4 Best Practices For Keeping Your Belongings Secure While Moving
Moving can be a hassle, but it can be a rewarding experience if you handle it the right way. There are many factors that have to be considered when you are moving, and this can be a lot to handle. One of the considerations that have to be made involves the security of your belongings. Being able to have security and safety measures in place really helps make your transition a smooth experience. Here are some practices that you can follow to help keep your belongings secure while you are moving.
- Do Not Neglect Locks
No matter what form they may come in, locks are the pinnacle of security. There are many different locks that each have their own unique uses, and movers can take advantage of these locking mechanisms while they are relocating. Padlocks are extremely handy in this situation as they are versatile enough to be used to secure multiple weak points that you might have while moving. Before you choose a padlock, you should have an intimate understanding of where you vulnerabilities lie. Regardless of whether you move your items yourself or contract a moving company to help you, you want to make sure that your boxes, containers, and the vehicle for transporting everything, are all securely locked.
Padlocks throughout history have changed quite a bit, and have created a diverse selection of security products that allow you to cater to items big and small. This opportunity for versatility allows you to have a stronger grasp on security. Make sure that you take the time to understand what you need in a padlock so that you choose a padlock that is not easily bypassed. Movers should invest in padlocks that are made of steel alloys as well as padlocks that have a high-security rating. These padlocks will be much harder for burglars and criminals to exploit.
- Do Not Leave Your Belongings Unattended
Anyone that has ever moved before knows that there is a lot of work that goes into the entire process, and it requires a good deal of attention to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. This means that you have to be able to keep an eye on your belongings at all times during the relocation process. This can be very hard to do, especially if you are moving a great deal of stuff. However, it can be accomplished if you take the time to plan properly.
Always make sure that there is someone paying attention to where your belongings are at all times. This could be a spouse a neighbor or a colleague that is willing to help you. There is a lot of downtime during a move, which potentially makes you vulnerable. For instance, if you are driving between two locations, you will probably stop to get food or rest for a little bit. There is also the possibility that you will be moving your belongings in and out of your new home once you arrive, which leaves a small window of opportunity for burglars to strike. If you absolutely have to leave your property unattended, even for a brief amount of time, then make sure that you have security measures in place that will keep them secure while you are not present.
- Take The Time To Pack Appropriately
Many people make the mistake of underestimating the effect that packing appropriately has on keeping belongings secure while moving. At times, movers are their own security hazards because they pack things in a manner that does not promote security and safety. This is often the result of waiting until the last minute to begin packing. If you do this, you run the risk of making your belongings more vulnerable to damage.
Take the time to inventory your belongings and pack them accordingly. For example, if you have a lot of glassware items, you should factor in that they are delicate and prone to damage. If you are unsure how to accomplish this, take the time to learn how, or simply contact moving companies that have much more experience dealing with things like this. Packing with security in mind is the key to keeping your belongings secure while you carry out the moving process. This cannot be effectively executed without proper planning and forethought, so do not neglect either of these elements.
- Make Sure Your Valuables Are Close By
In the section above I alluded to the importance of taking stock and inventory of your belongings. Not only does this give the opportunity to pack them accordingly, but it also gives you the chance to decide how you want your belongings to be moved. You want to make sure that your high-value items are always close to you during the moving process. The reason behind this is fairly simple, you are taking steps to make sure that nothing of extreme importance gets lost.
Whenever anyone says items of high-value, most people conjure up images of diamonds and other lavish goods. This is not necessarily wrong, but it also isn’t the extent of important items. Many movers have lost track of some very important documents (social security cards, tax records, bank information etc.) and other personal information because they packed them in haphazardly with the rest of their belongings. It is crucial for movers to understand that some of these documents are very valuable, and to have such important information fall into the wrong hands could be devastating. As such, take the time to pack important documents, artifacts, and any miniature valuables that you might have, and keep them close to you at all times during your move.
Conclusion
The practices listed above will be a great deal of help during your move and they will ensure that you foster and implement security practices that will make your move a breeze. The important thing to remember is that planning is key in this situation, so take the time to plan your move right and you will be able to give all your belongings the security that they require.
About the author:
Ralph Goodman is a professional writer and the resident expert on locks and security over at the Lock Blog. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about keys, locks, and safety. They offer tips, advice, and how-tos for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals. Stay up to date with the Lock Blog on Twitter @LocksmithUnited.
