Relocating to a new home is a challenging process with all manner of difficulties, but one of the more prevalent is the protection of valuable and fragile items. From family heirlooms to artwork, electronics to glassware or anything that has sentimental value, no one wants to move into a new home only to find something has been damaged during the move.
Although accidents do occur, there are many damages associated with moving that can be prevented with the proper preparation. The following tips may help ensure your belongings stay safe and give you more peace of mind on moving day.
Start with a Plan
People often have one of the biggest problems in that they treat everything the same. Some items of value and fragility need a different solution than what is required for general household products.
Prior to packing, determine what items should be packed with extra protection. Go through every room and make a list of any items that are fragile, valuable, non-replaceable, or have special meaning to you.
When you know what items need special packing, you can already get the correct packing materials and don’t need to hurry up when you pack later.
Use Quality Packing Materials
The safety of your properties may rely on the material used for packing.
Boxes can collapse and become damaged if they are old or broken, and thin wrapping material can not cushion the item during transit.
Damage is minimised through the use of strong moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, foam padding and packing tape. Buying the right materials is typically much cheaper than paying to replace the ones that are broken after the move.
Double boxing can be used for extra security over very valuable items.
Protect Electronics Properly
There is a surprising amount of technology in modern homes ranging from televisions to computers, from gaming consoles to smart devices.
It is recommended that the original packaging be used for electronic equipment whenever possible. These boxes were made to give the proper degree of protection when traveling.
If there is no packaging, wrap devices carefully and use sturdy boxes with good padding. Pack cables, remotes and accessories together and with clear labels for ease of installation after packing.
It is also a good idea to back up important data before moving.
Exercise Extra Care with Artwork and Collectables.
Specialized packing methods are usually necessary for artwork, antiques and collectables.
Artworks including paintings and framed photographs must be wrapped in protective materials and kept upright and not laid flat. Using corner protectors can protect the frames from damage, and custom boxes can offer extra protection to important items.
Items to be collected should be packed separately and not be put with heavier household items that may damage the item during transport.
If an item of high value, it may be worth talking about extra measures to take in advance of moving day.
Keep Jewellery and important documents secure.
Certain items are more suited to being carried in the truck than being left with you.
Items such as jewellery, passports, financial documents, legal papers and family records should be kept in a secure bag or folder that you take with you during the move.
Care is needed for these items, which may be hard or impossible to replace.
If paperwork is required during the move, having crucial papers readily available can help make the move simpler.
Don’t Overload Boxes
One of the most frequent packing errors is packing too tightly. Fully loaded boxes are prone to tearing, collapsing or being hard to safely lift.
Books and other heavy objects should be put into smaller boxes; household items can be put in larger boxes.
Maintaining manageable weights in the boxes helps to keep the items safe and those who will be lifting them safe too!
Clearly Label Fragile items.
Proper labelling plays an important role in preventing damage. All fragile boxes must be labeled “FRAGILE” and show which side is to be upright.
Labels aren’t meant to ensure careful handling but they do offer valuable information to anyone who is involved in the move.
Detailed labelling will also aid in prioritizing unpacking when you get to your new home.
Consider Professional Assistance
There are items that need special packing. The handling of large mirrors, antique furniture, pianos, and valuable artwork can be done best with professional assistance.
A moving company with a lot of experience knows how to safely move delicate items and has the necessary equipment for safe transportation.
Using professionals can help minimize the chances of damage and ensure there is a sense of safety that valuable items are being cared for properly.
Avoiding harm to What Matters Most
When we move, many of the items that we move have more than a monetary value to them. Memories that can’t be replaced are contained within family photos, heirlooms, gifts and treasured possessions.
Even though the packaging, materials, and planning can be a little time-consuming, it can go a long way when it comes to preserving these items during the move.
If you want a sure thing, Posch & Silva’s removalists on the Gold Coast have experience in taking care of furniture, delicate goods as well as valuable belongings. They know how to work professionally, which helps ensure belongings arrive safely, and helps families that are able to focus on settling into their new home with confidence.
