How to Properly Move High-Value Items
Beauty may lie in the eyes of the beholder but, when it comes to defining value, professional movers have a formula for that.
The moving industry defines high-value items as those worth more than $100 per pound. Anything from your great-grandmother’s antique china set to your new Gucci clutch may qualify as possessing extraordinary value. Moving companies use this phrase to demarcate which items require extra special care and attention when packing, transporting and unloading your belongings in your new home.
It can be intimidating to entrust valuable items and family heirlooms to anyone except yourself, but the right moving partner can give you peace of mind by providing the assets and expertise to handle everything for you. These eight steps will walk you through the process of moving high-value items from start to finish.
Before the Move:
1. Get an appraisal.
First, informally inventory your home for any items that may have unusual value. Take note of your piano in the corner, rare coin collection, jewelry set, favorite designer suit and art adorning the walls. All of these belongings may qualify as possessing high value, in addition to items such as precious metals or stones, figurines, furs and rare manuscripts. To determine their exact values, get an appraisal from an expert or ask your Armstrong move coordinator to assist you with the appraisal process.
2. Strategically organize all qualifying items.
After you’ve determined which high-value items you are moving, place them all in a central room or area. Consolidating these special belongings into a single spot will make the inventory and packing processes easier. Strategic organization will also help you see which items might be missing from your list.
3. List all high-value items on your inventory form.
Your relocation partner will give you a high-value-inventory form on which you can write down any items that qualify. Most inventory sheets will ask you to list the quantities, descriptions and conditions of those high-value belongings. Your inventory form will serve as an important reference for you and your mover during the moving process.
4. Enlist the help of professional packers.
Every high-value item will require specialized boxes, materials and packing strategies. Make sure your belongings are receiving the best possible treatment by taking advantage of your relocation partner’s packing services. They will properly pack each item with the care you deserve and maximize the protection of your treasured belongings.
During the Move:
5. Show your movers to your designated area.
When the big day comes, point out the high-value-inventory cartons to your moving experts. Together, cross-check the containers with the inventory sheet to ensure everything is appropriately listed. Make any necessary updates to the form before the crew begins loading the van.
6. Verify the conditions of your items.
Before your driver heads out, you both will serve as witnesses to the current states of your high-value items. When everything is in order, you and your driver will sign the inventory sheet, and you both will receive copies to keep with you during transport.
After the Move:
7. Note any exceptions.
If something happens to any of your high-value items during the move, you can mark it on your inventory sheet. Both you and your driver will sign the form again when you’ve verified the conditions of your items after they were moved. If you listed any exceptions to your items’ conditions, this form will allow you to move forward with a claim.
8. Follow-up with your move coordinator.
Most moves go off without a hitch. Once you’ve verified that your high-value items are in the same condition as before your relocation partner loaded them into the van, you are done and can enjoy them in your new home. In the rare event that you find new damage to your high-value items, your dedicated moving coordinator will walk you through the next steps.
Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Items
At Armstrong Dallas, you can expect exceptional service, frequent communication and steadfast integrity. We will take care of your items as if they were our own, giving you the peace of mind you deserve during this exciting transition. Call Armstrong Dallas today at 972.242.0511 to learn more about our high-value moving services.
