Seven Tips to Prevent Damage When Moving

As you prepare for your upcoming move, knowing how to protect your belongings from damage during transit can make the difference between success and potential disaster. The process of packing, transporting, and unpacking your possessions can have inherent risks; however, with proper planning and precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your cherished items arriving at your new home in less-than-perfect condition.  

Here are seven essential tips you can take to safeguard your belongings (and you), minimize the risk of damage and make sure they arrive ready to use and enjoy.  

Invest in Quality Packing Materials 

Don’t skimp on packing supplies. As a benchmark, keep in mind that a typical three-bedroom house will require anywhere from 70 to 150 boxes for a move. Use sturdy boxes with flaps or lids, bubble wrap, and packing paper to protect your items. Proper cushioning can mean the difference between intact and broken possessions. For furniture, use moving blankets or plastic wrap to protect surfaces from scratches. For dishes and glassware, consider specialized dish packs with dividers. These can be purchased online on sites such as Amazon.com or at big box hardware stores.  

For an in-depth look at what you’ll need, check out our Moving Supplies Checklist.   

Use Proper Packing Techniques 

Wrap fragile items individually and fill empty spaces in boxes with crumpled paper or packing peanuts. Avoid overloading cartons but pack them firmly enough to prevent items from shifting. The covers on your boxes should close easily without force but should not bend inward. For additional cushioning, place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper at the bottom of every carton. As each layer is completed, fill in empty spaces firmly with crushed paper. 

Label Boxes Clearly 

Clearly mark each box with its contents and destination room. As you finish with each carton, list the contents on the side of the box and in a special notebook. You might want to number and/or code the cartons as well. On the label, assign each box to a room in your new home. Tape signs on the door of each room at your destination so movers can get the cartons into the proper rooms quickly. Use “FRAGILE” stickers liberally on boxes holding delicate items. Tip: Consider color-coding your boxes for easy identification and sorting at your new home. 

Prep Awkward or Bulky Furniture 

When possible, disassemble beds to prevent damage. Wrap wooden furniture in moving blankets or bubble wrap to guard against scratches and dents. For upholstered items, use plastic covers to keep them clean during the move. Remember to keep hardware such as screws and bolts in separate labeled bags in a designated parts box for easy reassembly. 

Lift and Carry Properly 

Exercise caution when lifting and carrying items. Always lift with your legs, not your back. For heavy items, use dollies and hand trucks to prevent injury and potential damage from dropping. Secure items with straps or rope to prevent them from accidentally falling off the dolly and onto you. When loading the moving truck, place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. To help you, Stanford University has put together a few basic tips for lifting items safely. It’s well worth checking out.  

Know What Not to Pack 

For safety reasons, professional movers often have restrictions on what can and can’t go onto a moving van. Even if you’re moving yourself, our list of non-allowables offers valuable information.  

Consider Using a Professional Moving Company 

If all this sounds a bit daunting — if not overwhelming — you can always leave the packing and transport to a reputable professional mover like United Van Lines. From full and partial packing options to custom crating for more fragile items and full-value protection during transit, our movers can help with all your packing needs. 

Is a Cross-Country Move in the Works?      

Why not let a professional moving company, like United Van Lines, take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.         

Get a cross-country moving quote from United Van Lines today.         

Want to get ahead of planning your move? Check out our week-by-week moving checklist. If you prefer access to these pro tips on the go, our exclusive House Key magazine is for you.    

 Searching for your state and city? Look no further than our state and city guides that are packed with things you want to know, including cost of living, neighborhoods, culture and more.