How Professional Movers Protect Your Belongings During a Move

A residential or commercial move will likely represent one of the bigger milestones in your life. It can be exciting but it can also be a bit overwhelming at times as you must consider everything that has to be packed, lifted, loaded, transported and then unpacked all while avoiding damage or loss. This is one of the biggest reasons why people choose to hire professional movers. A well-trained, reputable moving company knows how to make sure your big move goes smoothly from start to finish. Here is a quick list of how professional movers protect belongings during a move. 

Start With a Plan

Starting with a plan may seem obvious, but it is often what separates the right mover from a less reliable choice. Protection of your belongings must begin well before the first box is loaded. A professional team of movers will start by assessing what needs to be moved. This includes identifying large or fragile items and then deciding on how to best protect those items as they are packed, transported and then unpacked. A little planning up front goes a long way on moving day. 

Movers will also note narrow hallways, stairs, elevators, parking limitations, heavy furniture, artwork, appliances, mirrors and other items or obstacles that will call for special attention. By knowing the layout of both properties ahead of time, the moving crew will be able to prepare a safer and more efficient approach to protecting your belongings during the move. 

The order in which items are packed, loaded and unloaded is another example of how movers protect furniture as well as other valuable items. Loading and unloading a truck is a very strategic process that helps ensure efficiency and safety. When movers work with a clear plan in mind, your belongings are less likely to be incorrectly stacked, squeezed or tucked into unsafe spaces. This adds a nice layer of protection when it comes to handling your most important items. 

Professional Movers Use Professional Packing Materials

A professional mover knows how to work toward your goal: ensuring everything arrives safely, is carefully unpacked and then placed where it belongs. One of the most important ways movers can protect your furniture and belongings is to use the right packing materials. 

The best movers use the right packing materials and also rely on sturdy moving boxes, reinforced packing tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, furniture blankets, mattress covers, dish packs, wardrobe boxes and specialty cartons as needed. These industrial materials are designed to help cushion items during transport, prevent scratches and keep belongings stable as they are being packed, loaded, unloaded and unpacked. The right movers know that worn-out store boxes and thin household tape won’t do the job. 

Different items also require different levels of protection. Fragile dishes and glasses should be individually wrapped and packed with proper cushioning. Plates are commonly packed on edge rather than laid flat, while glassware should be securely separated and cushioned. Electronics should be properly cushioned and protected, with anti-static materials used when appropriate for sensitive equipment. When professional movers protect furniture, they often rely on thick moving blankets that are then secured with stretch wrap so that protective padding stays in place. Matching each item or belonging with the right packing material is another key example of how professional movers protect belongings during a move. 

Those Tried-and-True Proven Techniques

So far, it should be apparent that professional packing is not just about jamming things into boxes. It’s about arranging items so that they do not move, rub or break during or after transport. Movers typically rely on a simple method that involves placing heavier items at the bottom of a box and lighter items toward the top. 

A professional mover will also avoid overpacking a box to the point that it becomes unsafe to lift or is more likely to split or break. On the other side of the coin, under-packing means that items will be loose and much more likely to move around or become damaged during transit. An experienced mover knows how to pack boxes just right, especially when it comes to those more fragile items such as dishes, glasses, lamps, artwork or any valuables that are made of glass. 

How Movers Protect Furniture

Furniture often represents the pricier investment when it comes to your household or business belongings in addition to often being the most cumbersome to relocate. So, just how does a mover protect furniture from even the slightest scratch or dent? In addition to wrapping and securing these items, movers will properly secure furniture doors and drawers. Professional movers also take extra care with upholstery, making sure upholstered pieces stay protected and secure during loading, transport and unloading. 

Professional movers may disassemble certain furniture pieces before loading them for transport. This generally includes bed frames, sectionals, shelving units and desks. Disassembly means less stress on joints and allows furniture pieces to be stored more compactly. It can also reduce the risk of furniture components being damaged or scratched while being moved. Disassembled furniture is also easier to move, especially through hallways, doorways and stairways.

Accountability is King

Another way professionals protect belongings during a move is through proper organization and documentation. Depending on the type of move, this can include an inventory that records the items being transported and their condition. For interstate household-goods moves, movers are required to prepare an inventory before or at loading, and that inventory becomes part of the shipment documentation. If a customer has a question after the move, those records can help establish an item’s condition or status before transportation.

Movers should also explain the liability or valuation options that apply to your move. For interstate household-goods moves, federal law requires movers to offer Full Value Protection and Released Value. These are levels of mover liability rather than traditional insurance. Local, intrastate and commercial moves may operate under different liability or insurance arrangements, so it is important to understand the protection provided before moving day.

Here at IMS Relocation, we practice accountability and respect above all. Our reviews stand as a testament to our commitment to you and the many satisfied DFW clients we have served over the past 30 years. 

We don’t just want to earn your business; we want to keep it and have you recommend us to your friends and family. That’s why our moving experts are standing by to answer any questions you may have about your next residential or commercial move. Your free, no-obligation quote is also just a click or call away.