Packing Special & High Value Items

In the household moving industry, goods having a value of more than $100 per pound are known as “articles of extraordinary value.” These goods may include items such as:

Artwork - Silverware
Antiques - Figurines
Fine jewelry - Antiques
Furs - Oriental rugs
Coins and other collectibles - Precious stones and gems
Crystal - Sculptures
China

When moving, many people find that the best way to protect these articles of extraordinary value, especially jewelry and items of sentimental value, is to move them yourself. By taking personal responsibility for these items you will have them close to you at all times and for many of us, that’s one less thing to worry about during the move. If you are driving to your new home, the easiest way to transport these items is by car. An alternative to moving these items yourself is to contact your local bank and reserve a safe deposit box where you can safely store these items during the relocation process.

If you decide to move these valuable items in your car, take care not to bring attention to the fact that you are moving extraordinary value items. If your valuables are normally covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, double-check with your insurer to make sure that you’re covered for damage outside the home during transport. Keep items locked in the truck whenever possible and cover or hide anything in the passenger area of the vehicle. Do not leave the car unattended whenever possible.

Before you agree to contract with a moving company, be sure to discuss moving articles of extraordinary value with them first. It is extremely important that you notify the movers of all valuable items- this way you’ll be covered if any problems arise. If you don’t notify the mover of an extraordinary value items which is damaged or lost during the move, your mover is not responsible and your chances of compensation will be minimal. All valuable items in your shipment must be listed on a High Value Inventory form which will be given to you by your moving company salesperson to complete. Depending on how comprehensive your mover’s insurance is, they may offer you various programs or coverage options. The moving company may even refuse to carry certain items if their insurance coverage is insufficient. Depending on the value of your items, your moving company may offer higher coverage for an additional premium. In order to prove the value of these items, you will be expected to provide estimates of value and you may need to have them independently appraised.

Check with your insurance agent to see if your existing homeowner/renters' policy covers your goods while in transit. Most homeowners' insurance policies do not provide coverage for your household goods for moving. Make sure that you have a written statement from your insurance company stating that your goods are covered while in transit. Your goods may be covered against damages while the movers are physically in your home during packing, but not while the goods are in the movers' possession.

The way in which your items are packed is also an important factor in successfully transporting articles of extraordinary value. Your movers may insist on packing up valuable items themselves to cover their own insurance regulations. Although it may be an additional charge for packing these items, it’s well worth it. Many movers won't take responsibility for PBO (Packed by Owner) boxes. In case of boxes packed by the shipper, often times compensation will be made only in case of a proven negligence by the moving company.

No matter how careful you and your movers may be, accidents can still happen. To minimize problems if something does go wrong, take photos or videos of all your extraordinary value items before you pack them up. This can save you considerable time and problems if you do have to make a claim for something that happens during the move.