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Blog July 7, 2021

How to Pack Valuables When Moving Across the Country

Posted in Packing Tips
Blake Shaw

Bostonian and residential moving and packing expert. Blake Shaw enjoys bar-hopping, music, and writing insightful content.

Items like jewelry, artwork, and fragile antiques require extra care to avoid damage during transit. Knowing how to pack valuables when moving is essential to ensure their safety and preserve sentimental value. Our long-distance moving company specializes in handling delicate and high-value items with professional-grade materials and expert techniques. Trust us to keep your treasures secure and make your move worry-free.

Why Proper Packing Is Crucial?

Proper packing is the foundation of a successful move, especially when it comes to valuables. Without the right precautions, fragile items like glassware, heirlooms, or artwork are at risk of scratches, cracks, or complete breakage. Even seemingly sturdy items, such as electronics or precious and rare collectibles, can suffer damage if left unsecured during transit. Beyond the physical damage, there’s also the risk of misplacing or losing items when packing is disorganized or rushed.

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The impact of improper packing goes beyond monetary loss. Many valuables carry sentimental significance—irreplaceable memories tied to family heirlooms or cherished gifts. Protecting these items isn’t just about avoiding financial strain; it’s about preserving emotional connections.

Taking the time to pack correctly or hiring professionals like our cross-country moving company ensures your valuables are safe, organized, and easy to locate. Proper packing safeguards not only your possessions but also your peace of mind throughout the moving process.

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Essential Packing Supplies for Valuables

Packing valuables properly starts with having the right tools and materials. Using high-quality packing supplies ensures your precious belongings are well-protected against shocks, vibrations, and potential mishandling during the move. By investing in the appropriate materials, you minimize the risk of damage and ensure your items are securely packed for transit.

Must-Have Materials

When it comes to boxing up the things you care about, it is all about safety during the move. That’s why you should get as many different supplies as you can, and here are some you shouldn’t skip:

  • Sturdy Boxes: Choose high-quality, durable boxes in various sizes to accommodate your items. Reinforced edges and thick cardboard provide extra protection for fragile valuables.
  • Bubble Wrap: Ideal for cushioning delicate items, bubble wrap absorbs impact and keeps items from shifting inside the box.
  • Packing Paper: Use soft, non-abrasive packing paper to wrap items like china, glassware, and collectibles without scratching their surfaces.
  • Labels and Markers: Clearly label boxes with “Fragile” and handling instructions to ensure extra care during transit.

Additional Tools for Fragile Items

Besides regular items like beds, you probably have some oddly shaped belongings. Wrapping up paintings or even tall and bulky sculptures will be so much easier if you get special materials, such as:

  • Specialty Boxes: Use boxes designed for specific items, such as mirror boxes for framed artwork or cell dividers for glassware.
  • Corner Protectors: These provide extra reinforcement for framed pieces, mirrors, and electronics, protecting vulnerable edges during handling.
  • Anti-Scratch Wrapping: Consider foam sheets or cloth padding for items prone to scratches, such as furniture pieces or decorative objects.

Having these materials on hand ensures that each item, regardless of its size or fragility, is packed securely and arrives at your new home intact.

Used cardboard and paper for recycling, secondary raw materials Get different supplies before you start packing

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Pack Valuables When Moving

Following a structured approach ensures safety throughout the moving process. Whether you’re handling delicate jewelry, fragile glassware, or oversized artwork, each type of item requires specific care. Below is a detailed guide to help you securely pack your most prized possessions and minimize risks during transit.

Small Valuables (Jewelry, Coins, etc.)

  • Use Original Packaging: Whenever possible, pack small valuables like jewelry or collectible coins in their original boxes, which are designed for maximum protection.
  • Wrap Individually: If original packaging isn’t available, wrap each piece in soft cloth or acid-free paper to avoid scratches.
  • Secure in Containers: Place wrapped items in a small, padded jewelry box or sturdy container with compartments to keep them from shifting.
  • Seal and Label: Secure the container with tape and label it for easy identification, avoiding overly obvious terms like “jewelry.”

Fragile Items (Glass, Porcelain, etc.)

