There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving house. You need to take care of the packing, the logistics and the admin. On top of that, you need to consider the safety of your possessions. This guide will take a look at how to keep your possessions safe when moving home.
Take inventory
Make a list of everything that you own. Be thorough, including small items like earrings to big-ticket items like televisions. Include the receipts for larger items so you have proof of purchase in case anything is lost or broken during transit. You should keep this inventory near your home’s front door so it’s handy when helpers come to take things away.
Store in a safety deposit box
If you have anything valuable that you won’t be taking to your new home – such as a small collection of jewelry – then consider storing it in a safety deposit box. A bank will provide a secure locker for valuables. Make sure you store the key with the inventory list, so you won’t lose it.
Store with friends or relatives
If you have friends or relatives that live near your new home, then consider storing some of your more valuable possessions with them. Just ensure that they’re people you can trust to look after your belongings safely until you need them again. You might want to consider paying them a small fee for their trouble too or taking them for a meal out.
Hiding places
Don’t assume that burglars aren’t looking for valuable possessions like TVs and jewelry. Try to keep these items out of plain sight by hiding them in drawers, cupboards, or wardrobes. You could also attach a GPS tracking system to smaller items so you can find them easily if they go missing.
Get large items shipped professionally
There’s a temptation to take large items like sofas and dining room tables with you in a van. But this won’t be possible for everyone, due to space constraints. If you need help transporting these larger items to your new home, consider using the services of an international shipping company. Also, when it comes to car shipping, you should hire a professional car shipping company.
Fill out declaration forms
When you hire a van, make sure you fill out the necessary declaration forms. This will record all of your belongings and help to avoid future disputes with shipping companies or moving helpers.
Pack carefully
As well as taking inventory of your belongings, you need to consider how you’re going to pack them. You should keep breakable items together, so they don’t get crushed or damaged by other objects. If you have a lot of books, then it might be better to box them up and label each container, instead of packing them in a jumble.
Sort out insurance
Accidents happen, so it’s wise to take out insurance on your home’s contents. This will cover you against breakages or thefts that could occur during transit. You can arrange this type of policy through your current homeowner’s insurance, or if you don’t have any, then consider taking out a renter’s insurance policy.
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