Common Moving Mistakes That Put Your Belongings at Risk

It is a familiar feeling: you put in the work for your possessions and then on your next move you are anxious to see them come to harm. You have been there, prying open a box only to see a prized dish in two pieces, or looking on as some furniture is scratched up when it should not have been.

Then there is Integrity Movers & Packing Services of Warren, MI. We are here to put those worries to rest. In more than 15 years we have made it our business to transport people’s things from one residence to the next with no damage. Give us a ring at (586)-800-3437 for a crew that will handle your items as they should be handled. For now, we have put together this post to point out the mistakes that do the most damage so one can avoid them.

For the most part, moving damage is something you can put right if you are aware of the pitfalls.

Packing Boxes With No Regard for Weight or Space

Incorrectly packed boxes are a prime source of trouble. Put too many heavy objects in a box and the bottom will not hold; pack it too loosely and all manner of shifting and banging will occur in transit.

Some of the packing blunders we see that result in breakage include:

• Large boxes made over with books or dishes
• Not taping the seams on the bottom
• Allowing room for things to slide about
• Omitting padding where it is needed for fragile wares
• Putting delicate and heavy items together in one box
• Making do with a box that is damp or has seen better days

One bad box can put an end to several of your belongings. Use smaller boxes for the weighty stuff and paper to fill in the voids.

Not Using the Right Materials

There is a temptation to forgo proper materials to save a few dollars, but it is a mistake. The ink from newspaper will put a mark on fine china or glass, and a towel is no substitute for the cushioning bubble wrap and packing paper provide. Sturdy boxes are there for a purpose.

Furniture is no different. A wood surface or a glass top is going to need some protection. In the confines of a truck, items will rub and you will have dents and tears to show for it unless you use moving blankets and shrink wrap.

A Lack of Organization and Labeling

Confusion is the least of what poor organization will bring. An unlabeled box is one that will be carelessly put down by someone who does not know what is in it, or a heavy one will be stacked on a fragile one in error.

Make it a practice to label properly:

• Indicate the room
• Put “Fragile” in plain view
• Put an arrow to show which way is up
• Jot down the contents
• Have a master list with the box numbers

Of course, the labeling is of no use if the movers do not read it, so make them aware of how you have set it up.

Lifting and Carrying in a Haste

You can have an item packed to perfection and still have it suffer in the lifting. Rushing through a doorway or dragging something heavy across the floor is a recipe for damage, not to mention the risk to yourself.

Measure your doorways in advance to be sure a large piece will go through. On the stairs and in tight quarters, do not hurry. And there is no virtue in carrying more than is safe; a box on the floor is of no help to anyone.

When It Comes to Big Items, Do Without Professional Help

An oversized piece of furniture or a piano is not like putting away a bookshelf. To try and move these yourself is to invite trouble for the item and for your floors and walls. They call for experience and the proper equipment.

A team of trained movers will make the difference. They are used to dealing with awkward, heavy items and will see to it that your home is protected as well.

Rushing Everything

Time is the enemy. Wait until the eleventh hour and the panic sets in, you will be making hasty decisions and cutting corners. Allow yourself the days to do a thorough job of packing and loading.

Why we take pride in getting it done right

We are licensed and insured at Integrity Movers & Packing Services and stand behind our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our 180 plus Google reviews, averaging 4.8 stars, speak to the trust our Warren, MI neighbors have in us. We are on hand for free estimates Monday to Friday from 7am till 9pm and 8 to 9 on weekends.

Do not want the stress of a move and the broken dishes to go with it? Contact us at (586)-800-3437 and let our team at Integrity Movers & Packing Services look after what is important to you.