Have you ever had any of your precious belongings damaged during a move? It happens often. And the risk is even higher on long distance relocations because your furniture is on the move for much longer. For example, if you’re moving to Florida your furniture will be on the road for several days covering the 2,665 mile journey. A lot could happen in all that time. But luckily, we have some tips on how to ensure that your valuables get to the other side in one piece.
1. Hire large moving companies
To keep your goods safe on long distance moves, it helps to hire large moving companies. These are companies with larger fleets and more routes across the country. The reason why these companies are a tad safer is because they offer express moves. This is unlike smaller companies that have to consolidate goods along the way or even use third party moving partners. Such smaller movers end up over-handling your furniture because it is not transported in one truck all through. And this greatly increases chances of property damage.
2. Use crates for bulky and valuable goods
Bulky items such as bikes, vases, and machine parts need extra care during a move. One way to ensure that such items do not get damaged during a move is to put them in crates. Crates make it easy to move items about with care. They also offer way more protection against physical impact compared to boxes. Some moving companies offer crating services. And if this option is not available to you then you can use a commercial crating company. You just send your goods to them and they’ll crate them for you and even send them to the mover. Alternatively you can order a custom crate and package the goods yourself.
3. Take out a separate moving insurance cover
All movers have some sort of insurance, be it general liability or what not. However, you can also take out your own insurance cover against your goods as an added precaution should something go wrong. And that “something” could be damage, theft, auto accident, etc. In some cases, insurers will even help you find the best movers around as a risk-prevention precaution. Either way, you get to cushion yourself against the said risk.
4. Opt for “full service” packing and unpacking services
Another way to help keep your furniture safer during an out of state move is by opting for a full service moving package. This is where the mover packs and unpacks for you. It is safer to have movers do all the work rather than trying to do it yourself. Movers generally pack safer and use better quality materials. And household items don’t get as damaged during such a move compared to when homeowners do it.
5. Be critical when hiring your long distance mover
And of course, you can go a long way in safeguarding your property by simply choosing the right people to handle your long distance move. Take the time and select your mover carefully. Hire companies that are well experienced and have good customer testimonials.
Moving from California to Texas, Oregon, New Jersey, etc? GPS Moving and Storage can help transport your furniture for you affordably and safely. Get in touch with us.
