How to Handle Valuable and Fragile Items During an Interstate Move
Moving interstate is already a lot to juggle on its own, especially considering the logistics, the planning, and all the emotional baggage that comes with leaving behind one home to start fresh in another. And when you add valuable or fragile items into the mix, it can feel like the stakes are even higher.
Now, all your focus would be on how you’re going to protect and transport your valuable and fragile items safely over long distances. The last thing you want is to open a box on the other side of your move and find your irreplaceable items damaged or, worse yet, destroyed.
In this article, we are going to break it all down for you, from how to pack them to how to transport them and everything in between.
Start with Quality Packing Materials
One of the first rules of fragile removals is to never, ever skimp on packing materials. Sure, you could grab a few old grocery boxes or use the newspaper you have lying around, but if you care about your possessions, this isn’t the time for cutting corners. Using high-quality materials will save you from the heartache of dealing with broken items when you arrive.
Start with sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes that can handle the weight and stress of a long-distance move. Don’t use boxes that are flimsy or worn out. The whole point is to give your fragile items the best chance of surviving the journey.
Then, pair these boxes with cushioning materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, or even air cushions. These act as protective layers that absorb shocks, preventing your items from moving around and hitting other objects inside the box.
It’s also important to match the size of your box to the item. A box that's too big means your item is left rattling around, and surely, this will increase the chances of damage. On the other hand, a box that's too small could apply too much pressure on your items.
One more thing, remember to invest in strong, industrial-grade packing tape. The last thing you want is your box falling apart halfway through the move. High-quality tape will keep everything sealed securely, no matter how bumpy the ride gets.
This might sound like an unnecessary expense at first, but it’s a tiny price to pay when you think about how much it costs to replace a priceless antique or a valuable piece of artwork.
Wrap Every Single Item Individually
You might be tempted to save time by throwing multiple fragile items into the same box without individually wrapping them, but honestly, it’s not worth the risk. Even if your items look sturdy, there’s no telling how they’ll react to the bumps, turns, and shifts that happen during an interstate move.
Start by wrapping each item individually, using bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper. Make sure you cover every edge, corner, and surface. For more delicate pieces, like porcelain or glass, make sure to double or triple-wrap them.
The more protection they have, the better. You can also secure the wrapping with tape to make sure it doesn’t come undone during the move.
When you're packing the boxes, make sure there's no space left for things to move around. Any gaps should be filled with extra padding such as crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or even towels. This cushioning keeps your items steady, preventing them from shifting during transit.
Label Everything Clearly
You might think that writing "fragile" in small print on the side of a box is good enough, but it really isn’t. You want to make sure that your fragile and valuable items are given the attention they deserve throughout the whole moving process.
Use big, bold letters to clearly mark "fragile" on each side of the box; yes, all sides. This way, no matter how it’s stacked, someone will be able to see the warning. A simple sticker or colour-coded label can also grab attention and ensure that movers and anyone handling your items take extra care.
Another great tip is colour-coding your boxes. Assign a colour to each room, for example, the kitchen could be blue, bedroom green, living room yellow, and stick a matching label on each box.
This makes it easier for you or your fragile removalists to unpack later on, and also ensures the right items end up in the right room without you having to search through every box.
Create an Inventory
Before you start packing, take detailed notes of each item’s description, the condition it’s in, and what box it’s going into.
Take photos of each item as well. If anything goes missing or gets damaged during the move, having clear pictures and descriptions will help you make an insurance claim or identify the item more easily. You’ll also be able to cross-reference your inventory when you’re unpacking, ensuring everything makes it to your new home.
Spreadsheets work wonders for this kind of task. You can record the item’s description, box number, room it belongs in, and any additional notes.
Consider Getting Insurance
While your moving company may offer basic insurance, it most likely won’t cover high-value items like antiques, fine art, or electronics. Most standard policies have limits on what they’ll pay out for damaged or lost goods, and those limits might not be sufficient to cover your treasures.
You should check with your moving company to see if you can purchase additional insurance for fragile and valuable items. Even if you have household insurance, don’t assume it will cover your belongings during the move.
Call your insurance provider and ask about temporary coverage during transit. This small investment can make a huge difference if something goes wrong.
Transport Irreplaceable Items Yourself
Lastly, for the items that are absolutely irreplaceable, such as your expensive jewellery, family heirlooms, important documents, or other small valuables. You should not leave their fate in anyone else’s hands.
You can pack these items in a durable, secure bag or case and transport them yourself. When you’re dealing with things that can’t be replaced, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Consider Hiring Professional Packing Services
If all of this feels overwhelming, or you just don’t have the time or energy to deal with packing everything yourself, professional moving and packing services are definitely worth considering.
These experts have experience handling fragile and valuable items, from delicate glassware to priceless paintings. They use custom-made crates, specialised padding and industry-specific packing techniques that you may not even think of.
You would have peace of mind knowing that your items are being handled by professionals, and most importantly, you’d be able to devote more time to other aspects of the move.
Also Read: Fragile Removalists: How to Safely Move Delicate and Valuable Items