  • Reinforce Boxes: Strengthen the bottom of each box with extra tape to handle the weight of fragile items.
  • Add Cushioning: Line the box with bubble wrap or crumpled packing paper for a shock-absorbing base.
  • Wrap Each Item: Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, securing it with tape to prevent slipping.
  • Vertical Placement: Place items like plates and glassware vertically inside the box to distribute pressure evenly.
  • Fill Gaps: Use packing paper or foam peanuts to fill empty spaces and prevent movement during transit.
  • Seal and Mark: Seal the box tightly and label it “Fragile” with clear handling instructions.

Artwork and Mirrors

  • Protect Edges: Use corner protectors on artwork and mirrors to shield vulnerable edges.
  • Wrap with Care: Cover the entire piece in a layer of bubble wrap, securing it with tape, and add a second layer if needed.
  • Use Specialty Boxes: Place the wrapped item in a specialty box designed for framed pieces, ensuring a snug fit.
  • Prevent Shifting: Fill any empty spaces in the box with foam sheets or packing paper to keep the item secure.
  • Label Clearly: Mark the box as “Fragile” and indicate which side should remain upright.

Tips for Labeling and Inventory

Proper labeling and inventory management are essential for a smooth moving experience, especially when it comes to valuables. Clear and accurate labels help long-distance movers handle boxes with care, reducing the risk of damage, while a detailed inventory keeps your belongings organized and easy to track. These simple yet effective steps ensure your move is stress-free and your items are accounted for.

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  • Label Clearly: Use bold markers to label each box with contents and handling instructions, such as “Fragile” or “Handle with Care.” Indicate the room each box belongs to for easier unpacking. Avoid vague terms like “Miscellaneous,” and instead, provide specific details.
  • Use Color-Coding: Assign a color to each category or room to make identification quick and efficient.
  • Maintain an Inventory Checklist: Create a detailed list of all valuable items, noting their condition and the box number they’re packed in.
  • Photographic Records: Take photos of high-value items before packing as a visual record of their condition. This is particularly helpful for insurance purposes in case of damage or loss.
  • Duplicate Copies: Keep both a physical and digital copy of your inventory for easy access during the move.

These practices not only help ensure the safety of your valuables but also give you peace of mind, knowing that every item is accounted for during transit.

Labels read Keep, Donate, Trash, and Maybe, as categories for effective sorting Labels will make unpacking faster

Insurance Considerations for Valuables

Unexpected incidents can occur. This is where moving insurance becomes essential, offering peace of mind by protecting your belongings against potential loss or damage. For high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or antiques, the added security of insurance ensures you won’t face significant financial or emotional loss in case of an accident.

East Coast West Coast Movers understand the unique concerns involved in relocating valuables. That’s why we offer tailored insurance options designed to meet your specific needs. Investing in insurance not only secures your valuables but also reduces the stress of moving, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. With us, your treasured belongings are always in safe hands.

A woman smiling a holding papers Make sure you take additional insurance for your valuables

Why Choose Our Company to Safeguard Your Valuables?

When it comes to moving your most cherished belongings, you need a partner you can trust. Our east coast movers have years of experience handling delicate and high-value items with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether it’s fragile heirlooms, intricate artwork, or valuable collectibles, we understand the specialized attention these items require.

Our team of trained professional long-distance packers and movers uses advanced packing techniques and premium materials to ensure your valuables are fully protected. From careful wrapping to secure transport, every step is designed to minimize risks and provide peace of mind. Additionally, we offer comprehensive long-distance moving services tailored to safeguard your most treasured possessions, further enhancing the security of your move.

With our expertise, state-of-the-art resources, and commitment to excellence, you can be confident that your valuables are in safe hands. Trust us to make your move seamless, secure, and stress-free.

East Coast West Coast Movers East Coast West Coast Movers are trusted long distance relocation partner

Give Us a Call, Ask for a Free Quote and Move

Our long-distance moving company specializes in handling delicate and high-value items with the precision and attention they deserve. With our trained professionals, secure transport options, and tailored insurance coverage, you can rest assured that your valuables will arrive at your new home intact and unharmed.

Don’t let the stress of moving compromise the safety of your cherished belongings. Let us take care of your valuables, so you can focus on starting the next chapter of your life. Contact us today for a seamless, secure, and worry-free moving experience.

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