Fragile valuables can often be at risk of being damaged or broken during a house move, office relocation or when transferred to a storage facility.
Though valuables can be insured during transport, it’s better if they are packed well to prevent breakages. Some items, such as family heirlooms, have sentimental valuable, making them irreplaceable.
To protect your valuables, we’d recommend following the packing guidelines below.
Use the right boxes
Cardboard boxes are not always ideal, as they are not waterproof or sturdy enough for transporting fragile or heavy valuables, but can be used for more sturdy items.
Plastic boxes with lids work well, as they are durable, protect valuables from the rain and are reusable. Small plastic boxes, such as lunch boxes, are good for smaller, fragile valuables.
If you’re using the Merseyside Movers & Storers packing service, we can supply these boxes for you.
Packing supplies
Newspapers can be used to protect items during transit, but you should keep in mind that ink can stain some items, so it’s best to avoid using newspapers for items like paintings or glass objects.
Bubble wrap is especially useful for protection. If you are concerned about the effect plastic has on the environment, you can opt for 100% recyclable bubble wrap. Plain paper is also good for protection.
Heavy large items can be protected with towels or blankets.
You can use packing tape to secure packing materials that are wrapped around objects.
Photo frames, mirrors and artwork
You should wrap photo frames, mirrors and artwork in large sheets of paper, as if wrapping a gift. Then, add an additional layer of wrapping using bubble wrap or towels. Secure with packing tape.
For large printings, try to use specialised picture boxes that fit the frame.
Jewellery
For maximum protection, pack individual jewellery items in small plastic boxes, which can then be wrapped in paper or bubble wrap. You can also pack the empty spaces in the box with paper or bubble wrap so that the item cannot move during transit.
Alternately, pack each item of jewellery in a jiffy bag, or use a travel bag designed for jewellery.
Crockery
Fragile crockery should be protected with bubble wrap.
You can save space when packing by fitting dishes within each other. Place the crockery carefully in boxes, and fill any gaps with towels or bubble wrap.
Glass
Glass items require protection with bubble wrap. If packing with other items, place the glass ones on the top, rather than the bottom of the box, to prevent accidents caused by heavier items.
Antique furniture
Smaller furniture and lamps should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap.
Large furniture can be moved without a box. A removals company will secure and protect large pieces of furniture in their van, so they cannot move during the journey.
Metal
Objects made from silver, gold or other metals are fairly robust, but still need protection when moving.
If storing metal items, wash, dry and polish each one before packing to prevent tarnishing or rust. These can also be wrapped in bubble wrap. For silver objects, use flannel bags that are designed to preserve silver.
Electronics
Remove any detachable cables and plugs, then label them clearly with the name of the item they belong to. Put bubble wrap around electronic items and place in a box with paper or more bubble wrap to fill in any gaps.
Valuable documents
Some documents, like wills, birth certificates and financial statements, hold very important and sensitive information, so you’ll want to ensure that these make any journey safely.
If you work from home or are moving office, there may be confidential business documents that need protection. You can pack them in a locked box to prevent unauthorised access during the move.
For extra protection, a safe is worth considering, though they can be heavy, and require specialised moving equipment.
Keep small valuables with you
If travelling to your new home by car, for peace of mind, you can take small valuables with you rather than in the moving van. It may be a good idea to keep them hidden in the car boot, out of sight.
Insurance
Notify your moving company that you have valuable items.
A reputable company will take care of valuable items, but it’s important to take out insurance to cover belongings while in transit, in the unlikely event of an accident.
Let us take the strain
Packing and moving valuables and fragile items can be stressful, and requires great attention to detail to make sure that every item is protected and arrives safe and sound.
It’s important to find a reliable moving company that is experienced in moving valuable items, and can also advise you on the best packing practices.
If the process of packing seems overwhelming, ask our team at Merseyside Movers & Storers to do the packing for you.
We are a top Liverpool removal company with experienced staff that are experts in carefully packing valuable items and moving them safely and securely.
In the event that you want to store valuable items, we can also take these to our secure storage facility for you.
