When you are moving, you must keep in mind that a lot of items will need special packaging for surviving the move, particularly when it is a long-distance move. It is best to leave fragile or heavy things to professionals. However, it is also important to pack a few of your belongings on your own to reduce costs and also for safety reasons.
1. Jewelry
Jewelry can be fragile and expensive. Also, these ornaments can be extremely priceless like family heirlooms passed on from one generation to the other. Hence, it is important to not put your jewelry in the hands of complete strangers.
It is definitely a good idea to pack your jewelry on your own. And while bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings are fragile and super-delicate, you can secure them by using quality packing materials that are made to safeguard and protect such items.
2. Important Documents
Any important document should be kept with you while moving, so make sure you pack them on your own. Again, it does not make any sense to carelessly allow professionals to pack and browse through things that have a lot of value.
Basically, packing them on your own will offer you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your property-related papers, personal ID documents, financial documents, move-related documents and medical records are safe.
Systematically organize these documents by moving them safely in a small-sized box or a binder. No matter what you do, keep these important papers with you and move them on your own.
3. Smaller Electronic Equipment and Devices
Always pack small electronic devices on your own. When it comes to portable electrical devices like tablets, smartphones, portable game consoles, laptops and the like, there is always a chance that they might get stolen or carelessly moved. That said, it is normally more practical to have professional movers handle bigger equipment like desktop computers, big flat-screen TVs, stereos and the like. While moving long distances, you may not have the space for such heavy items in your vehicle.
But, before you allow professionals to pack and move the items, get proper moving insurance.
4. Books
Books are certainly one of the easiest and simplest things to pack. There is no need to pay professional movers to transfer the books from the shelves to cardboard boxes. The main reason is that you can easily do it on your own. And since books are not fragile, even if you accidentally drop a book, the damage will not be much.
This said, there are certain rules you must follow while packing books:
1) Try to ensure that you only pack and move those books that you intend to re-read in the near future. 2) Do not pack books with the binding or spine facing upwards to avoid damage.
Last but certainly not the least, things that you must pack on your own without utilizing professional services are daily essentials that you will require on your very first day. The essentials box must comprise of items that are absolutely important for day-to-day survival till you find the time to unpack the rest of your things.
