Planning a long-distance move?
Nothing sucks worse than moving into a new home and finding broken furniture, damaged electronics, and missing boxes. And here’s the really scary part…
78% of Americans had unexpected expenses during a previous move. That includes the cost of replacing damaged belongings that movers said would arrive in perfect condition.
But here’s the good news…it doesn’t have to be this way.
With proper preparation and by following the right protection strategies, belongings can arrive at a new home in perfect condition. Better yet…
These strategies won’t break the bank.
What’s Inside:
- Why Long-Distance Moves Are Riskier
- Essential Packing Tips That Actually Work
- Moving Insurance Coverage Explained
- How To Find The Right Moving Company
Why Long-Distance Moves Are Riskier
Long-distance moves have protection risks that local moves just don’t have.
Think about it…
Long-distance moves from one state to another involve hundreds (or thousands) of miles on the road. That’s a lot of time for items to shift around, break, or get lost during transit. Belongings spend days in moving trucks instead of hours.
Temperatures change along the way. Rain, snow, or extreme heat can damage boxes and leak into improperly packed boxes.
There’s more handling involved as well. Items are loaded and unloaded more times. Boxes get more people touching them which means more opportunities for accidents.
The one thing most people don’t realize is this:
Professional long-distance movers are well aware of these risks. They know which items require special attention and which packing materials are most effective.
The average cost for moves over 100 miles is $3,291 — so it’s important to protect that investment.
Start With The Right Packing Materials
Here’s the number one mistake people make…
Grabbing whatever boxes they can get their hands on.
Those free Amazon boxes might seem fine, but they’ll quickly fail when used to move valuables hundreds of miles. The foundation of protecting belongings starts with quality packing materials.
What packing materials work?
Double-walled boxes for heavy items like books and dishes. Bubble wrap for fragile items, not newspaper or paper towels. Packing paper to fill in empty spaces so things don’t shift around in boxes. Specialized boxes for specific items like wardrobe boxes and dish packs. Quality packing tape that won’t peel off after a few days in a hot moving truck.
The Right Way To Pack Fragile Items
This is where most of the damage occurs…
People think that wrapping something once in bubble wrap is enough. It’s not.
Here’s the method with proven results:
Pad the bottom of the box with crumpled packing paper. Wrap each fragile item individually with at least three layers of bubble wrap. Place heaviest items at the bottom of the box. Fill all empty space in boxes with packing paper or bubble wrap so nothing can shift around. Label boxes clearly with “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” markers.
Best part?
This works for packing everything from glassware and electronics to expensive family heirlooms.
Understanding Moving Insurance
This is one thing most people skip…
Understanding what insurance coverage actually protects belongings.
Moving company liability coverage is minimal by default. Most moving companies offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item. A 50 pound television would only receive $30 in liability coverage if damaged.
Isn’t that nice.
Fortunately there are better options:
Full-value protection makes the moving company liable for repairing or replacing damaged items. It’s more expensive up front, but is actual protection.
Third-party moving insurance options offer comprehensive coverage. These can be purchased independently of the moving company, and often provide better protection than moving company insurance.
Homeowners or renters insurance may cover belongings during a move. Check existing policies before buying additional coverage.
Understand what’s covered before belongings get loaded on the truck.
Create A Detailed Inventory
This step is boring, I know. But it’s critical…
Without a proper inventory list, it’s nearly impossible to prove something was damaged or lost.
Here’s how to do it properly:
Photograph every item before it’s packed. Take close-ups of existing damage to document it.
Make a written list of everything that is being moved. Include descriptions and estimated values.
Number each box and make a list of its contents. Easier to unpack and helps track everything.
Keep important documents and valuables separate. Passports, birth certificates, financial records, etc. Should travel separately from the moving truck.
Store the inventory list in multiple places. Save copies digitally and in hard copy form.
This documentation will be invaluable if an insurance claim needs to be filed after the move.
When preparing for a long-distance move, it’s important to decide what you’ll take with you and what you’ll store for later; many residents choose storage units Saint-Nicolas to keep belongings secure and out of the way during the transition so you can focus on packing essentials.
Choosing The Right Moving Company
Not all moving companies are created equal.
Some are very careful with belongings. Others…not so much.
What to look for:
Proper licensing and insurance coverage. Interstate moving companies should have a valid USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Positive customer reviews specifically about handling belongings with care. Look for patterns in reviews about damage rates.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Written estimates that break down all costs.
Experience with long-distance moves specifically. Expertise in local moves doesn’t always apply to cross-country moves.
One more thing:
Avoid companies that require large deposits or only accept cash. Those are red flags for potential problems.
Pack A Moving Essentials Box
This is something most people forget to do…
Pack a box of items needed immediately at the new home. This box should travel in a personal vehicle, not on the moving truck.
What to include in this box:
- Toiletries and medications
- Change of clothes for each person
- Important documents and valuables
- Phone chargers and electronics
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Pet food and supplies
Having these essentials on hand prevents stress when the moving truck is late or if belongings need time to be unpacked.
Special Considerations For Valuables
Certain belongings need even more protection…
Expensive items like jewelry, artwork, or collectibles should never be placed in the moving truck. Transport these personally or use a specialized shipping service.
Electronics should be backed up before the move. External hard drives or cloud storage protects important files if something gets damaged during the move.
Movers can’t legally transport hazardous materials. Properly dispose of paint, chemicals, propane tanks, etc. before moving day.
Moving Day Tips
Pay attention during the entire loading process…
Point out boxes with fragile items to movers. Ensure items are being handled carefully and are loaded securely.
Do not sign the bill of lading until everything is loaded. Walk through the truck to verify all items are present.
Keep the inventory list handy and check items off as they’re loaded.
Putting It All Together
Safeguarding belongings during long-distance moves is all about preparation and protection. With quality packing materials, understanding insurance options, and choosing the right moving company, items arrive safely at their destination.
The time and effort spent packing properly and documenting everything is worth it. Replacing damaged belongings costs far more than doing things right the first time.
Remember:
- Invest in quality packing materials
- Wrap fragile items with multiple layers of protection
- Get adequate insurance coverage
- Create a detailed inventory with photos
- Choose experienced long-distance movers
- Keep valuables with personal belongings
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about damaged belongings. These strategies provide peace of mind that everything will arrive safely.