Packing Tips for Valuable Items When Moving Home

Packing Tips for Valuable Items When Moving Home

How to keep your valuables such as artwork and breakables safe

Moving from one home to another can stress out even the most stalwart person, not to mention the problem of moving your fragile artworks or other fragile valuable items. Thankfully there are resources out there to help you move and pack easier, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a moving company such as the team here at Best Removalists Newcastle.

When choosing a moving company to help lighten the load, make sure they are fully insured to keep from having to spend extra money for any items damaged during the move. After that, here are some important pointers to make your move as smooth as possible.

Write an Inventory

Write an Inventory

The longer we live somewhere, the more we accumulate ‘stuff’, sometimes to the extent that we forget much of what we have. By writing an inventory list of your valuables before you move, you’ll be able to sort them into appropriate groups for packing – if you have anything of high value, make sure to keep it with you during the move and take photos before packing just in case something is damaged along the way.

Remember to keep your inventory list and photographs with you and any other records you may need throughout your move. Things you may want to inventory include:

  • Jewellery
  • Artwork
  • Crystal
  • Family Photos
  • Collectables
  • Gaming consoles
  • Computers and other computerised devices.
Gather supplies

Gather supplies

Just like packing everything else, gather up all the supplies you need, along with each of your valuable items to be carefully wrapped up. If you’re packing your artwork, lay them out along with the following supplies:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Cardboard Boxes or wooden crates
  • Corner edges
  • Markers or Labelling equipment
  • Moving blankets if necessary
  • Packing tape
  • Wax or baking paper.

If you have any of your original boxes, they should be used first as they are specially designed to keep the items safe during transport. Jewellery boxes can be packed into bigger boxes, whilst TV or computer boxes have features to keep the items stable and reduce shock damage.

Preparation for moving

Preparation for moving

For valuables that are breakable, such as crystal stemware or vases, obtain some specialised boxes and either shredded newspaper or packing peanuts to place around them. Don’t forget to gently wrap your vases with bubble wrap after filling them with soft items such as packing peanuts or towels.

Packing Artwork

  • Match box sizes to your artwork, don’t be afraid to cut down or flatten a box to make it work.
  • Mark glass in frames with an ‘X’ to keep it from shattering or scratching your artwork due to excessive movement.
  • Protect your artwork without frames by wrapping them in several layers of non-stick paper such as baking paper.
  • add cardboard to the face of the frames or both sides of the canvas. This will increase the support and provide a gentle buffer in case of collision.
  • Wrap all artwork with packing paper (newspaper or blankets work too) and bubble wrap. Make sure to wrap the tape around the artwork’s length and width to keep things in place.
  • If you’re placing your artwork into boxes, test the box for strength and to make sure things don’t wiggle around too much. If your artwork moves, add padding to reduce movement.
  • Pack your artwork according to size, but don’t overload your boxes. Make sure your frames with glass are all facing the same direction and that nothing is poking into any canvases you have.
  • Seal your packed boxes closed with packing tape. Strengthen weak corners with extra tape.
  • Identify your boxes with labels or by writing descriptions such as what’s inside, “Fragile”, and what room they are going to. Indicate on the box what direction everything is facing.
  • When loading fragile boxes, make sure that nothing is stacked on top of them, as the added weight will increase the chances of something breaking.
Keep these items close and easily accessible

Keep these items close and easily accessible

In addition to your box of necessitates for the first night or two, you should also make sure you have collected up any important or irreplaceable items to take in your personal vehicle. These items include:

  • Address books
  • Car paperwork
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Cell phones
  • Computer backups
  • Family photos and videos
  • Financial documents
  • House and car keys
  • Insurance policies
  • Jewellery
  • Laptop and tablet computers
  • Medical, dental and veterinarian records
  • Moving company forms and documents
  • New home documents
  • Personal documents
  • Prescription medicine
  • Professional files and research
  • School records.

Keeping these items close to you during your move will help you keep track of everything and easily access it in case of an emergency. If you’ve got your first night box, put items such as your cash, cards, and prescriptions in the box with all the lids securely sealed.

You should also consider scanning or photographing any documents you may need for easy access. Don’t be afraid to check out our Top 10 Packing Tips and Tricks for more ideas!

Need Help moving home? Contact Best Removalists Newcastle

Need Help moving home? Contact Best Removalists Newcastle.

When done right, moving doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Let our team help you pack and move quickly and easily. Best Removalists Newcastle is a locally based moving company catering to homeowners and businesses who are planning to move around NSW and interstate.

With over a decade of experience, we know the ins-and-outs of the logistics and can help you get settled into your new property easily with our full range of services. We are dedicated to ensuring safe and secure transport of your home’s valuables, furniture, appliances, cars, pets, and more. Call us today on (02) 4058 5810 for a free quote and onsite in-home assessment of your home or office move in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. You can also contact us through our website by clicking here or email owen@bestremovalistsnewcastle.com.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.