The 3 Best Ways To Protect Your Belongings During A Move

Moving is not usually a fun experience. It can be quite stressful, in fact. One of the biggest worries is ensuring that all your belongings arrive at your new place safely and without damage. Unfortunately, moving also comes with the risk of items being lost or broken. When this happens, it can transform a merely stressful situation into a complete disaster. 

Protecting your possessions reduces the likelihood of damage, which can save you money and the trouble of replacing items or filing insurance claims. Knowing that your items are well-protected frees you to focus on other important aspects of your move. In this article, we will go over several ways to protect your belongings during a move.  

1 - Pre-move Preparation 

Hiring a reputable moving company such as Alberta Strong Movers, can give you peace of mind but there are some companies that may not have as much integrity as they should. Which is why your preparation ahead of time is a good idea. 

The first step in your preparation should be to document all of your belongings. Creating a detailed inventory that includes descriptions and photos of your items can be invaluable, especially if something goes wrong. 

Once your inventory is done, you'll need to gather the right packing supplies. Quality moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing paper are all essentials. Even the best movers could break something if it’s not packed properly so having protective materials is essential.  

2 - Packing Strategies 

Packing is a very important step in making sure your belongings stay safe during a move. The way you pack can greatly affect whether your items reach your new home in good shape. 

Start with items that can break easily. Wrap things like glassware, dishes, artwork, and electronics in bubble wrap and secure it with tape. Use boxes made specifically for items like dishes and mirrors if you can. Make sure each fragile item is packed firmly but has enough cushioning around it to take in any bumps during the move. 

Large or odd-shaped items like furniture and musical instruments need extra care. Take apart furniture if you can. Wrap each piece in moving blankets or bubble wrap and tape it securely. If you have musical instruments, use their original cases or buy special boxes with plenty of padding. 

3 - Have insurance 

Most moving companies offer some type of insurance, but it's important to understand what is covered and what is not. 

Basic insurance, often called released value protection, is typically included at no extra cost when you hire movers. This plan covers your belongings, but only at a minimal amount. For example, it might only cover your items for 60 cents per pound per item. This means if a 10-pound television worth $500 is damaged, you would only be compensated $6.00. 

For better protection, you should consider getting full value protection. This type of insurance is more comprehensive and will cover the repair, replacement, or reimbursement of any items that are damaged or lost.