Are you planning to move to Washington DC? Then you have a lot of work to do. You need to find a new home and adapt to a new city. This is not the most stressful part. Moving your belongings from Boston to Washington DC is the real challenge.

Not only is moving tiring but also puts you at risk of losing valuables. This can happen at any step, from packing to unloading. Many people tend to lose things especially when there is poor planning.

Whether you opt for DIY or hire movers from Boston to Washington DC, keeping things safe should be a priority. Here are the top 6 tips for reducing the chances of losing or damaging things during a move.

1. Pack on Time

Doing things last minute can result in poor packing. One of the most common reasons property gets damaged during a move is due to poor packing. You may end up using the wrong materials. Also, some furniture needs to be disassembled before packing. If you do things towards the day of relocating, it will be disastrous.

The best thing is to start packing early, several weeks from the date of moving. This allows you to pack neatly and at your pace. You can arrange things in order and pack them according to priority.

It also gives you enough time to secure the packing materials that are required for different items. Once the moving date approaches, you won't be under stress to properly pack different belongings.

2. Use Proper Packing Material

Another way of preventing your things from breaking is by using the right material for packing. Most people don't put a lot of thought into the packing material. Many simply get boxes from local stores as it cuts costs.

However, packing boxes are not enough. Spending some money on high-quality materials will save you a lot in the long run. Don't just upload your furniture into a truck without covering them. They can easily break when there is no protection.

3. Label All Boxes

Labeling boxes will make your life easier. Don't stop there. You can make a spreadsheet with all the boxes and items in each box. Try to add only items that fit the description on the label.

Otherwise, you will create confusion which may lead to losses. When you label boxes, it is also easier to load and unpack. You will load with consideration of which box has fragile items.

Unpacking once you reach a new home is also easier. You will know which boxes to open first without going randomly through everything.

4. Create a Checklist

If you have a lot of things, it is easy to have missing valuables. The only way to avoid this is by keeping track of everything. By creating a checklist, you will know what items to move.

Create a Checklist of all your belongings weeks before your move. It is advisable to name items in order of importance. The most important things go to the top. Once you pack something, tick it off.

An inventory of things will make the moving less hectic. When losing your things on a truck, you can also use a checklist to make sure nothing remains behind. Do the same once you reach your new home.

5. Move with Valuables

If there are things that you can't afford to lose, keep them close. Some important items like documents or jewelry don't take up a lot of space. So there is no need to fit them with other items.

Take them with you in a separate box. That way you will know exactly where each thing is. You may also want to get valuables appraised in case they are kept on a truck.

Also, take pictures of your belongings so that there is proof of ownership.

6. Pay for Moving Insurance

There is no way of guaranteeing no losses during a move. It is easier to keep everything if you own a few things. But moving furniture, musical instruments, decor, kitchenware, and clothing can result in some things being lost if there is no proper planning.

If this happens, it would be nice knowing that you can easily get anything that got lost or damaged while moving. Paying for moving insurance is a great way to do this. Insurance will help you save a lot of money that would go towards replacing missing items.

Conclusion

Keeping all your belongings safe while moving should be a top priority. It will keep you from spending money on repairs or buying anything that gets damaged. It all starts with how you pack. Getting high-quality boxes keeps things intact. Make sure to wrap each item to provide extra protection.

Start packing weeks before the move. This gives you more time to do everything at your pace and without pressure. Create a Checklist of all your belongings. It is a great way to avoid leaving any valuables. Take important things like documents or jewelry with you.

Lastly, consider investing in moving insurance. It will save you a lot of money. If anything goes missing or gets damaged while moving, the insurance company will pay for replacements.