A bag goes missing, a box doesn’t show up, or a bin doesn’t make it to your new home. How can you prevent a mid-move loss? Take a look at the easiest ways to keep your belongings safe and stop moving-related losses.

Do Create an Inventory

If you don’t know what you’re moving, you won’t know what you’ve lost. This is where a moving inventory comes in. To create an effective and easy-to-understand inventory:

  • Choose the method that works best for you. Are you on your phone 24-7? If you’re tethered to your smartphone, an inventory app is the way to go. But if you aren’t technologically inclined, a written list or simple spreadsheet may work better for your needs.
  • Include everything. Don’t exclude small or seemingly insignificant items. These belongings can get lost too.
  • Organize the inventory. An organized inventory is an easy-to-read inventory. Organize the list by room, category, or box type.

Even though an inventory can help to prevent moving loss, it won’t do much if you don’t use it correctly. Check each item off the list before it leaves the house. Double check some, or all, of your belongings, with a second look before the moving truck leaves. When everything arrives at your home, use the inventory for a second (or third) time to make sure everything is there.

Don’t Pack Valuables in Boxes

Some items don’t belong in the moving truck. While you don’t want to lose anything mid-move, valuables and sensitive documents pose a higher risk. Instead of boxes, pack these items in the car and take them with you:

  • Jewelry. Valuable jewelry (real gems and metals, and not inexpensive costume pieces) should move with you. Place these items into secure jewelry boxes, store them in a labeled bag or bin, and place them in the car you’ll drive for the move.
  • Important documents. Birth certificates, Social Security cards, the deed to your new home, tax documents, marriage/divorce certificates, and anything else that’s irreplaceable or difficult to replace (or puts your identity at risk) need to move with you.
  • Coins and collectibles. Not only are some collectibles breakable, but they may have either monetary or sentimental value. Move these, along with collectible coins, carefully in your car.

Keep in mind, the moving company most likely isn’t responsible for your pricey valuables. If you packed a box of breakables, you’re likely liable for the items’ safety. This means you may want to take anything that could potentially break with you in your car.

Do Pack for Your Children

Even if your kids are older, you need to help them pack. Without adult supervision, your child could misplace an important item or forget to add something to your inventory. This can make it seem like they’ve lost belongings when they haven’t.

If you have children:

  • Create a secondary inventory for their items. Use whatever inventorying system you already have in place to create a second list for your child’s belongings.
  • Separate adult and child items. Don’t pack your child’s clothes, books, or other belongings in the same bins and boxes as yours. Separate containers make it easier to spot something that goes missing mid-move.
  • Use a completely different color code or label. Choose a separate color of bins, boxes, or bags to keep your child’s gear safe. This strategy allows you to easily track your kids’ belongings as you move.

Like with your valuables, keep cherished childhood loves (such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal) and important documents with you. Place these items in a bag and pack them in your car.

Do you need help with your next move? Contact Island Movers Inc. for more information.