Whether you’re moving across the country or to the other side of the world, safely transporting your entire life can be an overwhelming responsibility. This guide will help you prepare to pack and ship your belongings—especially valuable items that need extra care—whether you’re moving abroad via air or ocean freight, or just moving cross-country using ground shipping or hiring a moving company. Follow these tips to ensure your belongings arrive safely and securely.
Moving Internationally
If you’re preparing for an international move, you have several important decisions to make, the first being if you want to ship your valuables via air freight or ocean freight.
Air Freight
Air freight is the most timely option to ship belongings internationally, but it can be very costly. There are important weight and packing considerations to make when you decide to ship your valuables internationally via air freight.
Ocean Freight
Shipping valuables via ocean freight is cheaper than air freight, although this option takes longer. Ocean freight comes with its own risks, and considerations must be made to make your packages as moisture-resistant and shock-resistant as possible.
Hiring a Moving Company
Custom Wooden Crates for Valuable Items
Transporting items like paintings, marble statues, and other unwieldy pieces of art likely means your moving company will build custom wooden crates to protect your investment. Although this may add to the cost of moving, taking the extra time to properly crate these items protects them from damage during transport. During the planning phases, your mover will generally take note of these valuable items, measure them for crating purposes, and provide you with a quote for transit costs.
Packing Breakables Should Be Left to Professionals
Experienced movers will use high-quality containers, such as “dish packs” or “dish barrels,” for breakable items like fine china. Movers will take the time to wrap breakables in plain paper and place them into boxes that have been properly padded to provide extra support during transport.
Be Mindful of Climate-Sensitive Items
Items such as wine, antiques, or art require extra care during long-distance transport. It’s important to arrange temperature-controlled transport for these items to prevent damage. While this option can be costly, it is often the best choice for delicate items.
Itemized List and Values
When preparing for your move, create an itemized list of your belongings and their values. This is crucial for both insurance purposes and organizational efficiency. An accurate list helps ensure all your items are accounted for and provides a clear record in case of loss or damage.
Insurance Options for Your Move
It’s crucial to insure your shipment. The logistics process involves many hands, and insurance will keep your goods safe. Most moving companies provide basic coverage, but for valuable items, consider purchasing Full Valuation Protection to ensure adequate coverage.
Conclusion
Moving your valuables long-distance requires careful planning and preparation. By considering the method of transport, packing materials, and whether to hire professional movers, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your belongings. Always create an itemized list of your items and their values, and ensure you have the proper insurance coverage. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smoother and safer move for your valuable possessions. For expert advice and assistance with your move speak with the experts at World Cargo.
