Moving everyday business items is no big deal because you can just pack them in available boxes and toss them into the back of the moving truck. Matters become complicated, however, if you are dealing with valuables such as guitars, paintings, pottery items, among others. For your valuables, take the following measures to ensure nothing goes wrong:
Don't Skimp On Packing Materials
One of the most common ways of reducing moving costs is to use recycled or repurposed packing materials. This is will not do, however, if you are moving a valuable item given that most valuable items are also delicate. You need to buy the most appropriate packing supplies that should include sturdy boxes, adequate wrapping materials, and adequate packing fillers. Ideally, you should wrap up and pack each item separately to avoid damage. Original boxes or custom made boxes will work best.
Get the Items Appraised and Buy Insurance Coverage
Despite your best precautions, something may go wrong during the move. It's good to have a contingency plan for dealing with such accidents, and the best contingency is to buy insurance coverage for your valuables. First, have the items appraised to ensure that the coverage you plan on getting will actually be able to replace the valuables in case they get lost or damaged during the move.
Label the Boxes as Fragile
It is both wrong and dangerous not to label valuable and delicate items as fragile. Labeling the boxes as such is the only way to ensure that everyone who will handle the boxes will treat them with the care they deserve. You don't want a loader tossing your antique gramophone onto the back of the moving truck because it is packed in an unmarked box. Therefore, label at least two sides of each box, as well as the topside, to ensure the word "FRAGILE" is always visible to the handlers. For the labeling, use markers that won't be erased easily and are waterproof.
Engage Professional Movers
Lastly, it's advisable to use commercial moving services at every stage of the process instead of relying on amateurs. Let the professionals pack, load, transport, and unload your valuables to reduce the risk of damage. This is not the time to use your employees or hire amateurs to trim moving costs.
The next time you want to move valuable items, start planning the move as early as possible to avoid complications on the moving day. Ideally, you should also have a moving checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.