You?ve made the decision to move to a new city, state or country and you?re excited about the possibilities this new beginning offers you and your family. Before you grab your stuff and start loading up the moving truck, however, it?s important to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your valuables are safe from damage during the journey from one place to another. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can prepare for safe transport of your belongings, whether you choose to go with professional movers or do it yourself with help from friends and family members.
Use reputable services
During my years as an agent, I?ve seen just about everything. And as much as I love my job, there are some things that make me cringe; particularly when it comes to relocating companies not delivering on their promises. Hiring an established company is a good start, but it?s not enough. The movers and packers in Dubai you choose should have some type of certification or insurance?or both.
Look for seals of approval from organizations like American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or International Association of Movers (IAM). Your mover should also be licensed by state authorities and carry appropriate liability insurance coverage.
Keep an inventory
It?s very easy for things to get lost or damaged when you?re moving. In fact, an estimated 7 percent of household items are broken in transit. One way to help ensure that doesn?t happen is by keeping an inventory of your belongings before and after your move.
This isn?t as daunting as it sounds: it could be as simple as making a list on paper or creating electronic spreadsheets with pictures attached. Keep track of how many boxes you have, what they contain, and where they go in your new home?you can even take pictures while you pack them up! It will allow you to check off everything that arrives at its destination without having to open every box first.
Get Insurance
Protecting your valuables from theft or damage is crucial, but you don?t want to shell out for an entire insurance policy when you?re only moving locally. For shorter moves, try enlisting in your current homeowner?s insurance or renting a separate policy for big moves (the cost will be dependent on what and how much you’re packing).
Also, check with moving companies?some will offer basic coverage as part of their services. However, unless you?re working with an independently contracted mover who has professional liability insurance ($1 million in coverage should do it), make sure that any hired movers sign forms proving they have insured their vehicles and are licensed and properly insured.
Take photos
A lot of people underestimate just how useful documentation can be. This is especially true when you’re moving ? and doubly so if you’ll be moving in some kind of rush. A good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t want it lost, damaged or stolen, take a photo of it. That way, even if something does go wrong with your move, at least you have pictures of what was lost (and possibly insurance claims). It’s also worth noting that not all photos are created equal. Taking basic digital snapshots won’t cut it here ? especially for delicate items such as jewelry or art pieces.
Don?t Over Pack
If you pack everything and then try to fit it into an oversized van or truck, there?s a good chance some of your items will get damaged. It?s easy to become so attached to our things that we don?t want them exposed, but if you overload boxes, they are bound to break.
And even if they don?t break on their own, if they are overfilled, chances are good that someone (i.e., movers) will break them as soon as they are placed in moving trucks. Take time before you pack up all of your belongings and consider what is absolutely necessary for a move. If an item isn’t essential or meaningful ? it should be left behind.
Keep Valuables Safe
When packing, you?ll want to be sure that you place any valuables and items of sentimental value into boxes first. Not only will they stay protected, but they?ll also be easier to locate when it comes time for unpacking. When it comes time for moving day, don?t be afraid to take things slow.
You don?t have to rush from point A to point B; instead, you can carefully plan out each step in advance and make sure that each thing is properly packed and unpacked. To prevent breakage, wrap fragile items (like glassware) in bubble wrap before placing them in their box.
Know Where You Can Move Things Yourself
Make sure you protect your most delicate items with an appropriate level of padding (bubble wrap, quilted blankets, etc.). Remember that fragile items may need more than one layer of protection between them and their boxes. For those high-dollar or irreplaceable pieces of furniture and other household goods, rent moving blankets from a local moving company. These specialized items are specifically designed to protect furniture, particularly corners and edges, from damage.
Protect delicate items with padding
If you?re moving with more delicate items, take extra precautions. To ensure nothing breaks in transit, wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and/or packing paper and place them within some kind of durable container (think cardboard box or plastic bin). You can also buy specialized boxes specifically designed for fragile items online.
When it comes time to pack up everything else, be sure not to over-pack: items should be placed within containers snugly but they shouldn?t be forced or jammed together; give yourself room to breathe when it comes time for unpacking! Finally, consider using specialty wrapping materials like blankets or sheets when wrapping large furniture?this extra padding can help prevent damage if things get rougher than expected on their way out of your home.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
