Avoid a Disaster while Moving Interstate

You´re moving interstate. Sure, your to-do list may seem never-ending. Naturally your mind will be occupied by thoughts of what you need to accomplish before pickup and after delivery of your belongings. But what happens to your goods while in transit?

You´re moving interstate. Sure, your to-do list may seem never-ending. Naturally your mind will be occupied by thoughts of what you need to accomplish before pickup and after delivery of your belongings. But what happens to your goods while in transit?

Have you taken all the necessary precautions to make sure your life´s possessions are as protected as they can be en route? What might those precautions even be?

How to prepare

As the old adage goes, you always hope for the best and expect – or in this case, prepare for - the worst. Unfortunately items do break, especially while moving interstate.

The first important thing to understand is the types of insurances that are available for your move. Most companies will standardly include Goods in Transit insurance and Public Liability insurance. The former means you´re covered if the truck is involved in an accident or stolen; the latter means you´re covered in case of property damages.

Both of the aforementioned insurances do not cover scratches or accidental damages during loading and unloading. To insure your actual items, you will need to purchase your own insurance policy.  

Other ways to ensure

Other than purchasing insurance, a few added tactics can ensure your preparation in the unfortunate case of a disaster.

Make sure you have a detailed list of everything that was packed. The removalist company will have you sign to confirm a final inventory, which includes furniture pieces and a tally of boxes and bags, but only you can keep track of the actual contents.

Aside from listing your items, also take pictures of your items and the way in which you packed them (i.e. first in bubble wrap, then in newspaper). This will lend credibility to any claim you may have to make.

When it comes to furniture, make sure that any drawers and/or cabinets are empty. If you try to pack things inside, this will make them heavier and easier to drop or damage (and the removal company will cast that blame on you). You can tape shut any cabinets or drawers to make sure they don´t swing open or fall out.

Once the movers begin loading the truck, take pictures throughout the process. Once the truck is fully loaded, snap a final photo to have proof of how everything was positioned.

Value your valuables

You´re paying for every cubic meter of space you reserved so it makes sense that you would want to fit in as much as possible. Even if you´ve taken every precautionary step, though, there are certain things you don´t want to leave in the hands of others.

Try to take your most prized possessions with you, especially if they are small. Prioritize the space in your car or luggage for those belongings that are of the most value. For all other, larger valuables going in the truck make sure you have receipts to validate their worth. That way, you can certainly be reassured if you´re insured! 

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