Keeping Documentation of
Your Valuables During a Move .

The average American will move more than 11 times during their lifetime. But whether it’s your first move or your tenth, the list of tasks and things to remember when you move never seems to get any easier. From finding the right movers and boxing up your belongings to packing, there are a lot of little details to remember. One of the most important is to create or update your list of valuables.

It’s always a good idea to have documentation of your valuables on hand. If a fire or a natural disaster were to damage or you were the victim of a robbery, having documentation can be key to proving to insurance companies what’s missing or damaged. This documentation is also important during your move. It can not only help you keep track of your valuables so that they don’t get lost in the confusion of moving, but it can also be important to your moving insurance — particularly if you need to file a claim.

Whether you’re in the process of moving or a move is in your distant future, keep reading to learn more about moving valuables and documenting your valuables during the process.

What Qualifies as a Valuable?

What we consider valuable can vary from one person to the next. Sometimes valuables are just that — monetarily valuable. But sometimes you might consider items that are sentimental to be valuable as well. While these might not have a lot of monetary value, replacing them or replacing the memories that they have for you might be impossible.

When it comes to documenting valuables before a move, there are a few categories that you should include on your list, such as the following:

• Jewelry
• Antiques
• Electronics
• Large furniture

There is no set dollar amount that an insurance company will consider as “valuable.” However, just because an item falls into a category doesn’t mean you have to document it. For instance, inexpensive jewelry is likely something you don’t need to document. The same goes for the old TV in your basement.

Creating a Comprehensive Inventory List

The best way to document your belongings while moving valuable items is to create a comprehensive moving inventory checklist. This list should outline everything that you plan to move. This list is not only useful for keeping track of valuables but can also help you plan ahead when hiring movers and choosing a moving truck or temporary storage unit.

The easiest way to create this checklist is to go room by room for larger items and document smaller items as you pack them into boxes. For each item, write down a name and description, the condition of that item, and the estimated value of that item.

Photographic Documentation

Along with taking notes about each item while creating an inventory list, you should also take photos of valuables and sentimental items. You can use your phone or a camera. Make sure you have good lighting, and for smaller items, place them on a plain background. Whether you take photos on a camera or phone, upload them to your computer, and save them somewhere that you can easily search for and access them. You can even rename each file to make it easy to search your photo database in the future.

Having clear photos of each item will help you in case you need to file an insurance claim. Not only will the photo show your item, but it will also show the condition of that item, which could be important if the insurance company disputes the value of that item.

Securely Packing Your Valuables

Documenting your items is important. But securely packing your valuables might be even more so. Whether you’re moving on your own or with help from a professional moving service, securely packing your valuables is essential to keep them from being damaged during a move.

Invest in good bubble wrap, packing tape, and sturdy boxes. Specialized boxes designed to hold items like televisions or glassware might cost you a bit more, but they will be well worth the cost when they help you safely get your items to your new home.

Insurance for Valuables During a Move

Having your valuables listed on your home or renter’s insurance, or even having an individual insurance policy for those items, protects them from natural disasters, fires, and theft. However, purchasing additional insurance when moving valuables can help you further protect your investment.

After making your inventory list, take stock of your most valuable items. Add up the value of the items that you would like to protect. Then, shop around for moving insurance based on that value.

There are a few different types of moving insurance. Full value protection does exactly what it says — it insures the full value of your items. Released value protection, also known as basic coverage, is often provided by the mover and may pay a percentage of the value of any damaged items. Separate liability insurance protects your high-value items for things that may not be covered by full value protection.

Checking Your Valuables Post-Move

Your valuables should be some of the first items that you unpack when you arrive at your new home. Even if they aren’t items that you’ll need to use right away, unpacking them will allow you to check for any damage. This is important because the damage caused by moving needs to be reported to your insurance right away. Waiting to do so could impact your ability to use your coverage to protect against damage or loss.

Use your moving inventory checklist, and go through each item to check that it arrived at your new home and that it is undamaged.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

Moving valuable items can add an extra layer of stress to your move. But by carefully documenting those items, packing them securely, and investing in moving insurance, you can protect your investment and your most special and sentimental belongings. Another great way to protect your valuables is to hire the right professional moving service.

Not every moving service is the same. A reputable moving service will take care to protect your belongings during your move. This, in addition to proper packing, can help ensure that your valuables and even your less valuable items arrive at your new home looking just as good as they did when you packed them.

If you’re planning a move, reach out today to get a quote and start the process of protecting and moving your belongings.