When moving valuables, be aware that they require special protection — both physical and financial.
Moving companies consider a valuable any item with a replacement cost of more than $100 per pound. These items are a few in that category:
- Antiques and artwork
- Collectibles — coins, stamps, figurines and comics
- Fine tableware — crystal, silver, silverware, and china
- Currency and stock certificates
- Furs
- Oriental rugs
- Jewelry — gold, silver, precious stones, gems
- Electronics — computers, computer software, video cameras, audio equipment and televisions
Document
Recording information about your valuables protects you in a dispute, so it doesn’t become a matter of your word against theirs.
- Take photos or videos of your valuable to show their condition before transport.
- Write a description of each valuable, including the serial number if it has one. Make two copies: one for the movers and one for you to keep separate from the original. Put the original with the personal documents you carry with you.
- Ask your moving company for a High Value Inventory form and complete it before your move. You can also use a search engine to find the form online.
Establish the Value
For electronics, your sales receipt is the best proof of value. If you don’t have a receipt, either give the movers an estimated value based on current market cost or have your insurance company appraise the items.
For antiques, artwork, collectibles, china, furs, silverware, and jewelry, get a written appraisal from a professional appraiser to determine the value of the items. Copy the appraisals and receipts. Keep one set with your personal documentation and another one somewhere else that is safe.
Insure
If you’re moving valuables yourself, check whether your homeowners insurance covers the value of your goods while in transit. If not, have a rider to your policy to cover the valuables during the move.
If a moving company is moving your valuables, get what’s known as full value protection, which pays the full value of each item in case of damage, up to the maximum specified in the plan you buy. Otherwise, your moving company only has to pay released value protection, which pays a maximum of 60 cents per pound.
Pack. Movers don’t cover the cost of damage to any items they’ve not packed, so have the movers pack valuables they will transport. If you’re concerned about damage to antiques or artwork, consider hiring a company that specializes in transporting those items. Transport in your vehicle small items — jewelry, small collectibles, stock certificates.
For items you’re going to transport yourself:
- Put the item in its original box if you still have it.
- If the item can break, cushion it with paper, Styrofoam or bubble wrap and pack it in a box larger than the item so you can surround it with cushioning material.
- Label the box Fragile, This Side Up, Handle with Care, Electronics or whatever is appropriate for the item
- Keep small items of value in the trunk while traveling to reduce the likelihood of theft. Cover larger items with a blanket.
- If you must stop overnight, choose a hotel with a safe. Store jewelry and other small valuables in the hotel safe and get a receipt.
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