Moving can be stressful enough when moving everyday items. That stress can be tenfold when moving high-value belongings or collectibles. It takes a special ability to pack and move artwork collections, antiques, heirloom furniture, electronics, musical instruments, or other valuables. They deserve extra attention when moving them.
This can be especially true when moving in the Lowcountry. Chock full of narrow streets, historic homes, high humidity, and seasonal traffic, moving in the coastal communities can be difficult. That’s why experienced movers are invaluable.
Align With an Experienced Moving Team
Most collectibles or high-value items require special handling to transport them safely. For instance, large antique furniture may require additional wrapping or careful maneuvering in limited space. Artwork collections will also need protection against scratches, harsh environmental factors, and impacts during the move.
With experienced movers, these concerns can be handled efficiently and professionally. When deciding on a moving company, make sure to ask the following questions:
- How often do you move antiques, artwork, or other high-value belongings?
- What protective materials do you use?
- How will oversized or fragile items be moved through tight spaces?
- Can you accommodate special handling requests?
With Smooth Move, we can handle all of your precious belongings and collectibles. Our team of experienced movers can give you the confidence in knowing your move will go smoothly.
Take Special Care in Packing
The most important step in protecting belongings during a move occurs during the packing stage. Cardboard boxes are more than adequate for books and clothing, but other valuables require specialized packing materials to ensure proper protection.
These valuables can include artwork, mirrors, glassware, antiques, and collectibles. Even furniture with delicate finishes may require additional furniture pads, stretch wrap, corner protection, or other materials.
It is important that objects packed in boxes don’t move during transport. A box that is too big will allow the contents to shift, potentially causing damage. Many homeowners with valuable collections create an inventory of their items, including pictures. This can help keep track of every valuable item during the move.
Review Special Moving Insurance Options
One thing many families fail to investigate is the type and amount of insurance coverage available for the move. One widely accepted myth is that a homeowner’s policy will cover everything during a move. That is not the case. It is important to review the available coverage prior to the move and address any gaps to ensure adequate protection.
Find out from your moving company what protection they have available. There will be variances in coverages depending on your particular situation, including changes in limitations, deductibles, exclusions, and requirements. High-value items may also need to be specifically documented or declared. That is why it’s important to accurately list all valuables to ensure the company has the appropriate coverage for any loss or damage to your belongings.
Create an inventory of your most valuable items and keep important documents in a secure location. In some cases, it might prove important to have collectibles and belongings with significant monetary value professionally appraised so the exact value is known. While monetary value is certainly important, the sentimental value of childhood items or family heirlooms can make some items virtually irreplaceable.
Understanding your coverage ahead of time gives you an opportunity to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Evaluate Storage Options If You Are Not Moving to Your New Destination
Not every relocation involves moving everything directly into a new home. The new home might need renovations before you’re able to occupy it. While packing, you may also have concluded that not everything you own has to move to the new neighborhood.
For families who need time to go through their belongings and decide which items to keep and which to donate, storage can be an integral part of their moving plan. It isn’t a good idea to place valuable belongings in an unsecured or crowded garage. Anyone who has moved to or from the Lowcountry has felt the oftentimes oppressive humidity. It’s important to consider what type of environment your valuables will be stored in. Humidity can take a toll on electronics, musical instruments, documents, and artwork.
We offer climate-controlled storage solutions for those families in need of secure, safe locations for their items. If you are using a secure storage solution, be sure all belongings are properly packed and labeled for easy identification later. It is also a good idea to photograph the item’s condition and any identifying marks, such as serial numbers.
Keep in mind that adding a storage solution to your moving plan can also provide flexibility. Rather than rushing to place every item in your new home, you can take your time and bring them over in stages. This allows you time to decide how to set up your new home.
Plan Ahead for a Safer, Smoother Move
While moving your valuables can take additional preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to plan and communicate with your moving team prior to the move. Identify the belongings that are highly valuable and require special packing materials and instructions. Make sure to identify them with easily discernible markings so the movers know which are fragile and require extra care.
Move Your Valuables With Confidence
No matter if your move is just to the other side of Charleston or down among the intercoastal waterways of South Carolina, Smooth Move is your voice of reason. We can navigate all the ins and outs of moving you and your belongings to your new home.
Our experienced team offers local and long-distance moving solutions. We provide professional packing and unpacking services, which include furniture protection and storage solutions. With the right preparation and a professional moving service like Smooth Move, your move can be stress-free and easy.
Find out why we are the top moving company in the Lowcountry. Our professionalism and expertise are second to none. At Smooth Move, we have one goal: making your move easy and stress-free.