How to Handle Breakage During Your Move and Protect Your Belongings
- Christen Moore
- 23 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. One common worry is what happens if something breaks during the move. Whether it’s a fragile vase, a piece of furniture, or electronics, breakage can cause stress and extra costs. Knowing how to handle breakage and protect your belongings can make your move smoother and less stressful.
Why Breakage Happens During a Move
Breakage often occurs because moving involves a lot of handling, lifting, and transportation. Items can get dropped, crushed, or jostled during loading and unloading. Some common reasons for breakage include:
Improper packing: Using the wrong materials or not securing items well.
Overpacking boxes: Too much weight or too many items in one box.
Rough handling: Movers rushing or not being careful.
Inadequate cushioning: Lack of bubble wrap, foam, or padding.
Unstable stacking: Heavy items placed on top of fragile ones.
Understanding these causes helps you take steps to prevent damage.
How to Pack Fragile Items Safely
Packing fragile items carefully is the best way to avoid breakage. Here are some practical tips:
Use quality packing materials: Bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, and sturdy boxes.
Wrap each item individually: Cover fragile items completely with bubble wrap or paper.
Fill empty spaces: Use packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent movement inside boxes.
Label boxes clearly: Mark boxes with “Fragile” and “This Side Up” to alert movers.
Use smaller boxes: Heavy or fragile items should go in smaller boxes to reduce weight and risk.
Double box when needed: For very delicate items, place the wrapped item in a smaller box, then put that box inside a larger one with padding.
What to Do If Something Breaks
Despite your best efforts, breakage can still happen. Here’s how to handle it:
Inspect your items immediately: Check your belongings as soon as they arrive.
Document the damage: Take clear photos of broken items and damaged boxes.
Contact your moving company: Report the damage right away. Most movers have policies for handling breakage.
Review your moving contract: Check if your move includes insurance or liability coverage.
File a claim if needed: Provide photos, receipts, and any other proof to support your claim.
Repair or replace: Depending on the damage, decide if repair is possible or if replacement is necessary.
How Moving Insurance Can Protect You
Moving insurance offers peace of mind by covering damage or loss during a move. There are different types of coverage:
Released value protection: Usually included at no extra cost but offers minimal coverage (often 60 cents per pound per item).
Full value protection: Offers higher coverage but costs extra. The mover pays to repair, replace, or compensate for damaged items.
Third-party insurance: You can buy insurance from a separate company for more comprehensive coverage.
Before your move, ask your mover about insurance options and read the fine print carefully. Keep receipts and inventories of valuable items to support any claims.
Tips to Protect Your Belongings During the Move
Beyond packing and insurance, these tips help keep your belongings safe:
Declutter before packing: Fewer items mean less risk and easier packing.
Use furniture covers and blankets: Protect sofas, tables, and mattresses from scratches and dents.
Disassemble large furniture: Take apart beds, shelves, and tables to avoid damage.
Keep valuables with you: Transport important documents, jewelry, and electronics yourself.
Communicate with movers: Explain which items need extra care and confirm handling instructions.
Supervise the loading and unloading: Being present helps ensure careful handling.
Final Thoughts on Handling Breakage During Your Move
Breakage during a move can be frustrating, but preparation and quick action make a big difference. Packing fragile items carefully, choosing the right insurance, and communicating clearly with movers reduce the chances of damage. If breakage happens, documenting and reporting it promptly helps resolve the issue faster.
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