Keeping Your Belongings Safe
“It’s moving time! You’re heading into a new home adventure.
You’ve done your research. You are prepared, everything is packed, and a new life awaits you. You’ve googled everything from “is Singapore a good place to live?” to “outstanding living room design ideas.” You have a new place waiting for you – all you need to do is move.
However, how do you ensure that all of your items get to your new home safe, secure, and without loss? Here are some tips to help you get your precious items from place A to B.”
Plan Ahead
Moving is a huge task, and packing can be the most time-consuming component of a move. Planning ahead and thinking through your packing and moving options is a great tip to avoid the hassle of losing or damaging your belongings.
- Declutter as you pack each room. We all have things that are no longer needed.
- Make a list of how you want to pack each room, i.e., boxes, labels, numbers, etc.
- Are you packing and moving yourself, or are you hiring someone?
- Who will be there to help you move from one home to another?
- What things are significant and need extra special care and attention?
Take Inventory
One of the best ways to ensure all of your items make it to your new place is to inventory what you are packing. You can make a moving inventory list by taking pictures, videos, or writing lists. Label each box with what is inside of it.
Lists are helpful to know how many boxes you have for each room. You can even number your boxes for each room to help easy tracking. Numbering the boxes will allow you to have a straightforward count for each room when you get to the new place.
Package Your Belongings Properly
To ensure you don’t cause unnecessary damage to your items, make sure you box your belongings correctly.
- Don’t make the box too heavy. It can break open, dropping its contents and causing damage.
- Use bubble wrap or paper filling to protect breakable items when packaging.
- Don’t stack boxes too high without additional support; they can fall and break what is inside. Instead, stack the heaviest boxes on the bottom and the lightest on the top.
- Invest in pads to help protect the bulkier items that don’t fit in boxes.
Know What the Movers Will Move
If you use a professional moving company, make sure you know their list of items they will and will not move. In addition, take pictures of anything that already has damage to it, such as scratches on the table. This way, you can tell new from old damage.
Talk to the movers about anything especially fragile. Make sure that you add a little extra padding to those items to help the movers with their job.
Downsize
Downsize so that all of your items fit into one truck. The more trucks, cars, and vans you have packed, the more complicated it will become to track your inventory effectively. If possible, downsize your things to a load that will fit in as few vehicles and trips as possible.
Cardboard Boxes Vs. Plastic Storage
Cardboard boxes are the go-to for moving. However, what about taking this opportunity to switch over some of your cardboard boxes to plastic storage containers. Plastic containers are a great way to secure breakable items in totes that will not bend and break as easily. They are also weather-resistant, so if it is raining on a moving day, you don’t have to worry about the box getting the contents all wet.
When packing your moving van, the storage containers tend to stack better, and some even have a locking lid built in to help stabilize them. Transparent containers are great for helping keep track of inventory, getting them to the correct room, and seeing any immediate damage.
Storage containers are also suitable for the items you don’t plan to unpack immediately. They can store your items in a safer environment that won’t deteriorate, have moisture damage, or become a home for critters.
Packing the Vehicles
Cargo vans are great for hauling boxes and furniture, especially if you have a small load or a short distance to travel. Keeping your things bagged, boxed, packed right, and securely is easy in the van. You can pack the van room by room and take it to your new home on multiple trips. You can also fill all of the furniture or all of the boxes in one trip.
However, if you are moving a larger load or a further distance, a truck may be a better option to ensure all of your belongings get to the same place. Pack the oversized furniture first, and then add boxes and other miscellaneous items around it. Stack your things to an even level. Check for stability with all stacked items, and use bungee cords to help strap your belongings in.
Get Home Movers Insurance
Moving is stressful enough, so it is better to be safe than sorry. It is always good to get moving insurance, especially if using a moving company. Insurance will protect your items in the unfortunate event of damage or loss.
Double-Check
When you arrive at your new place and have everything unpacked, go through and double-check your list. If possible, have another person look over your list to ensure that everything made it and is in good condition. Double-checking will give you a sense of confidence as you send off the truck and settle into your new home with all of your personal belongings.
