What to Do When Your Items Get Broken During the Moving Process

Christen Moore
Jun 2
3 min read

Moving to a new home or office is often stressful, and discovering broken items after the move can add frustration and disappointment. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom, a fragile piece of glassware, or an expensive electronic device, damage during moving can feel like a major setback. The good news is that there are clear steps you can take to handle broken items effectively and minimize your losses.

Close-up view of a shattered glass vase on a wooden floor — Broken glass vase on floor, close-up view

Assess the Damage Immediately

Once you notice that an item is broken, take time to carefully inspect it. This helps you understand the extent of the damage and decide what to do next.

Document the damage: Take clear photos from multiple angles. This will be useful if you need to file a claim or seek reimbursement.
Check for hidden damage: Some items, like electronics or furniture, may have internal damage that isn’t obvious at first glance.
Separate broken items: Keep damaged items apart from the rest of your belongings to avoid further harm.

By acting quickly, you can gather evidence and prevent additional damage.

Contact Your Moving Company

If you hired professional movers, they usually have policies for handling damaged goods. Here’s what to do:

Review your contract: Look for any clauses about damage coverage or insurance.
Report the damage promptly: Most companies require you to notify them within a specific time frame, often 24 to 48 hours.
Provide evidence: Share the photos and any other documentation you collected.
Ask about claims: Find out how to file a damage claim and what compensation you might expect.

If the movers caused the damage, they may cover repair or replacement costs depending on their liability limits.

Understand Your Insurance Options

Moving insurance can protect your belongings during transit, but coverage varies widely.

Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance: Some policies cover damage during moves, but often with limits.
Consider third-party moving insurance: If you purchased additional insurance, review the terms carefully.
Know what’s covered: Fragile items, antiques, and electronics may have special conditions or exclusions.
Keep receipts and appraisals: These documents support your claim and prove the value of damaged items.

If you don’t have insurance, you may need to absorb the loss or negotiate with the moving company.

Eye-level view of a damaged wooden chair with a cracked leg — Damaged wooden chair with cracked leg, eye-level view

Repair or Replace Broken Items

Deciding whether to repair or replace depends on the item’s value, sentimental importance, and repair costs.

Get repair estimates: Contact professionals for quotes on fixing furniture, electronics, or collectibles.
DIY repairs: For minor damage, such as small chips or scratches, you might fix items yourself using kits or tutorials.
Replace when necessary: If repair costs exceed the item’s value, replacing it may be more practical.
Recycle or donate: For items beyond repair, consider recycling or donating parts to reduce waste.

Taking action quickly can prevent damage from worsening and help restore your space faster.

Prevent Future Damage During Moves

Learning from experience can help protect your belongings in future moves.

Use proper packing materials: Bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing paper cushion fragile items.
Label boxes clearly: Mark boxes with fragile contents and handling instructions.
Disassemble large furniture: This reduces the risk of damage during transport.
Hire reputable movers: Check reviews and ask about their damage policies before hiring.
Insure valuable items: Purchase adequate insurance to cover high-value or sentimental belongings.