. When moving, most homeowners focus on how to pack all items correctly and safely so they don’t get lost or damaged. While all belongings require proper care and handling, high-value items require special attention during a move.
Packing fragile and valuable items like antiques, jewelry, bone China sets, family heirlooms, paintings, and documents is one of the most stressful, time-consuming, and daunting tasks when moving homes. These items require extra precaution to ensure they make it through the move undamaged. However, using the right packing materials and techniques will keep the valuable belongings intact. This post discusses a few tips for packing valuable items for a move.
Choose the correct packing supplies
The right amount of quality packing supplies is essential to ensure the items get transported in one piece. Purchase enough packing materials before starting to pack. Some essential materials to pack valuable items include:
Right-sized, sturdy specialized packing boxes
Packing tape
Bubble wrap or newsprint
Packing paper
Shrink wrap
Moving blankets
Scissors
Tissue paper
Permanent marker
Make a list of all valuables
When packing, it is always advisable to take photos, which can act as proof of their condition before packing, and also make a list of all the valuables. A detailed list will help determine which items the homeowner can take with him and what can be sent with the movers. The list also comes in handy if anything gets damaged or goes missing in the moving process.
Purchase insurance
Ensure all the valuable items are covered by insurance for peace of mind. For some, the homeowner’s insurance can cover the move, or homeowners can check with the moving company about the extra insurance or coverage they offer. It is best to explore moving insurance options for valuable items and choose the right one.
Wrap each item carefully
Using the correct packing technique will ensure the safety of the belongings. More fragile or valuable items require more care while packing. Keep jewelry and paperwork in appropriate boxes with you in the car instead of sending them with the movers. Seek assistance from specialty movers for bulky items like pianos and safes.
Use picture boxes to pack framed photos and paintings. Create enough cushion with the help of bubble wrap and packing paper. Pack all electronics in their original boxes and label all the cords and cables if possible. Use moving blankets to protect large antique furniture pieces and place bubble wrap around the crucial places.
Wash and dry the silverware before packing to prevent tarnish. Wrap glasses and plates individually and ensure proper padding. Secure everything properly with packing tape.
Label all items properly
Always label the boxes with fragile and valuable items for the movers to handle them with extra care during the move. Putting clear and accurate labels also makes unpacking a breeze.
Additional tips for moving valuable items
Pack every valuable item separately
Use packing tape generously
Fill hollow goods with packing supplies
Always keep heavier items at the bottom
Ensure proper cushioning
Avoid over-packing boxes
Do not stack fragile objects
Consider hiring a local moving company offering packing services to ensure safety and avoid hassles.
Aardvark Movers Inc. is a reliable name whether you need packing services, piano moving, or load or unload services. Call today to learn more about our hourly moving rates.
